This Saturday (13th December) will be this blog’s 1st birthday! 28 blogs and 365 days later, a lot has changed, but setting time aside to write something each fortnight has been so rewarding. My writing sessions have been such a normal part of my life for the last year, and it’s been so great to engage with people around what I’ve written that week.
Looking back at the start
When I first started blogging, my main goal was to find things that brought me happiness, and I think it’s worked. I wanted to create a place that reminded me (and maybe you) that happiness isn’t always loud, planned, or perfect. Sometimes it’s as small as a quick catch-up with a friend or family member, a homemade meal or a small gesture from a stranger.
I wanted to start this as a way to help think more positively in a fast-changing environment, and highlight the small things in life that make you smile.
Has it worked?
I didn’t expect that this project would change my mind as much as it has. I’m often more grateful for small moments, and I try to be a more positive person. This doesn’t mean I’m always positive, but it definitely has helped me look on the bright side.
Having the time to reflect on the topic each fortnight helped me put my write my thoughts down and think about more positive things. Having that time set aside really helped me not ignore any negative thoughts, which was a great way to refresh and start fresh.
I also think that having a blog has helped me prioritise time for creative outlets. Adding it to my schedule has been really beneficial.
Highlights
I wanted to highlight some of my favourite blogs I’ve written over the last year:
- Threads of Tradition: Celebrating Family, Friends & Culture
- Traditions are something that always brings me happiness, and it’s usually quite quiet and random, which I always love.
- Why is sport so good for you
- Sport is something that’s always been a huge part of my life, so it was great to write about all the positive side effects of sport.
- How to cut out your phone
- As someone who is chronically online, with online university and work, I wanted to write about some of the ways to switch off and spend some time away from our phones.
- Laughter, Memories, and the Magic of Old Friends
- Friends make everything better, and having a good catch-up makes most things better.
- Embrace the Silly Side: How to Stop Taking Life So Seriously
- I hate being super serious, and being less serious is one of my 2026 goals to work on.
As this is a highlight of just 5 of my favourites, I’m so proud of anything I’ve written on here.
Chapters coming to a close
With life getting in the way, I’m having to take a break from writing blogs in the new year. I’ve got one more blog to end out 2025, and then I’m going to focus on University and having time to rest and recover for a little bit. For those who have read my blogs, suggested ideas or messaged me about things from Hidden Happiness, you’re the best!
It feels strange to know that I’m only writing one more blog for now. But I know that I’ll always be looking for hidden happiness, wherever I am.
