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May 9, 2016

What Makes You Happy?

24 Comments/ 3605/ 1

I am a happy person. It is just who I am. God made me happy. That, in my humble opinion, is a good thing. I try to look on the bright side of things. Glass half full. Walking on the sunny side of the street. Living the dream.

Several years ago I found a book written by Neil Pasricha called The Book of Awesome. It was amazing. I bought multiple copies. I gave it to family and friends for birthdays and special occasions. I started my own list.

We all go through bumps in the road. Sometimes those bumps are huge boulders and at times they are tiny little cracks that our big toes get stubbed on. Sometimes the path is snow covered (all of my Midwest friends can readily identify with that one) and sometimes the path is totally clear. Some days the wind is calm and other days the wind whips so wildly that it quickly goes from a good hair day to a bad hair day.

Through it all I have discovered that the positive attitude is more easily maintained if I simply keep track of the things that I love. Those unexpected discoveries that bring a smile to my face. The unplanned. The smallest detail that I could have overlooked. The extraordinary in the ordinary.

Today I want to share a few of those “happies” with you. I have a huge ongoing list but for now–let me share a few of my favorites.

FaceTime calls from our sons showing off the grand puppy or grand kitty.
Fresh sheets on the bed
Returning home to my own bed after a long trip
Bradford Pear and Crepe Myrtle trees in full bloom
Luggage arriving with me at my destination
Singing at the top of my lungs on a long car ride
a clean desk and office
Kicking off the snow boogers from my car (those icy gross clumps of snow by the wheels)
The smell of rising cinnamon rolls
A purring cat or two curled up on my lap
The great feeling I get when I turn the page on the calendar to the new month
The sound of my husband playing the Clavinova from the other room
Meeting an “imaginary” friend in real life
The smell of a new book
Search results for how folks find my blog
Kleenex with lotion
The first cup of coffee in the morning
Online banking complete with mobile deposits
Freshly filled bird feeders with birds flocking to eat what I left them
“Chrisisms” –witty sayings by my husband
Binge watching television shows
Smiley faces
When I make it to the other side of a bridge
A good haircut
Finding the perfect teapot for my collection on a vacation
Grits made perfectly
Rolling the windows down when we get close to Lakeside to smell Lake Erie
Hiding bunnies at my mom’s house for her to discover later
Watching my little geese family grow right before my eyes.
Today I will find something else to add to my list of “happies” and add it. There is always something.

What is one thing that you would add to a list of things that make you happy? I would love for you to share that with me in the comments!!  Remember our Comments for a Cause this month is SAFE.

Congratulations to Audrey at Minnesota Prairie Roots for winning a copy of The Stranger in My Recliner by Doreen McGettigan.  Your book is on the way to you thanks to Doreen.

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24 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. Dianna
    May 09, 2016 at 06:17 am

    I love your list! There really is so much to love and be grateful for. I’d never thought about it, but making it to the other side of a bridge is definitely on my list, too.
    And for me, it’s rolling down the window to smell the ocean and, of course, seeing “my” wild horses at the beach!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 07:06 am

      I bet you have an amazing list yourself. Rolling down the window counts double at the ocean. I must admit to do that as well.

      Reply
  2. Dawn L King
    May 09, 2016 at 07:42 am

    I’m sitting on the balconyear of my hotel in Virginia Beach watching the sun over the ocean. That makes me happy.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 08:00 am

      That makes ME happy as well. I saw your picture from your bed. THAT is my happy place! And how did I not know you were going to Marblehead and my favorite lighthouse? Great trip!

      Reply
  3. Jeni / JeniEats (@JeniEats)
    May 09, 2016 at 08:02 am

    Great list. Good reminder to count our happies. Would add that morning cup of coffee

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 08:11 am

      YES! Morning cup of joe …or two or three!

      Reply
  4. Katy F.
    May 09, 2016 at 09:49 am

    LOVE this post!! My happies right now are perfect sunny, 73 degree days that I get to be outside working on my flowers, lawn, and garden; time with my busy, fast growing boys, date nights with T, and hugs from my mom

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 10:11 am

      You have a great list of happies and I am so glad you shared with me. I count YOU as one of my personal happies. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Robin
    May 09, 2016 at 10:20 am

    I am always encouraged to find another friend who sees their cup half full. I have been looking back over my life and seeing the people God has put into my life at just the right times. These are definitely awesome!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 10:22 am

      YES! A million times yes. I agree. I am at this place now because I listened to God and paid attention to the people who crossed my path along the way. While I believe I do have free choice I have been guided all along my journey. Thanks, Robin. Counting you as one of my happies as well!

      Reply
  6. josh
    May 09, 2016 at 10:25 am

    A worthy list, to be sure! I got sheets in the wash right now. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 10:30 am

      That is the perfect start to a Monday!! Clean sheets!!!

      Reply
  7. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    May 09, 2016 at 10:34 am

    I am so excited to win a copy of Stranger in My Recliner. Thank you, Beth Ann and Doreen.

    What makes me happy? A bouquet of fresh lilacs on my table. Seeing my granddaughter. An unexpected call from my son…

    Great list. You are always such an encourager. Your happiness is a gift to those of us who are blessed to have you as our friend.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 10:39 am

      Love your list. It is those little things that make me smile as well and those calls from the kids—priceless.

      Reply
  8. Priscilla King
    May 09, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Kittens!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 09, 2016 at 01:25 pm

      Perfect answer!

      Reply
  9. Walker Thornton
    May 09, 2016 at 02:40 pm

    Great list–I may have to go create some to add.. .That first cup of coffee is on my list for sure.

    Reply
  10. Darlene
    May 09, 2016 at 02:51 pm

    A visit from family makes me very happy. Just had my aunt, uncle and cousin from Canada visit. Can’t get rid of the smile on my face.

    Reply
  11. Rorybore
    May 10, 2016 at 01:36 pm

    I do love those “Chrisms!” 🙂
    I have a little Gratitude journal – it’s pocket size so you can only fit one word, or a small picture on the page. Sometimes I even just glue something that made me smile to the page. It’s a nice little book of happy thoughts. Today I think I will add the pleasure that comes from when you and a friend solve a difficult task together — I love the kind of bonding that happens when women help one another, instead of compete.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 10, 2016 at 09:10 pm

      I love your little gratitude journal. I got away form writing in mine so I need to pick it back up and make a habit of it.

      Reply
  12. Marla
    May 10, 2016 at 04:09 pm

    Baby animals, chocolate, popcorn!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 10, 2016 at 04:23 pm

      Oh yea! Great answers!

      Reply
  13. Mama's Empty Nest
    May 12, 2016 at 09:50 am

    Making a list of those things that make us happy reminds me of Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts.’ We are given gifts every day if we just take the time to look for them. Nice post!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      May 14, 2016 at 07:13 am

      I have that book! Yes, we need to just stop and take inventory of what we are blessed with each and every day.

      Reply

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