Finding Happiness During Hard Times

Thanks, Randi, I appreciate it. It was one of my favorite ones to write.

Ezzly,

Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a comment. I agree, flowers are a fantastic pick-me-up!

Happylovejoy,

Thanks. I completely agree with you. Our mindset and how we react to everything can really affect our mood. I wish you and everyone happiness, too!

Have a wonderful day.

~ Kathryn

Suzzycue,

I am glad you read my hub. I am sorry for your struggles, but I am happy to see that you are strong, and that you are gaining encouragement and help from other writers. It is good that you are looking at what you have to be thankful for, and I wish you well. Many times new beginnings and opportunities can be exciting, and maybe this will lead to an even better, more meaningful life.

Yes, I am making my 2016 a great year. My only 2 resolutions this year are to enjoy the moments of life (big and small), and to cherish them. And also to reconnect with friends, and to maintain the ones I have now. Those are two very meaningful goals, and will give me a very positive focus in the year ahead.

Have a wonderful weekend, and may this year be the year of new positive beginnings :)

~ Kathryn

Ezzly, You're welcome, and thanks for checking out my article. It's definitely important during the cold Winter months! Have a wonderful weekend.

~ Kathryn

Sujaya,

Yes it is. Thanks, I hope you enjoyed it.

~ Kathryn

I just added a link to a wonderful post on 12 benefits of smiling, written by Sarra Garrett. It is to the left of my photos of my mother's black cat.

Cuttler,

That sounds like an uncomfortable situation to be in! I hope it has improved since then.

Music is always a great mood-booster for me, too.

I am so glad you enjoy this, and will refer to it when are sad or down. I hope it is helpful. I know that looking at this has been an incredible help for my own self, too.

Thanks for the votes and share, and for taking the time to read and comment.

Have a great day!

~ Kathryn

Bobbi,

Thanks for your beautiful and thoughtful comment!

I have found much happiness lately, especially in the small things. When I do get down, it is not usually for long, and family and friends cheer me up again. I have much to be thankful for.

Thanks, I appreciate the wishes. I have high hopes for my future.

Have a great night!

~ Kathryn

Patricia,

I agree. Life is too short to waste on negative feelings. They come along every once in a while, and sometimes they are hard to let go of, but life is full of so many things to make you happy and thankful.

Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I put a lot of thought, reflection, energy and effort into this one. It was a useful part of my own turning point in life, in which I acknowledged that only I have the power to make myself happy.

Thanks for everything, and I'm glad that the angels take care of you, too. It's so nice to see you around.

~ Kathryn

Joelle,

Thanks!

~ Kathryn

Joelle,

Yes, that is one of those things that completely makes sense, but is sometimes very hard to do. I have had a difficult time sticking to being sad only for a short time.

I'm so glad that you came to that realization, when it came to your mother. And I'm glad that you had supportive people in your life, as well. Once we realize we can't control some things (especially when it is regarding someone else), being happy is a little easier.

Since I wrote this, life has improved immensely. And 1 week from now I will be moving back to CT, where I lived for a few years before I came to Boston. It will be very good for me to get into a new environment, and to live on my own again. It will be an adjustment, but I have gotten used to things the past 3 months, since my boyfriend of 4 years broke up with me. I have found my happiness once again, and I am even remaining friends with Andy. Sometimes the breakdown of a relationship isn't really anyone's fault, and he has been such a friend throughout the years.

Haha, I just realized I said CT. You're from Canada, so I can't assume you know that it means Connecticut. Oops, sometimes using abbreviations backfires.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and for voting it up.

Thanks, I'm glad you like the pictures. I enjoy taking them, and finding great ones to use in my hubs. It's nice to see them when I view my articles every once in a while, too.

