Some of our readers' happiest moments of the year

I have to say, Chatelaine.com readers, you really moved me. Honestly, so many of you responded to my one-year-anniversary post with such heartfelt, heart-warming, and even heartbreaking responses. So, fully inspired, I’m turning this post over to you to share some responses about your happiest moments this year. Here’s just an inspiring sample of what you had to say.

My happiest moment was…

…when I realized I no longer had to please everyone, and I could do the activities I wanted without the guilt complex. Guilt has followed me my whole life! This summer I went kayaking instead of making lunch (although I made lunch when I got back). I’m realizing I matter and consequently, I am making small important changes towards my happiness every day. -- enlightened

…getting the unexpected call from our vet informing us she had been incorrect and that the biopsy results showed our beloved cat was cancer free. It is moments like these when you realize how little control, regardless of your resources, you have over the most important things in life. And then you rejoice in the extra time you have with those you love. -- ZeBowman

…when my doctor told me I was able to come off of some of the medication I have been on for 11 years since my heart attack. The hard work is paying off! -- emiller

…taking a writing course and re-establishing my love and passion for it. -- cookielady 

…when I said “I do” in August. After losing my husband to cancer over seven years ago, it is a light-hearted feeling to be so happy and have a second chance to share my life with a man so special to me. The feeling is doubled as he was in the same situation. We are constantly having people tell us how happy we look together. Life is wonderful! -- budamur

…this summer when my teenage son -- who has Asperger's Syndrome and absolutely hates touching anyone -- asked me if he could give me a hug. -- cg007

…my breakup with my boyfriend of 14 years. He is a great guy but very depressed and not seeking help for it. I wanted to make it work but when he broke up with me I realized I can get out and have fun again, and my list of worries shrank to almost nothing. -- Sam

…turning 40 with my family and friends around me. It was the best reason to take time off of work and relax with loved ones. Since then, I've made happiness a priority. My house is less than tidy, but I’ve enjoyed many long-overdue coffee dates with great friends. -- fairpress

…in finding happiness in the smallest things. My son took his first steps, I had my 10th wedding anniversary and my stepdad went through a successful lung surgery due to cancer. Even in my darkest hour -- losing my 31 year old sister-in-law to cancer in January -- I took comfort in knowing her suffering was over and she was in a better place. Happiness can be found in the strangest of places. I just had to look. -- rogina

…donating blood. Seems like a pretty little thing, but I have several people near and dear to me who are dealing with cancer treatments right now. They have friends and loved ones who worry about them just like I am worrying. Knowing that this donation might help ease the worry just a little bit made me feel really good. -- Farm Girl

Want more happiness news? Follow me on Twitter @AstridVanDenB