What Would You Do Right Now If It Made You Happy?
It was a question that stopped Lily in her tracks. She had been rushing through her day, juggling work emails, errands, and an endless to-do list, when her friend Max asked, “What would you do right now if it made you happy?”
At first, she laughed, brushing off the question. “I don’t have time for that,” she replied. But as the day wore on, Max’s words echoed in her mind. What would she do? What could she do if happiness were her only goal in that moment?
It wasn’t that Lily was unhappy. She had a good job, a nice apartment, and a circle of friends she loved. But somewhere along the way, her days had become so packed with responsibilities that she rarely stopped to think about what truly made her happy. She was living on autopilot, and Max’s question felt like a wake-up call.
Rediscovering Joy
That evening, as Lily sat at her kitchen table with a cup of tea, she decided to take Max’s question seriously. She pulled out a notebook and wrote at the top of the page: “What makes me happy?”
Her pen hovered over the paper for a moment before she started to write:
Taking long walks in the park.
Painting, even though I’m not great at it.
Dancing in the kitchen to my favorite music.
Spending time with my dog, Milo.
The list grew as she let her thoughts flow. It wasn’t filled with grand, life-changing activities—it was simple, everyday things she had loved but hadn’t made time for in years.
That night, as she got ready for bed, Lily promised herself that she would do one thing from her list the next day, just because it made her happy.
Choosing Happiness in the Moment
The next morning, instead of diving straight into her work emails, Lily put on her sneakers and took Milo for a long walk through the park. The crisp air, the sound of leaves crunching beneath her feet, and the sight of Milo happily wagging his tail brought a smile to her face. For the first time in a long time, she felt present.
When she got home, she realized something: choosing to do something that made her happy didn’t take much time or effort, but it transformed her day. She felt lighter, more energized, and more connected to herself.
Small Steps, Big Changes
Over the next few weeks, Lily made a habit of asking herself, “What would make me happy right now?” Sometimes the answer was as simple as stepping outside for fresh air or calling a friend she hadn’t spoken to in a while. Other times, it was diving back into hobbies she had forgotten, like painting or baking.
The more she prioritized her happiness, the more she noticed a shift. She wasn’t just happier in the moments she chose to focus on joy—her overall outlook on life began to change. She felt more fulfilled, more present, and more in tune with what truly mattered to her.
Overcoming Guilt
At first, Lily struggled with guilt. She worried that focusing on her own happiness was selfish or indulgent. But as she reflected on her experiences, she realized that prioritizing her happiness didn’t just benefit her—it benefited everyone around her. When she was happy, she was more patient, more compassionate, and more engaged with the people in her life.
Happiness, she discovered, wasn’t a luxury. It was a necessity.
What About You?
Lily’s story is a reminder that happiness isn’t something we need to wait for—it’s something we can choose in the moment. So, ask yourself:
What would make you happy right now?
What simple activity or experience brings you joy?
How can you prioritize those moments in your daily life?
Happiness doesn’t have to come from big, life-altering decisions. Often, it’s found in the small, everyday choices we make to honor our needs and desires.
Choose Happiness Today
Life is too short to ignore the things that bring you joy. Whether it’s taking a walk, calling a friend, or dancing to your favorite song, happiness is always within reach. The next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck in routine, pause and ask yourself: “What would make me happy right now?” Then, take a step toward it.
Happiness isn’t something you find—it’s something you create, one choice at a time. Start today, and let those small moments of joy transform your life.
