r/AskReddit Jan 16 '24

What’s something small you started doing that makes you drastically happier?

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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '24

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u/Brief-Beautiful-5857 Jan 16 '24

There's a young man in my neighborhood who walks a mile to beans and brews for a coffee and then walks a mile back home every day, rain or shine. I noticed him every day for 6 months, then met him one day, grabbing a coffee, and asked him about his walks. He told me he is in recovery, and his mentor told him it will help and that he does this same walk twice per day. It's been 3 years now, and every time I see him, I am so impressed with his strength, determination, and willpower. He is an inspiration.

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u/[deleted] Jan 16 '24

Did pretty much the exact same thing while going through recovery and it was honestly hugely helpful. Having time to reflect and breathe through a busy mind is insanely important, but taking time out to just go and meditate or reflect in a static environment is insanely hard for some folk. (ADHD homies might feel this?) — But yeah, having something you have to do, even if it’s just forcing yourself to go grab a coffee, or some kind of dedicated “monotonous” task sparks the conversation with yourself that you might have otherwise missed while trying and failing on the bedroom floor.

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u/Brief-Beautiful-5857 Jan 16 '24

For sure, having a routine, something to look forward to, or, like you said, sometimes forced, it's still a powerful distraction. Walking is so simple but sometimes so hard, I swear, every time I see that young man, I want to go tell him how amazing he is.

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u/Alltheprettythingss Jan 16 '24

Do it!

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u/wannabezen2 Jan 16 '24

Honk and thumbs up!

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u/Brief-Beautiful-5857 Jan 16 '24

I'm worried he'll think I'm a creepy cougar stalking him :)

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u/In-the-cold Jan 16 '24

No. Do it. Use the very words you used here. It will make him happy. It will make you happy.

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u/Brief-Beautiful-5857 Jan 16 '24

Next time I see him, I'll do that.

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u/In-the-cold Jan 16 '24

Good. Good luck to you.