Why I choose not to postpone happiness

We all do it.

We think/say: "I will be happy when I move house to a nicer area". "I will be happy when my baby is older and can talk to me." "I will be happy when I am on holiday somewhere else." "I will be happy when that project is over." "I will be happy when I can retire."

"I will be happy when [insert yearning of choice here]..."

I receive daily coach challenges via an amazing app as part of a self-development course called Gentle Ambition (via Azkua). I am not working on commission for either, but I can say both are highly recommended. Today's challenge is 'Stop Waiting for Happiness'. Perfect for me, at the moment. I have lots to look forward to - summer holidays, interesting work projects, social engagements - in the near and more distant future. But it can be harder to find the happiness in the now.

This morning, I chose to do just that, by asking myself: What is making me happy right now?

Here's my happy-right-now list:

• On warm summer days like today I have an office in my garden, which is quiet, green, cool and warm, and means I can work surrounded by beautiful colours, aromas and textures. The bonus company of my daughters' two little guinea pigs adds an amusing moment or two to my day as well.
• There are tree-lined leafy streets where I can stroll on short screen breaks, and still be home again within 10 minutes.
• The sun is out, it's warm, and there are summer sounds and scents on the air (kids laughing, airplanes, people mowing their lawns).
• I have plenty of money, safety, time and energy (admittedly, the last tends to come after coffee).
• I can choose to make a yummy fresh cup of coffee, or visit a local cafe to exchange friendly greetings in a few different languages and come home with an expertly-made latte.
• My children are happy and safe with their friends and teachers at a school we love, and selected very carefully.
• I have good, strong and evolving connections with my friends, fellow parents, teachers, and with people further away too.
• My work today is interesting, for a client I really enjoy working with, and is in an area in which I feel I have mastered.
• I can stop or start work, pretty much whenever I wish (within deadlines constraints, of course) - I love working freelance!

Throughout the day, I'm pretty sure there will be more reasons to be happy right now. For now, I'll stick with the current ones.

Will you accept the challenge today/this week/weekend too? How many ways can you be happy right now? I'd love to hear how you get on.