THREE SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
If you’ve ever searched high and low for the elusive feeling of happiness, you’re not alone. We’re all looking for it—sometimes in new places, sometimes in old routines, and sometimes in the quiet moments we didn’t expect. The good news? Happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it often comes down to just three simple things:
- Something to work towards
- Something to hope for
- Something to dream of
Think of these as the core ingredients in your personal recipe for happiness. Each one plays a role in giving your days purpose, your heart peace, and your spirit inspiration.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these—and how to bring them into your life in small, intentional ways.
1. SOMETHING TO WORK TOWARDS
This is the engine that keeps your days moving. It doesn’t have to be a massive, life-altering goal (though it can be!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as knowing pizza and movie night is coming after you finally tackle the garage. Other times, it’s a personal project—a creative pursuit, a garden you’re planting, or organizing your photos from the last five years.
The beauty of working toward something is that it gives structure to your time and a sense of momentum. It’s that satisfying feeling of “I’m getting somewhere.”
Tips to make it actionable:
- Start small. If the goal feels overwhelming, break it into bite-sized pieces. Instead of “clean the whole garage,” start with “sort out one shelf today.”
- Make it visible. Use sticky notes, a whiteboard, or your planner to track progress. Seeing the steps checked off builds momentum.
- Pair it with a reward. Give yourself something to look forward to—a cozy cup of tea, a walk, or yes, that pizza and movie night.
Whether it’s progress at work or getting that closet finally cleared out, working toward something brings a deep sense of satisfaction. It reminds us that even the smallest efforts add up.
2. something to hope for
Hope zooms us out just a little bit. It lets us lift our eyes off the to-do list and imagine something better down the road. Hope is about possibility. It’s believing that good things are still ahead—whether that’s watching your children grow into kind, joyful humans, or planning that trip you’ve been dreaming of for years.
Hope doesn’t mean everything is perfect now. In fact, hope is often most powerful in seasons of uncertainty. It’s what carries us when the future feels fuzzy or life gets heavy. Hope says, “Keep going. There’s something good on the other side.”
How to cultivate hope:
- Write it down. Keep a “hope journal” where you jot down what you’re looking forward to—big or small. This helps keep your heart anchored, especially on tough days.
- Talk about it. Share your hopes with a friend or partner. Speaking them out loud makes them feel more real.
- Revisit it often. When you’re feeling discouraged, return to your list of hopes. They’re reminders of what’s still possible.
You might be hoping for healing, for change, for a fresh start. Whatever your hope is—name it. Nourish it. Let it keep your inner light burning.
3. Something to dream of
Dreams are a little different than goals or hopes. They’re often bigger and they tap into that deep well of who we are and who we want to be. They may not be something we’re working on right this second, but they’re there—shimmering just over the horizon.
Dreams are the “someday” things. Publishing your book. Hiking that mountain. Building your forever home. They give your life a sense of meaning beyond the everyday hustle.
How to nurture your dreams:
- Keep a “dream file.” Whether it’s a journal, Pinterest board, or folder on your phone, gather the ideas, photos, and quotes that spark your imagination.
- Take tiny steps. Even big dreams can start small. Want to write a book? Try writing for 15 minutes a day. Want to hike a mountain? Start with local trails.
- Let it evolve. Dreams can change. That’s okay. The point is to keep dreaming, to stay connected to what stirs your soul.
When you give yourself permission to dream, you’re telling yourself that life isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating something beautiful, even if it’s a work in progress.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
The beautiful thing about these three ingredients—working toward something, hoping for something, and dreaming of something—is that they can all exist at once. You don’t have to choose. In fact, when they work together, they form a foundation that can carry you through any season of life.
Here’s a simple daily check-in to keep you grounded in this recipe:
- What am I working toward today? (It can be as small as cleaning out a drawer.)
- What am I hoping for this week? (Peace, progress, laughter?)
- What am I dreaming of this season? (Something bold, beautiful, or brave?)
Remember, happiness isn’t always found in big, sweeping changes. Most of the time, it’s tucked into the everyday—found in quiet progress, hopeful hearts, and whispered dreams.
I believe happiness is less about chasing perfection and more about embracing the meaningful moments already within your reach. One small step at a time.
Here’s to living intentionally, dreaming bravely, and finding joy in the process.
—Ash
