One of my toddlers favorite books is That’s When I’m Happy by by Beth Shoshan and Jacqueline East. If you’re a parent, you know kids will read or watch the same thing over and over and over (and over!) again and never get tired of it. This book is one of Jeffrey’s main go-to stories.
It’s one of my favorites too, which is good since I have to read it so much. It has a great message and Jeffrey loves to act out some of the pages (hugs and kisses freely given?! I’m in!).
Text from the first page of the book:
“There are some days when I’m very happy…
and there are some days when I’m a little bit sad.
But now, on those days
when I’m a little bit sad…
I try and find my way back to being happy.”
I love love that idea. “I try and find my way back to being happy.”
The story goes on to talk about things that this little bear does with his mommy or daddy that make him feel good. Simple, easy, everyday things. Like picking up leaves or looking at the stars or reading books.
We all need to take a note from this smart little bear and practice finding our way back to being happy.
What simple things can be done when you feel sad? Sometimes, it can take a lot of perk our mood back up but ya know it never hurts to try something simple and easy first. You never know what easy thing will take your mind off of your sadness or anxieties and make you smile. I think the important thing is to not just do these simple things to be happy, but to remember why you are doing them. Sure I could sit and read with my son but if I don’t take the time in my mind to marvel at his wonder of recognizing pictures and letters in the book, if I don’t take the time to enjoy holding him and his joy at hanging out with me while he’s still young, it’s not going to make me as happy.
Do something simple to find your way back to being happy but be mindful of it so that it makes the largest impact possible.
Here’s a short list of simple things that I can try to do to find my way back to being happy:
-wrestle with my guys
-think about what I can do to make my life abundant and full now
-read (alone or with my son)
-do some free writing
-go out for a coffee date
-go for a walk (with or without my camera)
-work in my art journal
-dance party
-take a moment to be mindful
-hug my family
Share:What can you add to your list of simple things to be done when you need to find your way back to being happy?
