What Makes You Happy?

[Emotional Retard]

So my therapist gave me homework, and I have to come up with five ways to make myself happy that I have never tried before. I have to actually do three of them... I've got nothing. Our session is tomorrow! I'm kind of freaking out. I really, really don't want to disappoint him.

I've tried music, shopping, exercising, eating favorite foods, singing, crafting, volunteering, playing with my kitten, etc. The problem is I need to come up with things I haven't ever done, which is really very difficult.

Please, please, please, help me come up with a list of things to try?

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Hmmm....Going to the gym? Going to a shop you have never been to but wanted to try? Playing a game you have never played before? Read a book you have never read before (even a kids book since this is due tomorrow)?

 

[scout86]

First, don't freak out. He's not going to be mad at you. Worst case, he'll try again with a slightly different approach. At least if he's any good at his job he will.

How about something you've always wanted to do, but never have? Or, go to a movie you've never seen? Yes, you've been to movies but not THAT one? Give some money to a homeless person? Say something nice to the next checkout person you meet? Give a stranger a flower, just for the fun of it? I don't think you need to find a BIG thing, just something.

Good luck! (And let us know what you come up with.)

 

[Ghostybear73]

I hate it when my therapist gives me homework, but he never gets disappointed if I don't finish. Try to do only 2, instead of 5. Any form of trying, even if you come up with nothing is worth it. Your therapist will know that! ;)

 

[Overcast]

I struggled for a long time not knowing my likes or dislikes because of my past. I have kept seeking different areas. I have taken classes that sounded like it might be fun like photography an tennis lessons. Some I enjoyed for a season. There are a lot of opportunities out there. Google hobbies and see what comes up.

 

[Annie B]

I made brownies the other day and gave my neighbor some for the holidays. Very unusual for me since I hate cooking/baking, I'd never made brownies, and I'm not a particularly outgoing and social person. I still feel pretty good about it. I also feel like telling someone about it is bragging and now I'm embarrassed, haha. Anyway, I highly recommend serving others as a way to feel better. Not very altruistic but it does help.

Not sure if you have time before tomorrow. Maybe scrape someone's car windows? That is, if you have snow wherever you are...

Another idea: learn how to count to 10 in another language. You can totally do that by tomorrow. :)

 

[The Albatross]

Candid and frank personal discussions make me happy... even if they're difficult topics. I like being included when someone is grappling with something tough and asks me sincerely and is interested in my reply. It makes me feel valued.

 

[Lotusstarr]

Why not try a form of exercise you've never done before? I've always wanted to try mountain climbing, but haven't done it yet. You could try out a yoga class or a spin class at your local gym. Often these places will you give you one day free to try something out to see if you like it. Alternatively you could try doing something artsy, like taking a beginning painters class, or photography or take up knitting.

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

Watching TV (marathoning where possible) with my sister(s) and mum. Right now Supernatural (we've got through to season 5, to think I didn't enjoy it to start off with!) and one sister who watches every episode and occasionally another who joins in when not too busy. I enjoy things more when other people enjoy them too, it helps me interpret and experience it a little more clearly although the same things can invoke different responses depending on who I'm with (and a lot of insecurity and fear of rejection - I chose supernatural because I was pretty sure my sister would enjoy it) . The marathon nature helps create a safe obsession which I can break away from but usually prefer not to and as such distraction plus a regularity I find soothing. It allows me to be occupied with something - which rarely happens these days, it's a relief.

 

[littlelostchild]

Try a flavoured tea or coffee, take a long hot bath, burn a scented candle - hey you could do all 3 at the same time! :D

 

[Emotional Retard]

Thank you all so much for your help! I really appreciate all of your ideas. They helped me to realize that I had actually done a few of those things and didn't realize it!

My list is as follows:

1. Took my sister shopping
2. Bought my first ebook and read it.
3. Took a shower at the gym.
4. Took myself shopping
5. Bought Christmas presents for my nieces and my nephew.

Thank you guys so much :)

 

[Emotional Retard]

Candid and frank personal discussions make me happy... even if they're difficult topics. I like being included when someone is grappling with something tough and asks me sincerely and is interested in my reply. It makes me feel valued.

I am so glad you said this :) I do value all of you and your thoughts.