The cat in the photo here is my mother's cat. She is not friendly to me (I think she's jealous, because I am my mother's real daughter, lol), but I love taking pictures of her, and playing with her. The place I am moving to next week has a cat, which makes me really happy. I adore cats, and having one around me is one of the biggest mood boosters in existence for me! It's awesome that you have two cats. I had a few when I lived in Virginia, but I had to give them away when I moved.

You have a great weekend, too! I had today off, so it seems like the weekend should be halfway over. I'm glad I still have two days left, because I have a lot to do!

~ Kathryn

Donna,

Thank you so much for telling that beautiful story of your sister. Reading it gave me goosebumps! Yes, I think a lot of being happy is about perspective. I would much rather be smiling than be grouchy and down. But what a spectacular woman your sister must be, to smile even when she is in pain, and going through something that many of us cannot imagine facing.

Thank you so much for reading this, and for your inspirational story. I'm glad your sister did better than the doctors thought. I wish her well.

Have a wonderful evening!

~ Kathryn

Nell,

I tried to put as much positivity in this hub as I could! I knew that it would be an important topic, one that most everyone has to deal with at one time or another. I also wanted to compile the things I have learned and reflected on, so they wouldn't go to waste. There's something so satisfying about turning words into an article, don't you think?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, and I hope you have a stunning weekend!

~ Kathryn

Ann,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it! Yes, seeing all of the responses to this makes me very happy. This is such a universal subject, and when I was putting this together I was struck by the desire to make something good out of my own fleeting unhappiness. I was so aware of how others around me were going through their own hard times, and that each of us have challenges in our lives.

Music and being with loved ones really make me happy, too. I have been doing plenty of both. Actually, a few days ago my parents visited me here in Boston for the first time (usually I visit them), and it was such an unexpected and fun time. I got to show them the apartment I am living in for a few more weeks, and the part of the city I have grown to really love during this past year of living here- South Boston. We went to a cute little local fast-food place that has plenty of outdoor seating within Castle Island (where Fort Independence is). It was so relaxing, and nice to spend a couple of hours with them.

I spent quite a bit of time on this hub, coming up with the different quotes, and the suggestions and advice. I like to come back and browse it every so often. Even the photos lift my spirits, because they remind me of good times, and good places.

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, Ann, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

~ Kathryn

Cyndi,

Yes, all of the comments surprised me. Usually one hub doesn't get this many in such a short time (for me)! But it is a subject anyone can identify with.

Thanks, I appreciate your words of wisdom and goodness. I have been able to keep my spirits bright more often than not lately, even though my circumstances are not ideal. Things are gradually getting easier, and once I am out and on my own, I think my life will take on a "new normal", and if I let it, it could be fabulous!

Thanks for reading and commenting, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to attempting to keep up with your blog. You always manage to make me think, and your personality is so likeable!

~ Kathryn

Dream On,

Cartwheels in the sun? Haha, that sounds fun. I can't do those in real life, but I sure can envision doing it in my mind, as well!

Composing this hub was very helpful for myself, and even when one's life is going well it is nice to think of ways to bring happiness into your life during the more sad or lonely days. Coming back to this page sometimes gives me a boost.

Thanks, I will have a beautiful day. You do the same!

~ Kathryn

DDE,

Thanks for your comment, and for reading my hub. I'm glad that you have found happiness after the hard times you went through. I think we often learn lessons from those dark times in our lives.

Have a great day!

~ Kathryn

Thank you everybody for the outpouring of comments, and for reading my article on happiness. I hope that this helps people, at least in a small way. May all of you have many happy moments in your life, and live it to the fullest.

~ Kathryn

Sentinelco,

I know what you mean! Some things feel so earth-shattering when they happen, but later on they seem like no big deal. It doesn't make the pain you felt any less real, but it is incredibly encouraging that the pain only lasts for so long. I always try to look at how I will feel in the future, and try not to let things affect me for too long.

Those are very inspiring words, thank you so much!

I appreciate that you took the time to read and comment, and I hope you have a spectacular weekend! May your life be filled with many happy moments.

