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