You’re striving for happiness, or at least you’ve been trying to, but it’s been a constant uphill battle.

You’ve tried self-help books, positive affirmations, and motivational speeches, but you still need to get quite there.

Sometimes, it’s not even about feeling down or depressed.

You have this clue that you’re becoming happier, even when your mind, circumstances, or society tells you otherwise.

Here are eight signs of knowing that you’re on the path to becoming happier.

1) Finding joy in the small things

Happiness isn’t always about life-changing events or significant milestones.

Sometimes, it’s the little moments, the seemingly insignificant ones, that often go unnoticed.

One of the signs of becoming a happier person is when you start to find joy in the small things.

It could be a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a good book, a shared joke with a friend, or even a sunny day.

These tiny sparks of joy may not seem like much, but they add to your overall happiness.

2) Let go of perfection

Perfection is a tricky beast. It promises the world but often delivers nothing but stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.

I’ve always been a perfectionist, striving for the best and never settling for anything less.

But lately, I’ve noticed a shift in my perspective.

I’m starting to understand that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. I’m beginning to accept that making mistakes is not only natural but also a necessary part of growth.

And while it’s still a work in progress, this newfound acceptance of imperfection makes me feel lighter, more content, and happier.

When you start letting go of perfection, you are on the way to becoming happier.

3) Reconnecting with passions

You know, there was a time when I would get lost for hours in painting. The blend of colors, the movement of the brush, and the creation of something uniquely mine filled me with a sense of joy and fulfillment that was hard to match.

But somewhere along the way, life happened. Work, responsibilities, and other commitments piled up, and I pushed my passion for painting to the backburner.

Then, one day, I picked up a brush and a canvas out of the blue. And as I started to paint, I could feel that familiar thrill, that spark of happiness reignite within me.

Then, I realized how much I had missed painting and how much it contributed to my happiness.

Regularly taking time for your passion and reconnecting with what you love has made you happier.

4) Often laughter

Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. And it’s not just an old wives’ tale. Because it releases endorphins, which are our body’s natural feel-good chemicals, boosts our mood and even lessens pain.

Nowadays, I find myself laughing more often. Whether at a silly joke my friend told me, a funny scene in a movie, or even at myself when I make a blunder – laughter has become a regular part of my day.

And let me tell you, the world seems a bit brighter and more cheerful when you’re laughing your way through it. This increased frequency of laughter is one of the signs that you are becoming happier.

5) Learn to appreciate solitude

I used to be the kind of person who always needed company. The thought of being alone was daunting, even a little scary. But lately, things have started to change.

These days, I find myself looking forward to those quiet moments alone. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in silence, reading a book, or simply sitting by the window and watching the world go by – these moments of solitude have become precious to me.

This capacity to enjoy one’s own company without feeling lonely or anxious is a sign of emotional maturity and happiness.

Understanding that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely can be a time for self-reflection, self-growth, and recharging your batteries. And this shift in perspective has undoubtedly played a role in making you feel happier.

6) Prioritize self-care

I used to think that taking time for myself was selfish. There were always more important things to do, more pressing matters. But the more I read about happiness, the more I learned how crucial self-care is.

I’ve made it a point to prioritize self-care. Be it a relaxing bath, a yoga session, or just a peaceful walk in the park – I ensure that I spend some time every day doing something that replenishes me, physically and emotionally.

And this isn’t just about pampering. It’s showing kindness and compassion towards yourself and acknowledging that your needs are essential, too.

The result? You will feel more balanced, more at peace, and happier.

7) Practicing gratitude daily

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong, what we don’t have, or what we wish was different. But I’ve decided to shift my focus.

For example, I spend a few minutes reflecting on what I’m grateful for. It could be something big like a supportive family or something small like a delicious meal.

Acknowledging the good in my life, no matter how tiny, has changed my perspective. It’s made me realize there is so much to be thankful for.

This daily gratitude practice can help you appreciate your life more and make you significantly more content. It’s like they say – happiness doesn’t make us grateful, but gratitude makes us happy.

8) Learning to live in the present

I used to be constantly anxious about the future or regretful about the past. I was so caught up in what could happen or had happened that I often missed out on what was happening.

But now, I’m consciously trying to live in the present moment. To appreciate the now.

Whether savoring a meal, listening to a song, having a conversation, or simply breathing – you should be fully present and engaged in whatever you do.

This shift towards mindfulness, focusing on the present moment, will bring a sense of calm and contentment to your life.

On the other hand, happiness isn’t somewhere in the future or hidden in the past. It’s right here, at this moment, and you must cherish it.

The final thought

You’re on the right path if you’ve been nodding to these signs. You’re becoming a happier person, a journey worth celebrating.

And while the road to happiness may not always be easy, it’s rewarding.

You’re learning to meet your needs, live in the present, and appreciate the small things in life. 

So take a moment to cherish how far you’ve come. Reflect on the changes you’ve made and the growth you’ve experienced.

And most importantly, keep going. Your journey towards becoming an even happier person has only just begun.