Hi, this is Monique Rhodes. Welcome to the In Your Right Mind podcast, where we’re learning how to be happier by working with our minds. If you’d like to know more, visit moniquerhodes.com, where you’ll find resources to help you on your journey to happiness.
A Beautiful Reminder from Dolly Parton
I read a beautiful quote by Dolly Parton recently. I mean, who doesn’t love Dolly? She exudes warmth and wisdom. She said:
"I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life, because I learned early that if you don’t, you get disappointed a lot. If you do, you might be pleasantly surprised quite often. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I reread passages from my favorite books. I hold the little treasures that somebody special gave me. By keeping my eyes open for unexpected joys, I find the world gives back more than we sometimes think."
There’s something so simple yet profound in these words. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to chase bigger, better, and more. And yet, Dolly reminds us that real joy isn’t found in grand gestures—it’s in the quiet, everyday moments we often overlook. The scent of rain, the comfort of a favorite book, or the touch of a small gift from someone we love—these aren’t extravagant things, but they hold the key to deep and lasting happiness.
Gratitude and the Science of Happiness
The wonderful thing about Dolly’s words is that they aren’t just poetic; they’re backed by science. Research consistently shows that gratitude—the practice of noticing and appreciating what’s good in our lives—is one of the most powerful ways to increase happiness.
This is why the first week of The Happiness Baseline focuses on gratitude. Studies in positive psychology have found that people who regularly express gratitude experience:
- Higher levels of joy and satisfaction
- Lower levels of stress and depression
- Better sleep
- Stronger immune systems
- Deeper, more fulfilling relationships
Gratitude is so effective because it shifts our focus. Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, gratitude teaches us to see what’s already here. It’s a practice that rewires the brain, training it to recognize and savor the good. And the more we train ourselves to find joy in the little things, the more joy we actually experience.
Finding Joy in the Ordinary
It’s easy to believe that happiness is something we’ll feel when we reach a particular milestone—when we achieve a big goal, land the perfect job, or finally get everything in order. But if we only allow ourselves to feel happy in those big moments, we end up spending most of our lives waiting.
The truth is, life isn’t made up of constant, extraordinary events. Life is a series of ordinary days. And if we can’t find happiness in the ordinary, we will spend much of our time feeling disappointed—just like Dolly warns us. But when we train ourselves to notice the beauty in everyday life, we create a steady stream of happiness that doesn’t depend on external achievements.
The Simple Pleasures of Life
Gratitude is about appreciating the small, simple pleasures that surround us:
- The warmth of the sun on your face
- The laughter of a friend
- The first sip of coffee in the morning
- The sound of birds at dawn—or in my case, the monkeys in the trees
These moments cost nothing. They don’t require special circumstances. They are always there, waiting to be noticed.
Life itself is a miracle. The fact that we are breathing, that the sky is there, that we are here in this moment—these are incredible things. And when we start to notice them, life begins to feel fuller, richer, and more meaningful.
The World Gives Back More Than We Expect
When we actively seek happiness, the world gives us back more than we imagined. It’s not that life magically changes—it’s that we change. Our perspective shifts, and suddenly, what once seemed ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Happiness, at its core, is not about having more—it’s about seeing more. It’s about recognizing that even in the midst of challenges, beauty can still be found.
A Challenge for You
Take a page from Dolly’s book.
- Step outside after the rain.
- Reread your favorite words.
- Hold close the things that bring you comfort.
- Keep your eyes open for unexpected joys.
The more you notice, the more life surprises you with moments of happiness you never thought to look for. That’s the unexpected gift of gratitude.
As always, be kind, take care, and go gently in the world.