~ Kathryn

Lifelovemystery,

Absolutely, it can be difficult! Thanks, I'm glad you like these ideas. It was a fun article to put together, and really made me think about my own happiness as I wrote it.

Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a great weekend!

~ Kathryn

Tastiger04,

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed this. It took some work to put together, but it was such a positive article to work on. It was very therapeutic, and now I have something to refer to when I need a boost.

Thanks for the votes, and have a wonderful weekend!

~ Kathryn

HappyMikeWritter,

I'm glad that this has helped you to think of ways to make yourself happy. You're welcome, and thank you for your comment.

We all have those times in our life that are discouraging. I hope that you are able to change your mood around, and to connect with others in a more positive way.

Have a great weekend!

~ Kathryn

Maramerce,

True, this would not be good for someone who thrives on misery. I agree, you have to want to be happy. I have seen negative people that wallow in it, and after a while it is draining to listen to them.

I'm glad that you know how to combat those negative feelings. I have been very "down and up", but I usually don't stay down for too long for that same reason- I like to be happy!

The music therapy idea sounds great! At some point I will make a section on positive comments made, and that is one thing I want to add! Very inspiring.

I am very big on taking pleasure out of the small things. Our lives are made out of small moments, so that makes sense.

If life were too easy, maybe it would get a little boring. I think the hard times in our lives make us stronger, and help us to appreciate the good times more.

Thank you so much for reading this, and for your beautiful comments. I love hearing how other people get happy.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Kathryn

Forbcrin,

Yes, it is sad that so many feel the need to read "how to" manuals. There are no secrets to life, although I do like reading other people's opinion and input on the subject.

I was delighted that this hub was so popular. It was a useful topic for me to think of, and has been helpful in the entire process of putting the article together.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and have a wonderful weekend!

~ Kathryn

Lyricwriter,

If anyone could find a way to sell happiness, they would be rich! But I'm glad it can't be purchased. It's good that some things in life are free, at least to an extent.

That is true- happiness can be hard to keep!

I don't hear many people admit to being addicted to making money! That is an honest comment. It's true, we all need money. And money alone may not provide happiness, but it does allow for security and providing creature comforts in life.

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, for sharing, and for taking the time to read my hub. My apologies for not responding sooner.

Have a great weekend!

~ Kathryn

ChitrangadaSharan,

Thank you for reading this, and for your uplifting comments. Mahatma Gandhi has said so many wise things. I really enjoy reading quotes, and hearing what everyone has to say.

I think that without happiness, we would not appreciate the happiness as much. I like the comparison to two sides of a coin.

Loved ones are a great part of life, and I always appreciate mine. No matter how tough life seems, I have people who are there for me.

Thank you so much. I appreciate that you like my hub on happiness. May your life be filled with a multitude of happy moments. Have a great weekend!

~ Kathryn

Rahikaaree,

I feel bad for those who are stubborn and negative. I admit to dwelling on the negative on occasion, but I would hate to always do that. I like turning my mood and actions into something more positive and productive.

Thank you very much- for taking the time to read, and also for your encouraging comment. Have a wonderful weekend, and may your life be filled with many happy moments.

~ Kathryn

Vinaya, those are very wise words. It is important to be happy with what we have, and not what we want. There are always things to be content and thankful for.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and have a wonderful weekend.

~ Kathryn

MDavisatTiers,

It is wonderful that you have used that technique in the past, and very encouraging that it works so well. That was a great piece of advice that my brother gave me, and I have appreciated it very much.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I really enjoy hearing what works for different people.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Kathryn

Karen,

Thanks. Yes, I have been doing pretty good with creating my own happiness during this time, although there have been some rough patches. But Andy is a gentleman, so it is not as hard of a breakup as it could be.

I was hoping that this would be useful to many, so it makes me glad that you agree.

Being outdoors is one of my favorite things! I have gotten out so many times lately, and it never ceases to amaze me how good it makes me feel.

