2 Simple Happiness Hacks

I was listening to Mel Robbins on a podcast this week and wanted to share a couple of simple things she mentioned that really stuck with me—I'm calling them happiness hacks.

She shared seven total, but these two were my absolute favorites because they’re easy and surprisingly effective. And best of all—they won’t add anything extra to your already packed life.

Let’s be honest: we’re all juggling a lot. Work, home, relationships, logistics. It’s a lot to hold. And I know the last thing you want is another “to-do” added to your list.

But these two things?

✨ They're tiny.

✨ They're joyful.

✨ They're actually doable.

Here you go:

📸 1. Look at Photos

Sounds too easy, right? But the research backs it up: simply looking at photos of people you love or moments that matter to you gives your mood a boost.

This is actually one time when Mel encourages us to scroll on our phones. But make it intentional—scroll through your own photos. The ones that make you smile. The ones that remind you who and what you care about.

I keep a digital photo frame by my sofa and I love watching the memories float by. I even bought a few mini ones to give to my son and some of his friends for graduation—so they can carry a little piece of home with them to college. But if you didn't want to make it digital, you can easily print and frame more memories in your home to look at when you need a pick-me-up.

💃 2. Kitchen Dance Party

I’m obsessed with this one—and it aligns perfectly with one of my favorite habit hacks: Pair something you love with something you resist.

Instead of dreading the end-of-day dinner-making and kitchen cleanup routine, make it fun. Blast your favorite music. Turn it into a dance party. Let your body move while you handle the dishes.

My go-to is 90s hip hop. What's yours?

Neither of these requires planning or effort. They just sneak joy into what you're already doing.

Try one this week. Let me know how it goes. Or better yet—share your favorite photo or kitchen dance song in the group or by replying here. I’d love to hear what lifts you up.

You deserve ease. And happiness doesn’t have to wait.

Journal Prompts:

• What photos on your phone (or in a frame, album, or box) instantly make you smile? Why?

• Who are the people in your life who bring you the most joy? What memories with them do you treasure?

• What’s a moment you wish you could relive? What made it so meaningful?

• How do you want to feel in your everyday life—and what images help you reconnect with that feeling?

• What daily task do you tend to resist or dread—and how could you bring joy into it?

• What kind of music makes you feel most like you?

• Think back to the last time you danced, sang, or moved your body just for fun—what was that like?

Affirmations:

• I make space for joy in the small moments of my day.

• I can access happiness without needing to do more.

• My memories are treasures I can revisit anytime.

Save the Date!!!!

I am in the planning stages for our first annual planning retreat - Draft Your Year with Pencil and Purpose! Dates are January 22-25, with a Thursday evening arrival and departure Sunday morning. This will be for members and other guests (known by either me or a member). I'm tentatively planning to include breakfast, lunch and snacks with dinner on your own (as long as the location has options). Cost is to be determined and will depend upon the number of participants. I want to book a house in the fall and will be looking to get confirmations and a deposit by then. Stay tuned!

Office Hours:  No more office hours this month. This is for Basic Coaching Members as well as any Premier Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE