“Simple shifts in routine can shape the overall level of our happiness.”
Happy Thursday,
What if happiness isn’t about grand changes, but about the small adjustments you choose each day? This week’s Happiness Note is all about rethinking routine—not as something that confines you, but as a tool that brings freedom, balance, and ease. I’ll share a simple Life Wheel exercise that helps you see your life more clearly, spot what’s working, and gently reset what isn’t.
In gratitude, ❤ Emily
This week’s topic and inspiration come from the article: “Making Routine Work for You.”
💛 Remember the Good
Routines don’t have to feel heavy or rigid—they can remind us of what’s already working. When we step back and take a wide-angle view of our lives, we often see that many things are already flowing well. By pausing to notice what’s in balance, we create gratitude for the systems, habits, and choices that keep us steady.
Tip to remember the good:
Try using a Life Wheel exercise to capture a snapshot of your life. Fill in the areas where you feel most satisfied and let that picture remind you of the progress you’ve already made.
Directions for creating your personalized wheel:
Blank Wheel:
Example of a Filled-In Wheel:
Step 1:
Draw a large circle on a piece of paper. Divide the circle into 8–10 segments (refer to the example I created if it is helpful to you).
Step 2:
Think of all the different areas of your life you spend the most time in and label the wheel with the key areas for each segment (you may have more or fewer segments than the example; it’s yours by design).
Step 3:
Think about your current level of satisfaction in each area, and give each area a numerical value from 1 to 10 (1 = low, 10 = high).
Step 4:
Shade in the different areas with a pen or colored pencils up to the numerical value (see example).
Step 5:
Spend some time looking at the overall picture of your wheel. What do you notice? What comes up for you as important? How do all of the different areas in your life affect each other? If you increased the level of satisfaction in one area, how would it influence the other areas? Do you have room to add more routines in any of the areas? Would you like less routine and more freedom in any of the areas? How will adding or shifting routine change your level of satisfaction in each area? Will adding or shifting routine change the overall picture of your daily life and your overall level of satisfaction? *For more info on creating life wheels, visit my website.
🌿 Feel Your Best
The beauty of a routine is that it’s yours to shape. When you choose where to add structure and where to allow freedom, you design a life that fuels your energy instead of drains it. A balanced routine is not about perfection—it’s about making simple, personalized choices that bring ease and joy to your daily life.
Tip to feel your best:
Identify one area of your wheel where adding a supportive routine could elevate your energy and mood. Start there, small and intentional.
🔄 Reset as Needed
Life is rarely static—what serves you today may not fit tomorrow. That’s why routines are not meant to box you in, but to be flexible frameworks that evolve as you do. If your wheel feels wobbly, use it as an opportunity to reset—not with judgment, but with curiosity about what might make your days feel smoother.
Tip for a reset:
Revisit your wheel monthly. Notice where satisfaction has shifted and ask yourself: What one small change could make my days feel lighter right now?
This Week’s Quote:
Disclaimer: This newsletter's advice and strategies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we cannot guarantee outcomes or be held liable for any consequences of using or misusing the information provided. We encourage you to seek professional advice or consult with qualified experts for guidance related to your particular needs.