7/28/24
8:09 pm
Perusing through the writing prompts and I stumbled upon this one.
I am always writing about how happiness is a state of mind, we are responsible for our own happiness, and happiness can be found in the simplest of things. This will be a good exercise to list the things that make me happy. Hopefully, I will be able to come up with thirty things.
1. Sleep. The act of going to sleep is pretty routine but I am talking about that moment when you are so comfortable that the calmness of drifting off to dreamland completely envelopes you. Whether it is the slight hum of the ceiling fan, the cool sheets, a warm breeze of an open window, the sounds of the night, that exact moment of peace is what makes me the most happy. That moment when all the stresses of the day just drift away.
2. Rain. The first few drops of rain on the dry earth. That smell that permeates the air. I will stand there, close my eyes, and inhale as deeply as I can. It is always a gentle reminder of the days I lived with my grandparents on their land in rural Oklahoma. If a company was to bottle up that smell, I would definitely stand in line to buy it.
3. Clouds. I have always been fascinated by the clouds. How they are formed, the different types, and watching them build up in the distance reflecting the early sunrise or the evening sunset. All the pinks, whites, purples, oranges, yellows, and grays against the pale blue sky or the pending darkness. My tribal clan is thunder so it is in my lineage to be a part of this nature. Ironically, I became a weather observer when I was in the Air Force. It was my job to look at the sky all day and report what I saw.
4. Quiet. As a mother to four kids, I grew to appreciate the quietness of early mornings. Those moments of sipping coffee quietly while I walked around outside. Listening to the wind blow through the trees, the distant sound of a train’s whistle, and the birds waking up for the day. These were the best times for contemplation, creative vibes, and peacefulness.
5. Warm Breezes. To me this is the epitome of summer vibes. Those days running around outside in t-shirts and shorts, watching the fireflies coming out at night, eating ice cream or sometimes cantaloupes and watermelon, and hearing the crickets begin their nightly songs. Feeling the warm breeze blowing through your hair or across your arms and legs.
6. Babies. Whether it was the many cats and dogs we had growing up, the best time was when new kittens or puppies were born. So small, furry, and warm to hold. The quiet mewing or whimpers wanting their mamas to feed them. Then watching them grow up and be playful. Then there is the newest family members. That baby smell when you hold them in your arms, that warmth that makes you sleepy, and the gentle sighs, coos, and cries.
7. Color. The bright, vibrancy of things that surround us. It is the first thing that catches my attention especially when it is paired well. It could be a well thought out greeting card, wrapping paper for a gift, the packaging of a new product, or even art supplies. Then there are the beautiful things in nature from flowers, trees, plants, and beautiful creatures that inhabit the forests, jungles, or oceans.
8. Sweets. Sugar in itself is not that great for one’s health or waistline but added to dessert, it enhances and makes it more memorable. The myriad of sweets is available in almost every country, region, locality, and home out there. Whether it is a tried and true family recipe, from a local bakery, or even from an assembly line, sweets are always include in most of our life celebrations. My go to is always something with chocolate in it.
9. Coffee. My fondest memory is about coffee. My grandpa was avid drinker of coffee. He would make me a cup of it as a kid but it was mainly sugar and milk. It always made me feel special to share in this morning ritual with my cup of “coffee”. Every important decision regarding work, relationships, or even finances have been made over a cup of coffee. It is a part of my morning routine.
10. Music. The earliest memories I have all involve music in one form or another. The beat of drums and singing during our ceremonies, rituals, and services. The holiday and birthday songs. Songs we sang during school choir recitals. The vain attempts to learn how to play the flute and recently the guitar. Then there are the musical instruments my kids learned how to play. The music playing at my first ever dance with my first ever boyfriend. Music fills your soul with good vibes, happy memories, and makes your spirit sing.
I realized that my list and writing was getting rather long. I am stopping here at my top ten things that make me happy instead of thirty.
Hopefully you have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Have a fabulous week!
Peace, love, happiness, and good vibes, always!
Suzanne
love to bake 