Bloom in Shadow Counseling
Stephanie Mollo, LMHC expressive arts therapist
3 Keys to Happiness in Daily Life
3 Keys to Happiness in Daily Life
It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness.
It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness.
1. Be grateful for the uplifting and the challenging.
Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating the joyful moments—it’s also about finding meaning in the difficult ones. Research shows that cultivating gratitude is one of the most reliable ways to increase happiness and life satisfaction. But happiness doesn’t mean avoiding uncomfortable emotions—it means learning to hold space for both joy and struggle.
Gratitude invites us to stay present and acknowledge what we already have, rather than constantly seeking more. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful.
Simple ways to practice gratitude:
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Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
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Take a walk and notice the beauty in your surroundings—sunlight through the trees, birdsong, or the rhythm of your breath.
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Think of someone who supports you regularly—a friend, partner, pet, neighbor, or teacher—and take a moment to silently appreciate them (or better yet, tell them).
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about broadening your perspective to also notice what’s nourishing, grounding, or quietly sustaining you, even in hard times.
2. Flex your creativity muscles.
You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about thinking in new ways, engaging with your senses, and allowing yourself to explore without pressure or perfection.
Research shows that creative thinking boosts cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in small creative acts can spark an "upward spiral" of well-being—supporting your mood, motivation, and sense of meaning.
Not sure where to start?
Creativity can look like journaling, gardening, cooking a new recipe, doodling in the margins, or rearranging your space. Try working with natural or recycled materials, exploring textures, or simply creating something with a friend in mind.
Even five minutes a day can shift your mental energy. Don’t worry about the outcome—create for the joy of it.
Need inspiration? Try exploring a list of 101 creative habits and see what sparks your interest. Even connecting with just one can add a new source of light to your day.
Practicing an art — no matter how well or badly — is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.
Kurt Vonnegut
3. Get connected, Stay connected.
We’re wired for connection. Being part of something larger than ourselves can bring comfort, perspective, and a deep sense of belonging. In fact, research shows that feeling close to others is a core psychological need—essential to our overall happiness and well-being. Social connection lights up the same reward centers in the brain as physical pleasure.
Connection doesn’t have to be grand—it starts with simple, intentional acts.
Ways to nurture connection:
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Reach out to a friend you care about—send a text, mail a card, or schedule a lunch.
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Listen deeply when someone shares. Let them feel truly heard.
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Smile and say hello to a stranger; human warmth is contagious.
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When someone asks how your day is going, share a little more than “fine.”
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Notice how it feels to open up, even in small ways, with someone new.
Even small moments of connection can remind us that we’re not alone. You belong—and your presence matters.