[B2] What Makes You Happy

Hi everyone. Welcome back to the 5-Minute English Practice. I’m Jessica, and I’m really happy to have you here today. In today’s episode, I want to talk about something very simple, but also very deep. I want to talk about what makes me happy. This isn’t a perfect story, and it isn’t a list of rules for happiness. It’s just my personal experience, shared honestly, in the hope that you might recognize a little piece of yourself in it.

When people ask me what makes me happy, I usually pause. Not because I don’t know the answer, but because the answer has changed many times throughout my life. Happiness used to feel like a destination to me, like somewhere I was supposed to arrive one day if I worked hard enough and made all the right choices. I believed that once I reached that place, happiness would stay with me forever.

But life didn’t work that way.

Now I understand that happiness is not permanent. It comes and goes. It changes shape. And most importantly, it doesn’t look the same for everyone.

These days, happiness feels much quieter than I imagined when I was younger. It doesn’t announce itself loudly. It doesn’t always come with excitement or celebration. Often, it shows up in small, ordinary moments that are easy to overlook.

One thing that makes me happy is slow mornings. Not every morning, of course. Life can be busy, and some days begin with stress or rushing. But on mornings when I can slow down, even just a little, I feel more at peace. Making a cup of coffee or tea, feeling the warmth of the mug in my hands, standing near the window and watching the light change — these moments ground me. They remind me that I don’t have to hurry through my life.

I’ve learned that routines bring me happiness. For a long time, I thought routines were boring, something that would limit my freedom. But now I see them differently. Routines give my life structure and safety. When everything feels uncertain, routines remind me that there are still things I can rely on. Simple habits like journaling, stretching, or organizing my space help me feel calm and in control.

Another thing that makes me happy is being honest with myself. This has taken time. I used to believe that happiness meant always being positive, always appearing strong, and never showing vulnerability. I thought admitting that I was tired or overwhelmed meant I was failing.

But real happiness began when I allowed myself to be honest about how I feel. Saying, “I’m not okay today,” or “I need a break,” is not weakness. It’s self-respect. When I stop pretending and start listening to myself, I feel lighter. I feel more real. And that honesty creates space for genuine happiness.

People also play a huge role in my happiness. Not a large number of people, but the right ones. The people who make me feel safe being myself. The ones who listen without judgment. The ones who don’t rush me or pressure me to change. Being truly seen and accepted brings a deep kind of joy that I didn’t fully understand before.

At the same time, I’ve learned to appreciate being alone. Solitude used to scare me. When I was alone, my thoughts felt too loud. But over time, I learned how to be comfortable in my own company. Now, being alone feels peaceful. It gives me space to think, to feel, and to reconnect with myself without distractions. In those quiet moments, I often discover what I truly need.

Creativity is another source of happiness for me. Writing, especially, helps me understand myself better. When I write, I don’t need to have all the answers. I can explore my thoughts freely, without judgment. Sometimes I begin writing without knowing what I want to say, and by the end, I understand myself a little more. That sense of clarity brings me joy.

Nature makes me happy in a gentle, steady way. I don’t need to travel far or see dramatic landscapes. Even a short walk outside can change my mood. The sound of the wind, the movement of trees, the colors of the sky — these things remind me that life continues at its own pace. Nature doesn’t rush, and it doesn’t expect anything from me. It simply exists, and that brings me comfort.

Growth also makes me happy, especially the kind that happens quietly. The moments when I notice I’ve changed in small ways. When I react more calmly than I used to. When I set boundaries without guilt. When I choose rest instead of pushing myself too hard. These changes may not be visible to others, but they matter deeply to me.

I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from becoming someone else. It comes from becoming more myself. Letting go of expectations that don’t align with who I am. Allowing myself to change my mind, to learn, and to grow. Some of my happiest moments came from unexpected paths, from plans that didn’t work out but led me somewhere better.

Gratitude plays an important role in my happiness, but not in a forced way. I don’t believe that gratitude means ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. To me, gratitude means noticing what is still good, even during difficult times. It means holding sadness and appreciation at the same time. Life can be hard and beautiful together.

I feel happy when I notice small things — a message from a friend, a song that perfectly matches my mood, a quiet laugh, a moment of peace. These moments don’t solve all my problems, but they remind me that happiness exists in pieces, not all at once.

Helping others, even in small ways, brings me happiness too. Being kind, listening, or offering support connects me to something beyond myself. It reminds me that we all carry unseen struggles, and kindness can make a difference, even when it feels small.

Rest has become one of the most important sources of happiness in my life. I used to think rest had to be earned through productivity. Now I know that rest is necessary. Allowing myself to slow down, to do nothing without guilt, has changed my relationship with happiness. It has taught me to be gentler with myself.

Music also makes me happy. Some songs feel like memories. Others feel like understanding. Music accompanies me when words fail. It reminds me that emotions are shared experiences, that I’m not alone in how I feel.

I no longer expect happiness to be constant. Some days are heavy, and some days feel unclear. But knowing that emotions move, that nothing stays the same forever, gives me peace. Happiness doesn’t disappear forever; it returns in new forms.

Today, I don’t chase happiness. Instead, I try to create space for it. I take care of myself. I nurture meaningful relationships. I listen to my inner voice. I allow joy without guilt.

If I had to describe what truly makes me happy, I would say authenticity. Living in a way that feels honest. Making choices that reflect my values. Accepting myself as I am, while still allowing myself to grow.

Happiness, for me, is not a perfect life. It’s a gentle sense of belonging within myself. A quiet confidence that even when life feels uncertain, I’ll be okay. A collection of small moments that remind me I’m alive, learning, and becoming.

And that is what makes me happy.

Thank you so much for listening today. I hope this episode gave you a moment to reflect on what makes you happy. If you enjoyed this practice, don’t forget to come back for the next episode of the 5-Minute English Practice.