Thank you for sharing your own "happiness makers" with me. Those are all great!

I would absolutely love to spend a day with you and your daughter sometime! Thanks, I appreciate it. That would be a wonderful way to get away and have some fun. And it is almost Autumn (I'm very excited about that)!

Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Karen, and I look forward to seeing you again at some point.

Have a beautiful Sunday, my friend.

~ Kathryn

Thelma,

Thanks, I'm glad you agree that these are good ways to make us happy. I put a lot of work and thinking into coming up with these suggestions, and it was therapeutic for me. Writing is my number one way of feeling better (music is a very close second, although I usually do both at the same time).

I'm glad you enjoyed the quotes. I had so much fun finding them, and inserting them into my article. It is helpful for me to read them, and really think about what happiness is, and what it's not.

You're welcome, and thank you so much for reading, commenting, voting up and sharing. It is so nice to see you!

Have a wonderful Sunday.

~ Kathryn

Leslie,

I can definitely relate to you! Up until recently, the past 4 years have been spectacular (and that is why I have been feeling down lately, because when you go from feeling really good because your life is going well, to feeling bad because you lost what made you happiest, it's quite a long fall), but before then, I went through about 2 years of trouble. I tried to make the most of it, but it was one thing after another. Relationship, money, getting into a car accident and being out of work for 1 1/2 months while I healed, and moving around a lot. It was rough. But eventually things did get better.

Yes, it does help to know that others are also struggling- we are not alone. We can make it, even if it is difficult.

I have been to Dollar Tree before. I'll have to see if I have one in this area, though. The tip about the books is great! It would be nice to be able to buy a cheap book even when I'm on a strict budget. Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad you have found ways to entertain yourself for little money. That is very helpful!

I love your way of cheering yourself up! Music is what I turn to often, and cooking also makes me feel great. I love to try new recipes, and add variety to my life while being productive. Isn't it great to make things with your own two hands, and have it come out delicious?!

Billybuc is great. He is the most inspiring person, and he has so much knowledge and information about writing.

Thank you so much for not only taking the time to read and comment, but also for voting and sharing this. I truly hope that this article will be helpful to many. Sometimes when you're feeling bad, it only takes one glimmer of light to make you feel better, or at least hopeful for a better future.

You're welcome, and I am happy that you have copied down some of these quotes here. I have a thing for quotes. Some of my favorite ones are on my computer's home screen, so when I turn it on, that is the first thing I see once I log in. I also have a special journal I put positive quotes in, as well as these index type cards I write positive affirmations on.

Leslie, I hope that your life improves. It must be frustrating for bad things to keep happening, but just be hopeful that things will improve. I believe it will get better, too. We just never know when. In the meantime, try to enjoy life as much as you can, and appreciate what you do have. It sounds like you have found ways to cope, and to feel better, so that is great! If you ever need an online friend to talk to, I'm here.

Have a fantastic remainder of the weekend, and I will be over to your page very soon. You seem like a wonderful person.

~ Kathryn

Traderjim,

You're welcome, and thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate hearing from others.

Have a great Sunday.

~ Kathryn

Schoolmom24,

I'm glad you found my hub, and took the time to read and comment. I appreciate it.

Oh, you are new- welcome to HubPages! I find this community to be fantastic, and the opportunity to write is exhilarating. I hope you enjoy it here! Yes, I will stop by your page shortly.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

~ Kathryn

Sharkye11,

Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Writing is one of my favorite pick-ups, too. I am very internal and reflective, and find that many aspects of writing help my mood.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and I hope you have a fantastic Sunday!

~ Kathryn

Colin,

You're always so sweet, thanks. It's nice to see you here on my page, and it brightens up my day!

Yes, I think it is important for people to realize that happiness is different for everyone. It's not a "one-size-fits-all" subject.

