#236 – The Power of a Happy List – with Amy Taylor Kabbaz

Dear friends,

Today, I want to talk to you about the incredible power of a happy list. It's a concept that has transformed my life, and I believe it can do the same for you. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's dive into this wonderful practice together.

A happy list is a sacred collection of things, experiences, and thoughts that bring you joy, gratitude, and happiness. It's a reminder of the beautiful and positive aspects of your life, a snapshot of the moments that make your heart sing. When you create and engage with a happy list, you invite more happiness and positivity into your life.

The first thing that makes a happy list so powerful is its ability to shift your focus to the positive. We live in a world where negativity can easily overwhelm us—stress, challenges, and hardships are a part of life. But with a happy list, we intentionally redirect our attention away from those negative aspects and train our minds to dwell on the things that bring us happiness. By consciously shifting our mindset towards positivity, we can improve our mood, our overall outlook, and our resilience.

Gratitude is another key ingredient in the power of a happy list. When you create your list, take the time to reflect on the things you appreciate and feel grateful for. Gratitude has been scientifically proven to have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. It reduces stress, cultivates a positive mindset, and strengthens our relationships. By regularly reviewing your happy list and expressing gratitude for the items on it, you foster a sense of appreciation for the abundance in your life.

But a happy list isn't just about gratitude; it's also a source of motivation and inspiration. Your list can include your dreams, aspirations, and goals—things that light a fire within you. By visualizing and reminding yourself of these positive desires, you ignite your motivation and drive to bring them to life. Your happy list becomes a roadmap to your dreams, a tangible reminder of what you're working towards. It serves as a powerful source of inspiration and can fuel your determination even during challenging times.

One of the greatest powers of a happy list lies in its ability to boost your mood instantly. When you're feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed, revisiting your list can be a soothing balm for your soul. Engage with the items on your list—listen to your favorite uplifting music, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, or engage in activities that bring you pure joy. By intentionally immersing yourself in these moments of happiness, you can quickly uplift your mood and restore your emotional well-being.

Lastly, a happy list provides a sense of perspective. Life can throw us curveballs, and it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of negativity. But a happy list reminds us that there is always light amidst the darkness. It offers a powerful perspective shift, reminding us of the good things in our lives, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It can be a guiding light during challenging times, helping us maintain a more optimistic outlook and navigate through the storms with grace.

So, my dear friends, I invite you to create your own happy list. Whether it's a physical journal, a digital document, or a mental compilation, make it a sacred practice to regularly engage with it. Take the time to review, update, and add new items that bring you joy and happiness. Allow yourself to be fully present in those moments as you engage with your list, savoring the joy they bring.

Remember, the power of a happy list lies in the act of consciously focusing on happiness. Embrace it as a daily ritual, a sanctuary for your soul.

[Time Stamps]

[00:00] – Acknowledgements

[00:40] – The Power of a Happy List

[01:55] – The Process

[04:00] – Blind to What We Have

[05:48] – Right Now

[07:30] – Filling Up

[09:00] – A List

[12:52] – What it' All For