101 Reasons To Be Happy Even When Life Is Testing You

Happiness is within reach.

No matter where you are in life, if you’re reading this, there’s always a reason to be happy, at least today.

Finding those reasons is sometimes tricky, but we’re here to help.

As a certified happiness life coach, I help people find more joy in their daily existence and discover the bounty of daily life, even when they can’t see it.

I can help you find reasons to be happy, too.    

What is Happiness

Profile of a calm looking woman with her eyes closed and head up. A bright spot glows on her head as if her brain is giving off a glow like sunshine to represent how to develop a growth mindset.
Photo Credit: sun ok via Shutterstock.com.

How can you know what makes you happy if you don’t even know what happiness means?

Defining the concept of “happiness” presents a massive challenge. The truth is there is no one-size-fits-all secret to finding happiness in life.

We’ve asked psychology and mental health experts to share their ideas on happiness, which helped us understand the abstract nature of the term. They all had different thoughts about what happiness truly is.

But the complex nature of happiness makes it easier, not harder, to obtain.

We can shift our mindsets and choose happiness right now if we want.

You just need a reason, and we can help you find it.

Explore over 101 reasons you should be happy today.

101 Reasons to Be Happy

A graphic showing a smiley face surrounded by five reasons to be happy.
Photo Contributor
sulit.photos via Shutterstock.com.

Today is a precious gift

Someone cares about you

You have a place to call home

Information about anything is at your fingertips

You’re creative

The thriving community around you

You can read

The natural world going about its day

The sun will set tonight and rise tomorrow

You can get free resources at a library

Humanity’s ingenuity

The love of your pets

The memories you hold dear

A healthy mind

A healthy body

Food to eat

A safe neighborhood to walk in

The robust supply chain

Curiosity

Human Kindness

A nice day

A cozy place on an unpleasant day

Birds singing

A new toy

Sharing kindness with others

Helping someone

Working toward a goal

Achieving a goal

Accomplishing something you didn’t think possible

A treasured possession

The goodness inside you

Your inner strength

Safe drinking water

Vaccines and Public Health

The arts

You deserve happiness

You’re employed

The ability to make money is at your fingertips

The immense glory of the night sky

Your faith

Fresh, clean laundry

Creature comforts like toilet paper and Chapstick

A world of entertainment at our fingertips

Your favorite movies or games

Someone at some point in time had a crush on you

You helped someone at some point

Someone helped you at some point

Puppies and kittens and adorable baby animals

Your values

You survived a hardship

You overcame a bad decision

The good decisions you’ve made in life

The good choices that lie ahead

You care about people

Empathy

You’re dry on a rainy day

The images in the clouds

You’ve advocated for yourself

You set boundaries and stick to them

You’re trying

Trying a new hobby

The variety in life

All the things to learn

All the things to explore

Humanity’s ability to adapt and overcome

A good book

Realizing that you don’t care what others think

The ability to be your authentic self

Your friends – past and present (and future!)

Having something to look forward to

Your favorite sports team

Quiet nights

Consciousness

The ability to think

Self-Awareness

The respect of your colleagues

Money in the Bank

Getting things done

A new journal or notebook

Forgiveness

Forgiving

Having some fun

Your ability to impact the world

A child’s unbridled joy

A fresh cup of morning coffee

You have a lot of valuable skills

Your ability to grow and change

Your ability to learn new skills

The fact that somewhere out there, someone is having the best day of their life

All the love in the world

When your favorite song comes on the radio

New Book Smell

Knowing better days lie ahead

All the abundance in your life

Who you are on the inside

Indulging in your favorite foods

Facing Your Fears

Lightening someone else’s load

Collaboration and teamwork

Your unique style

There will never be anyone else exactly like you – You’re unique and special

The number 42 (if you know, you know!)

The world’s helpers

But the Top Reason to Be Happy Is:

You’re Alive

Life is hard sometimes, but it’s also a precious gift. The world abounds with fantastic places to visit, glorious views to behold, millions of people to interact with, and thousands of opportunities for learning, growth, and development. 

Be happy that you get to experience this wonderful gift, and make the best of it every day. 

Happiness is Different for Everyone

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Tint Media via Shutterstock.com

We’ve listed over 100 reasons to be happy to acknowledge that not everything applies to everyone.

We all have different perspectives, values, and beliefs. Some of us don’t have some things on the list, while others have far more to be grateful for. 

When I was depressed and stuck in an abusive relationship with no hope in sight, my cat gave me the happiness I needed to persevere and find a way out. But some people hate cats, have allergies, or don’t have the same bond with their pets.

You might find that happiness in the sunrise, your faith, creature comforts, or your inner strength.

You may find 100 different reasons to be happy we never even considered.

Find Your Reason to Be Happy

A happy woman dancing in her living room to represent how to live life on your own terms.
Photo Credit: fizkes via Shutterstock.com.

Your reasons to be happy may differ vastly from mine, and that’s okay!

True happiness comes from within. You can find it with a simple choice or mindset change.

Find your reason to be happy, whatever it is, and grab hold of it. Don’t let go. Let it bring you the happiness you deserve today and throughout your life. 

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Author: Melanie Allen

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Pursuing Your Passions, Travel, Wellness, Hobbies, Finance, Gaming, Happiness

Melanie Allen is an American journalist and happiness expert. She has bylines on MSN, the AP News Wire, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and numerous media outlets across the nation and is a certified happiness life coach. She covers a wide range of topics centered around self-actualization and the quest for a fulfilling life.