Things That Make Me Instantly Happy
Because sometimes we have to bring our own sunshine
When Liberty asked in her post “Rest, Rejuvenation, Restoration — Food for the soul” what rest means to each of us, I couldn’t stop giggling because to me, rest is sitting back in my spot in my living room and making grand lists. (Sheldon Cooper much? A la The Big Bang Theory).
I’ve always been a fan of lists. They give structure to my life and make me happy. They literally soothe me. The joy of seeing the number of things I can check off is unparalleled. And oh, so motivating. To make the next one, of course. And to accomplish most of the things I plan. Simply stated, I find making lists quite soothing and rather therapeutic.
On days when I feel low, I pick up these lists and go through them — and feel much better.
I thought I’d share one of my lists — of 30 things that make me instantly happy. I’d love to know if any of these appeal to you!
30 things that make me instantly happy
- It is a weekday. It is raining outside. I continue to stay snuggled under the covers and watch the rain from my window, heaving a sigh of relief and grateful that I work from home. No messy commute!
- Rummaging for something desperately and finding a stash of cash. YES! That would always be my mother’s shelf, always. Instantly rich. In so many ways. And blurry eyes.
- Seeing someone at the supermarket, making eye contact, and feeling a great sense of déjà vu. I am pretty convinced I know this person and I think I should make conversation. Two months later, we’re good friends like we knew each other all our lives. The bliss!
- Receiving a letter or parcel via courier. Email is great too, but the joy of physically holding a package, unpacking it with anticipation is so exciting. (and then saving the wrapping carefully…)
- Rushing through traffic, short on time, and finding that each time I approach the traffic lights they’re green and let me pass through. Makes me feel that everything I touch today will be a success. Oh, universe, I love you!
6. Experiencing a life-and-death incident — narrowly missing being in a fatal accident and being able to relate it humorously to loved ones. And feeling even happier to be alive.
7. There’s a song going through my head and then I turn on the radio/television to hear that same song!
8. When I am super-thirsty. That first sip of water, knowing there’s lots more where that came from. Tastes so good!
9. The heady combination of aftershave and cigarette smoke — pure nostalgia. What? Tell me you don’t have those happy combos!
10. When in conversation with a friend, both say the same thing simultaneously, using the same words. Ah, what bonding!
11. Arriving at an empty supermarket counter, chatting with the staff as they bill my stuff. Asking each other if we had coffee, breakfast. And saying ‘bye like we are long-lost pals. And overhearing her tell her colleague that I am so sweet. Total ego-massage!
12. Waking up disoriented to realize it is a holiday, and knowing it is okay to catch another hour in bed.
13. Those days of waiting at my son’s school gate, and watching children of all sizes and shapes tumble out and catching snippets of their conversation. Guaranteed smiles!
14. The smell of freshly pressed clothes. So feel-good, combining the fragrance of the washing soap, some lingering perfume, and the warmth of the iron box.
15. Returning home, opening the front door, and smelling the mixed familiar smells.
16. An “a-ha” moment that results in a superb idea that works! Great feeling.
17. Getting into bed after changing the sheets, with the lingering fragrance of the cupboard, the freshness feels quite like Goldilocks.
18. Driving somewhere. Coming upon an amazing view. Capturing it with my camera. And find it is one of the best pictures I’ve clicked. At least in my mind!
19. Chatting with friends, recalling old times, and having a good laugh, basking in the happiness of many more times like these ahead.
20. Thinking of a friend who is out of touch, and receiving a call from them five minutes later, as if they were waiting for a sign.
21. Feeling low and being complimented by many people and finding my mood lifting. As if they knew I need to be pepped up. Divine intervention style.
22. Reading something amazingly funny. Having a good laugh and remembering it all day. And laughing all over again!
23. Going for a walk and coming back invigorated and feeling that all is right with the world.
24. An impromptu celebration of unexpected good news. What fun!
25. Setting off aimlessly with only a vague destination in mind, wandering around, and finding that this day will always be etched in my memory.
26. A hug and a kiss from my son.
27. Singing in the Rain (except when I am returning from the month’s grocery shopping and carrying the bags home).
28. Spending time with someone and having them tell me I made them feel better (more ego-massaging!)
29. Starting a huge project, feeling intimidated only to find I can sail through it, finish it successfully, and also receive great feedback. What an upper!
30. Discovering a writer who makes me want to spend all day reading all the posts ever written by them.
This is just a top-of-the-mind list — I could really go on and on.
Wondering why 30? Well, why not!
Won’t you share what makes you instantly happy?
I am still giggling at Judy Millar’s ho-ho-horrible Christmas gift list! Have you read it? ❤
Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles ❤ Did you smile today?
One of the reasons I write is to support underprivileged children. Would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? ☕ You can also use Ko-Fi. Thank you so much!