I'm glad you noticed I'm a basically happy person, and that it shows in my hubs. I go through ups and downs, but I try to learn from experiences, and grow and keep positive as much as I can.

Thanks for the compliments, Colin. I'm glad that my attitude is contagious!

Giving big hugs back to you and your little furry friends.

Thanks for sharing, and I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

~ Kathryn

Janet,

Thanks, I appreciate it. This hub has been a useful piece for me to put together for my own sake, and I hope it benefits others, as well.

I'm sorry you are going through financial troubles, especially since you have kids.. It must be stressful. I hope that things improve, and that you will find happiness in the little things.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and have a wonderful Sunday.

~ Kathryn

Rajan,

Thanks, I'm glad you think so.

Music is always soothing to me, too. Actually, I have been listening to it a lot these past few weeks, and it's been helpful. I just avoid music that would make me sad.

Thanks for sharing, reading, commenting, and voting. I appreciate it.

I will get over your page tomorrow. Regretfully, I haven't kept up with reading your hubs like I usually do.

Have a great Sunday.

~ Kathryn

Truthfornow,

Thanks, I'm glad you think so! I hope it helps others to feel better when they're down.

Have a great Sunday, and thanks for reading and commenting.

~ Kathryn

Faith,

I'm sorry you have been going through trials, too. I hope that you get through it well, and that you maintain your wonderful, sweet spirit. You are an inspiration!

Thanks, you are so sweet to say that.

I'm glad you like my advice, and feel free to link to your latest hub. I would be honored.

Those are very good ways to deal with unhappiness.

When I hear you talk, sometimes you remind me of my aunt Nancy. She seems a lot like you, and I know you would adore her.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, and for the hugs. I appreciate it so much!

Have a great remainder of the weekend!

~ Kathryn

I'm sorry I waited so long to respond to everyone! I will finish writing responses tomorrow, and I will also check out your pages at that point, if I haven't already.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone, and I appreciate everyone that visited my page!

~ Kathryn

W1totalk,

Thanks, I appreciate it!

It's great to stay in a positive mood.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and have a fabulous Sunday!

epbooks,

Thanks, I appreciate it!

I'm doing pretty good. I'm making the most of my weekend, and creating this article has been very helpful to me. I hope it is inspiring to others, too.

I'm glad that you're able to get up and do what you know will make you happy. I love visiting parks and taking pictures. And having a dog with you must make it extra special!

You're welcome, and thanks for reading and commenting. I enjoy seeing you!

Have a wonderful Sunday.

~ Kathryn

Tashaonthetown,

You're welcome, I'm glad you think this is a feel good page. I hopes it helps to boost many people's moods.

Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a wonderful weekend.

~ Kathryn

WND,

Thanks, I appreciate your concern. It definitely helps to know what makes me happy, and to be thankful for what I have.

It's sweet that you have your dogs to lift your spirits on your bad days! Dogs can be such wonderful companions.

Thanks, I will try my best to be happy. I have been doing pretty well lately, and I know things will get better in time. It may be a while before I am as happy as I was before, but I will be patient. Who knows, maybe life will be even better than it was, once I take my life in a new direction.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and have a wonderful day!

~ Kathryn

PS,

Yes, there are many things that can make us happy, or at least lift us up out of the gloom a little. Every little thing helps.

Thanks, I hope it does benefit many people.

Have a wonderful remainder of the weekend, and thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I enjoy seeing you!

~ Kathryn

Always Exploring,

Haha, that reminds me of my sister-in-law. She feels better when she cleans. Sometimes cleaning makes me feel better. Just accomplishing something like that, seeing a clean house, and smelling those wonderful scents can be uplifting. I also organize my things when I feel bad.

I also like to decorate! I also enjoy looking at my home décor books and magazines, watch HGTV shows, and daydream about how the place could look if I had a bigger budget.

Thanks for sharing your own happiness helpers with me, and for reading my post. Have a great day!

