Why do we feel happy?
2024-11-20
Once upon a time, nestled in a field of sunflowers taller than houses, lived a little bouncy ball named Pip. Pip wasn't just any bouncy ball; Pip had a special tummy that glowed different colors depending on how Pip felt. When Pip was happy, his tummy glowed a bright, sunny yellow. When Pip was sad, it turned a soft, cloudy grey. And when Pip was grumpy, it pulsed a grumpy, reddish-purple!
One day, Pip was bouncing along, his yellow tummy shining brilliantly. He was happy! But little Pip didn't understand why he was happy. He bounced over to his wise friend, Professor Willow, a very old and knobbly tree who knew all the secrets of the Sunflower Field.
"Professor Willow," Pip bounced excitedly, his yellow tummy practically vibrating, "My tummy is so sunny yellow! I'm happy! But why?"
Professor Willow chuckled, his leaves rustling like whispered secrets. "Ah, Pip, that's a wonderful question! Happiness is like a delicious, fruity smoothie – it's made up of many yummy ingredients."
Professor Willow pointed a long, gnarled branch towards a group of brightly colored flowers dancing in the breeze. "See those flowers swaying? That's the ingredient of Movement! When you bounce and move, your body releases happy juices that make your tummy glow yellow. It's like a little party inside you!"
Pip bounced higher, feeling the happy juices coursing through him. "Wow!" he exclaimed, his yellow glow intensifying.
Professor Willow then gestured towards a pair of busy little creatures building a magnificent tower of pebbles. "Observe those builders! That's the ingredient of Achievement! When you accomplish something, no matter how small – like building a tower, drawing a picture, or even putting on your own shoes – you feel proud, and that pride mixes with the happy juices, making your happiness even stronger."
Pip thought about the time he successfully stacked his blocks into a tall, wobbly tower. His tummy glowed a little brighter. He felt that warm, proud feeling again.
Next, Professor Willow pointed to a group of creatures sharing juicy berries. "See how they're sharing? That's the ingredient of Kindness! When you are kind and helpful to others, it makes you feel good inside. It's like adding a spoonful of honey to your happy smoothie."
Pip remembered sharing his favorite bouncy ball with his friend, Lily. He'd felt a warm fuzzy feeling in his tummy at that time. His yellow glow grew even stronger.
Professor Willow continued, pointing to a playful chase happening among several creatures. "Look at that playful chase! That is Play! Playing games, telling jokes, singing songs – all these activities release happy juices. Play is like adding a sprinkle of sparkly glitter to your happiness smoothie!"
Pip remembered the fun he had rolling down the hill with Lily. The image of them giggling made his tummy shine even brighter.
Professor Willow then pointed to a fluffy creature snuggling close to its family. "Notice how close they are? That’s the ingredient of Love and Belonging! Feeling loved and connected with others – your family, your friends, even your favorite toy – fills your heart with warmth and makes your happiness glow."
Pip thought of his warm bed, his favorite blanket, and the comforting hug from his guardian. His yellow glow was almost blinding now!
Finally, Professor Willow pointed towards the beautiful sunset painting the sky in vibrant colors. "And lastly," he said gently, "there's Appreciation. Taking time to notice the beauty around you – the colors of the sunset, the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of the breeze – all contribute to your happy smoothie. It’s like adding a sweet, juicy piece of fruit to make it extra delicious."
Pip looked around at the beautiful Sunflower Field, noticing the buzzing bees, the fluttering butterflies, the gentle breeze swaying the tall flowers. His tummy glowed with a radiant, almost blinding yellow. He finally understood! Happiness wasn't just a feeling; it was a delicious smoothie blended from many wonderful ingredients: Movement, Achievement, Kindness, Play, Love and Belonging, and Appreciation. He bounced and twirled, his sunny yellow tummy shining brighter than ever before.
From that day on, Pip knew how to make his happiness smoothie even tastier. He bounced, he played, he shared, he helped, he appreciated the beauty around him, and he felt loved. And his tummy? It glowed with a happy, sunny yellow all the time! He learned that happiness wasn't just something that happened; it was something he could actively create, one delicious ingredient at a time.