If you're on my mailing list or have liked me on facebook, you know I've been espousing the topic of happiness a lot lately. I love the topic of happiness, because really, what else is more important?!?

But let me make one thing very clear. When I'm talking about happiness I am not talking about the syrupy sweet, sunshine-and-rainbows-and-butterflies version of happiness. This version of happiness can make us feel everything but happy. (Hello envy, comparison, anger, and self-loathing!)

I am talking about what ACTUALLY makes us happy. It involves the things you might expect, like gratitude, but it also involves things like coping skills to make those really awful times a tiny bit less awful, understanding that, at times, stress can be good for us, and knowing that creating lasting change takes a serious commitment.

This ain't no quick fix.

Happiness is a practice.

And thankfully there are experts out there who have spent a lot of time and energy figuring out what actually works. It's easy to think of Happiness as pop psychology. Happiness isn't a serious topic that has the gravity of trauma or shame or injustice. And yet everything is connected. Addressing trauma, shame, or injustice creates more individual and collective happiness. The activities that are proven to increase happiness levels decrease the negative effects of trauma, shame, and injustice.

And then sometimes happiness boils down to having fun and not giving a shit.

I'll leave you with this article: 12 Habits of Healthy, Happy People Who Don’t Give A Sh*t About Your Inner Peace