Happiness: Now, Here
For the past six days I've been knocked down with a flu-cold combo. It's had me burning up with fever and aching all over (but not in the way that people get feverish and ache for each other in romance novels). I've been nursing a sore throat, doing my best to evade a cough, and blowing something akin to jellyfish out of my nose. I can't help but wonder if this is the Universe's ironic response to my request for a day to just sit and read. For days now I haven't been able to do much but sleep, read, and watch BBC America and Food Network. It sounds nice, but I could do without those gross jellyfish.
So while I recuperate and let my unconscious mind dream unfettered about this year's Mondo Beyondo list, I thought I'd make a list of my favorite things. At a time of year when the focus is on the ways we aren't good enough and how we resolve to change, it's nice to think about what we already love in life. The idea for the list comes from this Jen Lemen post. Be sure to read the comments for other people's lists, then check out Karen's budding list over at Chookooloonks as well as Stephanie's list on Cool People I Know.
Jena at Bullseye Baby (which I recently discovered) has an edifying post about the slight difference between "nowhere" and "now here." It's just a small space, a breath; but it makes all the difference in the world.
In random order, here are 25 things that I love, here and now:
- My husband's funny dances, silly songs, and imaginative stories
- Fresh, ripe raspberries and cherries
- The slate-blue color of the world at twilight
- Smooth grey pebbles
- Freshly laundered bedding
- The ocean
- A good pot of Darjeeling
- Wearing my new Superhero necklace (which mysteriously matches everything I own)
- Back rubs and foot massages
- Fresh cut flowers from farmers' markets
- Immersing myself in a good novel
- British accents
- The way Cheska's fur smells after she's been sitting by an open window
- Ice cream, cheese, clotted cream (okay, most dairy products)
- The smell of freshly cut grass
- Thai food
- The rare moments when my whole family laughs in unison
- Serendipity
- Words like serendipity
- Dreaming about travel
- The way Gatwick lets me know each evening that it's time for his favorite treat: a dish of water over a few pieces of kibble
- Twinkly faerie lights
- Buttered toast
- Sending and receiving real mail
- Avocados
What makes you happy?
Reader Comments (6)
Love your list. I too am enjoying my new SuperHero necklace from Santa and indeed it matches everything I own. Best wishes to you in 2008!
What makes me happy...anything that does not make me anything but happy.
Beautiful list.
I'm all about the dairy products,
the twinkly lights, the explosion of color at the farmer's market, the freshly-made bed.
And summer storm light, when the sky is dark, dark, dark blue-gray, brooding and deep, but the sun makes the green light up.
xo Jena
ok! i'm ready for a new post!!!
I'm with you on the Thai food, I love the chilli. It makes me laugh that you like British accents though - There are so many to choose from!
Hope you feel better soon
Lex
British accents?? Mine perchance?
I love that necklace by the way - I think I'd wear it with everything too!!!
much love
Claire x