Happier Friday! This week’s “What makes you happier?” interview is with the fabulous Susan Wagner, who is a personal stylist, mom, marathon runner, blogger, and so much more. You can follow her on Twitter @WorkingCloset.

Susan, what makes you happier?

Running. I started running almost three years ago and it has changed my life; I’m more focused and better able to handle stress, and that makes me happier. In November of 2011 I ran my first half marathon; I’ve run five more since and am running another in April. Training for longer races compels me to prioritize and to say no to things that don’t make me happy. Running also lets me get inside my own head in really useful ways. My long training runs function as a kind of meditation for me, a chance to sort out my thoughts and gather myself and come back to my everyday life with a more positive attitude. And because I am running and training, I eat better and rest more, so I’m healthier — and happier.

Have you realized something about being happier that maybe you didn’t when, well, you were younger?

The things that make me the happiest are most often very small things, like an unexpected hug from one of my children or a text from my husband or a phone call from a friend. When I was younger I was always counting on big things to make me happy — finishing a project or falling in love or going on vacation. I still enjoy the big things, but the little steps are what make me really happy — which means that I can find a million happy things in each day.

Favorite feel-good movie? (We don’t judge, seriously.)
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We’re kicking off our Friday ‘What makes you happier?’ interview series with someone really special and dear to our Happier hearts.

Cristy was one of the very first users of our app and has been an incredible supporter of our vision (as well as someone who has shared tons of really helpful feedback that’s helped make Happier better!) We’re lucky to have her as part of our extended Happier family.

Cristy, what makes you happier?
While I knew this to be true, according to my Happier stats, my family is the tops for making me happier. But also, beautiful nature images, simple gratefulness and real organic kindness.

Have you realized something about being happier that maybe you didn’t when, well, you were younger?
When I was younger life was about living in the present. As I get older, life becomes textured by experience. There are two ways to look at it: Either see the texture as added value to life or get bogged down by the complexity of it all. I think even the best optimist can get lost in the day-to-day and feel overwhelmed and even depressed by some of life’s harder textures. So being happier is a constant maintenance and almost Buddhist monk-like practice. Like marriage and friendships and family-ships, being happier requires commitment. Continue reading →