I love big adventures and big, exciting news. But at the end of the day, it’s the simple things that matter.
Many years ago, I made a list of things that make me happy. I have a list because sometimes I do need to take it out and remind myself of the things I enjoy.
My happy list includes:
- Enjoying a meal with friends
- Riding my pistachio-colored bicycle
- Getting lost in a good book
- Feeding the birds
- Going to the movies
I’ve also found that having daily rituals can make the day more enjoyable. My mornings begin with a walk. I enjoy the peacefulness of it. I’m shrouded in darkness when I begin and by the time I finish I have marveled at the beauty of another sunrise. Then I pour a cup of coffee and read the morning paper.
Friends surprised me with treats from Cafe Du Monde in anticipation of a trip to New Orleans. That made me happy!
After work I come home and grab my mail. Not many people get jazzed about mail anymore, but my mum and I write to each other each week. I love receiving an envelope from her.
I come inside and curl up in a chair to read the latest happenings at my parents’ home. As mum notes, it’s rarely exciting, but that’s okay because her words connect me with my family. I learn the latest pinochle scores, what was for dinner and what the neighbors are up to. Sometimes, there are clippings from the newspaper or magazines she reads – all things she knows I would enjoy. It’s a great ritual at day’s end.
Do you know what makes you happy? If you are willing to share, would you post your “happy” in the comments section? That would make me happy!
Cynthia's Communique 
I also love to get real mail. I have several pen pals and belong to Postcrossing, so it happens a lot. But what also makes me happy is writing letters back to my friends and pen pals, helping to keep the connections alive.
My 14-year-old makes me happy. Listening to him play some complex Chopin or Beethoven piece on the piano is a profound experience. It still blows my mind that I gave birth to this amazing child.
Reading a good book, the kind that transports me to another world (and not an e-book, though they have their uses) makes me happy, especially if I’m alone in a quiet place with a cup of tea. Or single-malt scotch.
Walking through my friendly, beautiful neighborhood, where the shopkeepers know me and I can’t make it through the farmer’s market without running into at least three friends.
Gardening. A few friends and my mom have donated plants to me this year, and I always think of them when I look out on the garden while drinking my morning coffee. I’m excited to plant bulbs for the first time this fall.
You nicely state it is the simple things. those sunrises can’t be emphasized enough.
A few of my happy things:
Any contact with children and grandchildren
A walk in the woods
The morning’s first cup of coffee
The end of the last sentence of a piece I’m writing
Walking my dogs and enjoying the fresh air always makes me happy!