Twenty-Five Paths to Happiness

"Happiness depends upon ourselves."

- Aristotle -

Maybe it's not about finding one road that leads us in the direction of happiness, but about creating an endless array of paths.

 ONE. Watch a sunrise or sunset from start to finish.

TWO. Bake brownies for the sole purpose of licking the bowl.

THREE. Make a gift for someone.

FOUR. Take an evening walk during a fresh snowfall.

FIVE. Splurge at an art fair.

SIX. Hug an animal.

SEVEN. Tell people that you love them.

EIGHT. Travel the world without any particular expectations.

NINE. Go for a run in the rain.

TEN. Try a new cuisine.

ELEVEN. Watch reruns of 90s TV shows.

TWELVE. Live by the agree-to-disagree philosophy.

THIRTEEN. Make a scrapbook or photo album and relive the memories.

FOURTEEN. Volunteer not out of concern for your resume, but out of concern for the well-being of others.

FIFTEEN. Develop a (healthy) habit...

SIXTEEN. And break an unhealthy one.

SEVENTEEN. Share genuine laughter with another person.

EIGHTEEN.  Show gratitude toward your parents.

NINETEEN. Curl up with a blanket and a bestselling novel.

TWENTY. Choose to forgive, and refuse to let isolated incidents define and destroy healthy, fulfilling relationships.

TWENTY-ONE. Have a conversation with God.

TWENTY-TWO. Strive for a career based on contentment, not income.

TWENTY-THREE. Play a musical instrument.

TWENTY-FOUR. Take a walk in someone else's shoes.

TWENTY-FIVE. Never stop learning; never stop hoping; never stop being. 

Embrace.