21.11.10

10 Simple Things That Make Me Happy… What Makes You Happy?

"Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy." Robert Anthony
Sunrise on Painted Hills, Oregon
 As you already know, the holiday season is upon us. We have many reasons to celebrate; from Thanksgiving, to Hanukkah, to Kwanzaa, Christmas and more… It is a joyful time and you find many in a happy mood because of all the revelry going on. Of course, this is not the case for everyone and we must remember to say a prayer for the destitute, the sick, and all who are going through unhappy times.

When I think about the statement above, I am drawn, not only to things about the holidays that I enjoy, but to what makes me happy in general. If you take the holidays out of the equation and consider what in life in general makes you happy, what would your list of 10 look like? 

It doesn’t have to be a heavy duty list with all the politically correct or philosophically astute things we all think of… family, friends, health, wealth, and so on. Those are a given.  I’m thinking about the simple things that we take for granted. For instance, an early morning sunrise on a summer day… You know, simple things that add to our joy or should I say, those every day things that meet us on our way to a happy day.

Below is a list of 10 simple things that make me happy. What makes you happy?  What does your list look like? Do share.
"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. " Robert Brault  
Queen of Andes plant flowers once every 80-100 years
♥♥♥Did I mention an early morning sunrise...? Especially in spring and summer time when flowers are blooming and there's a strong scent in the air and bright colors everywhere.
♥♥♥A bowl of freshly made matzo ball soup in the dead of winter; add some veggies to the mix and I'm thrilled.
♥♥♥Acts of kindness to those in need; the homeless, the elderly, the sick, children...
♥♥♥Waking up in the morning and getting out of bed with a spring in my step; I'm a night person so mornings can be a stretch.
♥♥♥Fresh baked bread drizzled with sweet butter and a cup of tea with honey and milk would be a perfect start to the day.
                                     "If you want to be happy, be."  Leo Tolstoy
♥♥♥Long walks on the aqueduct, in nature, with my headphones on listening to my music of choice; Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Sade... and many others
♥♥♥Listening to my children sharing funny stories and telling jokes about things they observed during their school day or at a social event.
♥♥♥Taking a languid, gentle stretch yoga class and concluding it with a meditation, relaxation session... with soothing music around me...
♥♥♥A day of beauty definitely makes me happy; with music, dance, a hot shower, a manicure/pedicure, getting my hair done and a nice meal at a great restaurant.
♥♥♥Travel will always make me happy as I love visiting new places and spending time in hotels around the world... I love luxury hotel rooms where the sheets smell of lavender and chocolates and fresh flowers welcome you to your door...

Okay enough with my list as it could go on and on... what's yours like? Share a tidbit from your list. What one item stands out on your happy list... something simple...? Thanks for sharing!

PHOTO CREDITS:
Painted Hills, Oregon by Glenn Traver via National Geographic
Queen of Andes plant by Juan Karita, AP via National Geographic



Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank


19 comments:

  1. Thanks for join my blog hop.
    I'm following you.
    Nan
    http://beonefineday.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for this great post and for following my blog. I'm now following you via GFC, Networked Blogs & Facebook. Hope you continue to find happiness in the little things :)

    Misty
    http://MistysThoughtsToo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi from your newest followers via FMBT!

    a few of the simple things that make me happy:

    a nice fall or spring breeze on a gorgeous sunny day.

    Watching the hawks circle over our heads while playing in the backyard.

    both of my daughters laughs.

    and sleep.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm your newest follower!
    www. mikaspantry.blogspot.com

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks so much! Ok, I think we're all linked up. :) I was following you on here, got you on FB, and just followed your Networked Blogs.

    Lisa xoxo

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  6. Those are very good ones. Thanks for stopping by today and the follow. I am following you back. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  7. I love thinking about the simple things. Hmmmm. 10 simple things that make me happy...a GREAT cup of coffee from Starbucks, my favorite song coming on the radio or my iPod, a ding in my inbox letting me know I have a new comment on my blog :)...those are just a few.

    Thanks for making me take the time and be grateful tonight.

    Stopping by from FMBT. Hope you're having a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great list!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm following you now too!

    Kelly
    http://mysimplewalk.com

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  9. Great list! I love sunrises too.. They always make me happy!

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  10. Another new follower here and thank you for visiting and following my mad blog. I like this post....I had to sit and think about all the things that made me thankful. I don't do that enough. My list would consist of: bird song, a cheerful smile (from anyone) a summer breeze, sea washing against the shore, a text from my son which ends in 'luvya', my friends, being healthy, laughter, a walk in the french countryside and Hubby who when he isn't a grumpy old misery is the funniest person alive and makes me very happy. Lovely to meet you....that makes me happy too.

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  11. Wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Nan
    http://beonefineday.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. You have a great blog! Thank you for following me and leading me here.
    One simple thing that makes me happy is listening to my kids laugh.

    Michelle
    http://sapphireridge.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Inspirational site. Looking forward to reading more.

    Following via over 40 bloghop.

    Jewel

    http://jewelzfrontporch.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi! Great post, certainly makes me think! Thanks for the visit and the follow. I'm following you too.

    http://www.amaskellantics.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. NEWEST follower threw a blog hop!

    http://snackbarreviews.blogspot.com/

    Great blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What makes me happy? Unexpected surprises, time with a really good friend, being with my family, when a cake turns out just perfectly, eating that cake, and a second slice too....!!

    And a lovely new Follower at Modern Country Style...THANK YOU!

    I hope me following you makes you a teensy bit happy as well!!

    Sarahx

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  17. Lovely post! What makes me happy? My family, always and forever!
    http://RaisingFigureSkaters.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Aww such a sweet post!! Thanks for your sweet comment! I hope you have a great holiday season too!!

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  19. I love a good afternoon nap!

    Madeline

    http://madforreading.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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