How to Be Happy: An Incomplete List

by Deborah Bass Published: September 6, 2026

Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Torn typewritten note reading “Nobody is you and that is your power” on black stone

Torn typewritten note reading “Eat a just-ripe peach warmed by the sun” with a hand-drawn sun

Torn typewritten note reading “Listen.” on black stone

Torn typewritten note reading “Hug a stranger after a heartfelt conversation” with a hand-drawn heart

Torn typewritten note reading “Tell your people you love them. Often.” on black stone

Torn typewritten note reading “Take naps.” on black stone

Torn typewritten note reading “Dance.” on black stone

Torn typewritten note beginning “Cherish your memories” on black stone

Torn typewritten note reading “Just try. Regret is a great burden.” on black stone

Nobody is YOU and that is your power.
Know this.
Don’t measure yourself against anyone or everyone.

Eat a just-ripe peach warmed by the sun.
Do it.
Savor it.

Listen.

Hug a stranger after a heartfelt conversation.

Tell your people you love them.
Often.

Take naps.

Dance.

Cherish your memories.
The good ones.
Not everybody has them. Not everyone can access them.

Just try.
Regret is a great burden.

…to be continued…