Finding Symbols Of Happiness Within Your Life

What makes you happy? Is it your pet, an item you own, or the people in your life? Happiness is an emotion that can improve your mental and physical health. Knowing what “being happy” means to you can increase moments of joy and help you find symbols of happiness as you go through life.

Symbols of happiness

A symbol of happiness may be a person, item, or situation representing the feeling of being happy. It might also be something in your life that makes you feel joy often, such as a partner, a beautiful sunset, or your favorite song. Look at each area of your life and ask yourself what makes you most joyful. It may include different symbols from various cultures that hold a deeper meaning.

In Chinese culture, for instance, the double happiness symbol signifies joy and good fortune, while the laughing Buddha represents happiness and abundance. Native American cultures also have their own symbols of happiness, reflecting their unique traditions and beliefs. The bluebird symbolism is associated with happiness and joy in many cultures, while the adinkra symbol from West Africa symbolizes unity and harmony.

Other people

People can be symbols of happiness, representing happiness and joy across different cultures within a shared cultural sphere. In some cases, prominent figures like Grace Kelly or Queen Victoria might hold positive associations for you, symbolizing elegance and charm from bygone eras. People can carry you through difficult moments, offering support and connection. For example, you could have a scrapbook of photo memories or a video of those you love that keeps you smiling. For you, happiness might be about the connections you make throughout life, fostering human communication and understanding your inner self to achieve true happiness.

Pets

Many people feel joyful when they think about their pets or spend time with them. You might feel that your pets do not judge you and offer unconditional love and support. Additionally, some feel that caring for pets increases their responsibility and motivation. Pets can be lovable companions for many. Their wagging tails, meows, or attention as you get home at the end of the day might bring a vast smile to your face. In these cases, pets may be a symbol of your happiness, representing happiness across different eras and cultures, from China's Shang Dynasty to the Victorian era.

Pets can symbolize happiness and good fortune as they hold a special place in various traditions, such as Native Americans who revere certain animals as spiritual guides. The bond between humans and their pets is a universal symbol that transcends time and cultural boundaries, showcasing the potential for more happiness that a pet's companionship can provide. This symbol holds a deep and enduring meaning for countless individuals.

Photographs and memories

Memories might symbolize happiness for you. If you are feeling down, you could feel happier by looking through a scrapbook, organizing photo albums, or writing about a past experience. You might also keep a box of items that remind you of a pleasant time. As you look at your memories, you may recall the emotions you felt, the people you met, and the experiences you had. These can be symbols of joy for some people. 

Accomplishments

Thinking about specific accomplishments or remembering awards you gained could be a beneficial way to remember the happiness you felt when you worked toward those goals. Accomplishments may guide you in remembering how far you’ve come in life and the strength you had to achieve your goals. If you define happiness alongside success, gain, or status, you might find accomplishments to be a symbol of joy for you. 

Possessions

Some individuals find happiness in their possessions, including collections of items, comforting objects, or items that bring usefulness. For example, maybe you enjoy your weighted blanket or looking at your collection of sock monkeys. Physical possessions could be anything you own. For some individuals, family heirlooms or gifts from others bring joy. It may not be materialistic to find happiness in items or be a maximalist. Items could represent emotion, connection, memories, or experiences. 

Activities

Some people feel happiest when they engage in specific activities like swimming, running, reading, or cooking. If you have an activity that makes you feel better, it may mean it’s a symbol of joy. For example, physical exercise releases endorphins which boost mood. Other activities like mindfulness, deep breathing, art, and music can also make you happy. 

Whether you frequently participate in an activity or use it as a coping skill when you’re upset, these activities can be productive ways to improve your feelings, change your thoughts, and increase self-compassion. Developing a new skill can be beneficial if you don’t have a hobby. 

What is the purpose of finding happiness symbols?

When thinking about what makes you feel happiest, you may consider your happiness symbols. Although happiness is an emotion, many individuals have accomplishments, items, or people in their lives that signify that they are happy or prosperous. Having a happy symbol in your life could remind you that emotions are often temporary and that difficult times do not last forever. 

Getting more help

If you struggle to feel happy despite the presence of happiness symbols, it could signify a more serious issue. If you’re constantly feeling down, consider reaching out to a professional online or in person. If you opt into an online treatment option, you might gain benefits such as affordability, availability, and flexibility from your counselor. 

Losing interest in the things that used to make you happy or no longer feeling happiness could be a sign of depression. A recent study explored how online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) affected symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that participants experienced significant reductions in symptoms over time, leading researchers to conclude that online therapy can produce sustained and clinically meaningful improvements. 

CBT could help individuals reframe negative thought processes underlying unwanted behaviors or emotions, such as those related to depression. Assistance is available through online platforms such as BetterHelp, which offers a growing database of licensed professionals.