BE Happy

A few things that are making me happy right now...

1) @the_happy_broadcast: If you aren't following this Instagram account, start doing so today. It's a delightfully illustrated, happy-content based account that always makes me smile while teaching me a little something too. Recently, I learned that Egypt has been certified malaria-free after a 100-year effort! I also learned that the name for that good feeling you have when you're kind to another person is called "helper's high". And apparently, unconventional book clubs where introverts can gather in silence simply to read with NO required discussions or assigned readings are booming at fun places like bars and cafes! That sounds like heaven to me 📚! My favorite posts, though, are, of course, the ones about dogs. Check out a few dog-related posts below and hit the follow button for this fact-checked, anxiety-free, and HAPPY Insta today!

And speaking of dogs....

2) The silly things my dogs do!: In my opinion... dogs are literally the best thing in the whole wide world! The unconditional love and companionship they provide is such a blessing, but sometimes I actually get more of a boost from them because of their quirks. I know humans have quirks too, but there's something about a dog's funny behaviors that makes me so happy. For instance, each day I give both of my dogs a 'toothbrush' treat and each and every time, Zoe brings hers to her teepee to eat it. The funny part is that she doesn't go all the way in the teepee... she only puts her front paws in there leaving her cute backside sticking out! Then there's my Ellie... she is obsessed with her blue ball and takes it everywhere. She even sleeps with it - and I mean she ACTUALLY sleeps with it IN HER MOUTH! I could go on and on about all their funny behaviors which I feel are the icing on the dogs-are-the-best cake. Seeing all the dogs in Halloween costumes recently just confirmed how awesome and silly (and tolerant!) these happy-inducing pets can be!

And speaking of UPS workers....

3) Mini-social interactions: As an introvert, socializing with friends and family can be very taxing for me. However, I realize that social interaction is vital to my mental and emotional well-being. Finding that balance can be hard, but what I've learned is that mini-social interactions can really add up to provide big boosts! Chatting with the person checking you out at the grocery store or complimenting the person in line with you at Starbucks are simple ways you can interact on a daily basis. And, there's less 'pressure' with mini-interactions. Not only are they usually shorter in duration, but the casualness of the encounters makes them less daunting.

So, don't discount the mini-interactions you have each day. In particular, consider chatting a bit with your delivery and mail persons this holiday season. Think about it, these workers spend most of their day alone jumping in and out of their vehicle with little to no human interaction, so a little chat will benefit you both! I personally love my UPS delivery person, and I know he loves taking the time to give a treat to my dogs and throw them a few balls when he makes a delivery. Micro-interactions with humans or dogs definitely make me happy!

BONUS: Two recipes for happiness and JOY....

*https://everydayglutenfreegourmet.ca/