Finding Happiness in the Unexpected

We all know what the main contenders are when it comes to our own happiness. Give me a beach holiday with endless days spent on a sun lounger reading a good book... Ahhh bliss! But, what if happiness is closer to home? What if it’s hidden where we least expect it, in the little things that make up our everyday lives?

On a recent trip to visit family I’d had a nightmare walk to the train station and had battled through wind and rain to get there. Luckily, I was early to arrive on the platform and used the spare minutes to check that mascara wasn’t streaming down my cheeks. Now that my makeup bag was open I thought I might as well touch up my powder and in doing this a woman on the other end of the bench said “there’s no need for that love you’re beautiful just as you are’. I couldn’t help but beam at her and I can’t remember my exact response but it must have included a surprised "Thank you!". This was some months ago now, but I have remembered this moment and her kind words, perhaps because I am slightly vain, perhaps because it was totally unexpected. These are the exact unexpected moments that we can all become more aware of and memorize to improve our overall levels of happiness.

The UK Little Things Index has discovered that it’s not always the grand gestures that contribute to happiness. The little things count too, such as, fresh bedding, finding money you’d forgotten about in your pockets and the perfect cup of tea. Simple unexpected pleasures bring smiles to our faces and help us to lead meaningful lives. Unexpected people make us happy too, such as the kind stranger at the train station. Little acts of kindness provide us with moments of happiness and are great to both give and receive.

Unexpected happiness can also come from time spent with our pets. Their personalities and funny quirks are amusing to discover and we can learn from their unconditional love and ability to savour moments. Pets also get it right with their attitude to life by having good doses of rest and play.

Where do you find unexpected happiness? Please share in the comments below.

K x