Black Friday, immediately after America’s official day of gratitude, is its unofficial day of grumbling. Of course, lots of people avoid shopping in person, and use their computers instead — while complaining about “the $“&%@#?* commercialization of the holidays!” But that sort of defeats the point, doesn’t it?
Did you know the root word for gratitude means “a happy or pleasant state of mind?” So how do we go from crappytude to happytude?
Yeah, I know, “happytude” sounds more sappy than happy. But it’s actually a play on the word habitude, which means maintaining a habitual state of mind — and keeping a Happytude List is a pretty good way of doing that. So try it!
- Write down the first thing that pops into your head. It might be something mundane, like, “I’m grateful for indoor plumbing.” Which might lead to something bigger like, “I’m grateful that I have a roof over my head.” Which might lead to thinking about people who don’t, and giving a donation to a charity that provides housing. Which might lead you to being grateful you the funds to make that donation. Which might lead you to thinking about the raise you got last year, and how it made this summer’s family trip possible, and… You’ll have to stop at some point, but add to to the list tomorrow, and the next day… Result? Happytude (you can call it Habitude if it keeps you from gagging).
- Visual prompts are great. When I wrote this post, I started pulling out pictures of things that make me happy, and I couldn’t stop! Why? Details. It’s not just “my wife” that makes me happy, it’s the adorable little creases around her nose when she laughs, and the tenderness in her eyes when she held our baby daughter (picture below). Details trigger memories. And memories trigger happytude.
- Every day has things to be grateful for, even crappy days. Finally, remember that habitude mostly has to do with people. So focus on others as much as you can. Want a great example? Think about Mr. Rogers, a man who formed a lifelong habitude of kindness and gratitude.
Isn’t it time we did the same?
P.S. It’s my Photoblog Friday, so here’s a gallery of things that make me happy.
Click on any image to enlarge it, or to begin slideshow.
Great thoughts, Mitch. When I read the title, I thought about that word, “crappy.” It was common in my household, where “cussing” and vulgarity were off limits. To us it simply meant “crummy” and had vague negative connotations. However, as we moved around the country, we came across regions/people for home the word itself was vulgar — presumably because it referred to feces. Very strange; it has never held that meaning for anyone I grew up around.
Being a word-guy I had to check its etymology and it apparently held both meanings since its origin (c. 1846). https://www.etymonline.com/word/crappy#:~:text=crappy%20(adj.),Related%3A%20Crappily%3B%20crappiness.
I also grew up using the word in the original sense of “worthless,” poor quality, etc., Rob. Thanks for the fascinating link.
You’ve given us words to live by for sure!
<3
Great words of advice! I start almost every day with a morning walk and focus for all I am grateful for (as well as praying for whatever needs and people come to mind). I am a financial coach, and for those who struggle to make ends meet, focusing on what you have rather than what you don’t have help create an attitude of acceptance and contentment. So much to be grateful for!! 🙏
Such a great way to start your day, Lisa!
My favorite photo is of the older you, strumming that Taylor guitar.
Your older eyes also look wiser and more settled than in your younger photos.
Maybe it’s from reading your memoirs posts, but age seems to have given you a valuable perspective.
I’d like to think so at least. ;>) Thanks, David.
Wise advice, Mitch. Thank you! Love the photos.🙂
Thanks, Priscilla!
A very good advice for a good life. Of all the virtues gratitude is king. And great pics!
Gracias, Francisco!
De nada Mitch!
I love the Roy T. Bennett quote Mitch, very true. And thanks for the smiles and sharing of your personal photos. 💖💐
My pleasure, Sandy.
A very good reminder Mitch, thank you ☺️
My pleasure, Manu.
Thanks for taking me down your personal Memory Lane of gratitude.
My pleasure, truly, Nancy.
Great pix, Mitch, and sage advice 😎👍
Thanks, Darryl.
This is such a refreshing perspective on gratitude! I love how you’ve turned it into a daily, actionable habit with the “Happytude List” and visual prompts. It’s so true that focusing on the little details — like the creases in your loved one’s smile — makes gratitude more meaningful and personal. The connection between gratitude and giving back is especially inspiring. Thank you for reminding us to slow down and appreciate life amidst the chaos. Mr. Rogers would definitely approve of this!🙌👌
Aw, thanks, John.
🌷👏
Good reminders…this is the reason I LOVE Instagram. I can just sit and scroll through the beautiful pictures that are in my feed every day. I’ve been on IG long enough, and looked and commented on enough pictures, that IG has the perfect algorithms for my taste.
Thank you for the photo of the Thomas Dambo sculpture in Dayton, Mitch, which contributed to my happytude today! We visited another work of his in Washington State last summer: The Bird King. The creativity, workmanship, and size of his trolls–all constructed of recycled wood, is truly awe-inspiring! And they make you smile.
They certainly do make you smile, Nancy. Trudy and I loved them.
There are so many things I am grateful for and things that make me happy. It is too easy to grumble, but that only makes me feel crappy. I love this post.
Great advice, Mitch!
Thanks, Peggy!
What a beautiful post… That first picture of the young girl hugging that elephant is so beautiful ♥️
I agree, Jermena–that’s why I put it first.