~ Kathryn

Denise,

I like that quote, too. It's also the simple things that make me happy.

Very true, life does seem more precious as you get older. One of the thoughts I almost added to this was to live life like you only had a short time left on this earth. The only reason I didn't add that was because I was thinking it would be terrible if someone who reads this is unhappy because of an illness that could potentially end their life early, and that thought might actually cause them to be more depressed.

Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a fantastic Sunday!

~ Kathryn

FlourishAnyway,

Yes, it is important to know what makes you happy. One of the first exercises I did after a particularly trying fork in the road of life was to write down what made me happy, and it has been helpful when I have been in the mood to do nothing.

I love baking! Those are all great ways to become happy. Thanks for sharing your "happy tasks" with me.

I used to have a cat, and it was so soothing to be around him.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Kathryn

Pearl,

Thanks, that's sweet of you to say. I put a lot of work into this, and it took a few chunks of several days for me to get this completed.

It is very important to know yourself, because no matter what tips I give, they're useless if they are not catered to your own self. I like exercises that cause me to get to know myself, and to appreciate what I have.

Thanks for bookmarking it, that is a great compliment in itself. I really hope that this is helpful.

You're welcome, and thanks for taking the time to read and comment. It's nice to see you here.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

~ Kathryn

Rose,

You're welcome, and thank you for reading and commenting. It's always nice to see you.

This was a very helpful piece to put together- for myself, and hopefully to many others.

Have a fantastic Sunday.

~ Kathryn

MsDora,

Those quotes are wonderful! I read quite a few of them, and it was fun to figure out where to sprinkle them in.

Thanks, I fully intend on progressing with joy. I know I will have down times, but I try not to let them own me. Being mindful of my thoughts helps out a lot, and so does my natural cheerfulness.

Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a beautiful Sunday.

~ Kathryn

Vickie,

Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I composed it in part because I really needed it myself, and because happiness is such a universal subject that most anyone can relate to.

I know how that is. I have struggled with melancholy and depression quite a lot over the years. I have gotten much better at turning it around these past 7 years or so, but when I was younger sometimes those feelings would almost drown me.

Yes, positive people are a great help. They can be hard to find sometimes, though.

Good luck with everything you have to work on. At least you know where to start, and even though it takes a lot of work, it can be very rewarding.

I am doing better. I'm a little up and down, but I think I will be stronger going through this.

Thank you very much for reading this, and for your words. It's nice to hear from you, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

~ Kathryn

Eddy,

I can tell that you can relate. I have enjoyed your posts especially lately, and the one from a couple of days ago was incredibly moving and positive.

You're welcome, and I really do hope that it will benefit others.

Thanks for the votes, and for taking the time to read and comment. Have a fantastic weekend!

~ Kathryn

Cat,

Sorry for the long delay in responding.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I was happy to dedicate this to you and the others who made me feel better. There have been days that it's been hard to find my happiness, but talking to you all has been a tremendous help!

Thanks, Cat, that is so sweet. I hope to inspire others, and I'm wicked happy I could help create your happiness!

Hugs and love back to you, Cat. Have a fantastic weekend, and it is so glad to see you again!!!

~ Kathryn

Lesliebyars,

Same here. It is hard to resist moping around, and sometimes I give into it. But once I start doing something, I feel better.

Thanks for reading, and for commenting. Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Kathryn

Writinglover,

Oh yeah, I know you like writing poetry! I'm glad, too. Hobbies are a great distraction, and relaxing definitely does well for me, usually. I'm glad that this is useful to you! Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a wonderful remainder of the weekend.

~ Kathryn

I will be back to respond to everyone's comments. I appreciate them very much! Have a wonderful weekend.

~ Kathryn

@ Ahmad Taha, I couldn't approve your comment, because you added a link. As useful as it is, we're not supposed to promote sites in the comment section. You're new here, so I'm sure you're unfamiliar with the rules. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, though, and have a great day.