The other day I was having one of those, “Oh my God, my life is terrible. I am never getting into graduate school and I don’t know what I want to do with my life” days, you know what I’m talking about? I have always turned to reading and writing as ways to calm me down, therefore, I started reading a new book called "14,000 Things to be Happy About" by Barbara Ann Kipfer. First off, Kipfer literally began this list when she was a child and how she did not lose her work is a mystery to me but her thoughts are eye-opening.
Although this is not your everyday traditional book, it is still a must read. Reading this book has made me realize how much I overlook every day. I take for granted tiny moments and memories that truly do make people happy. This book reminds us that when things are tough, we still have (literally) thousands of things to be happy about!
Although the book is literally a list the entire time I am taking my time with reading it as I like to think about the ones that catch my eye and write them down. Here are 37 things that have caught my eye so far that I'd like so share with you.
1. Easeful days, dreamless nights
2. Getting a really good haircut
3.The pure joy of the sun
4. Part of you always being a child
5. Writing down three things you appreciate each day
6. Things you don’t have to work at to enjoy
7. Where writers, artists, and tourists gather
8. Not worrying about having what everyone else has
9. Rereading specific passages and chapters when seeking inspiration
10. Making a life, not just a living
11. The beach in the fall
12. Living with the knowledge that you’ve done your best
13. The incredibly elated feeling on a college campus after a major sports victory
14. Having a passion in life
15. Singing to the radio when you drive
16. Changing a college major
17. Love between two people
18. Lying motionless in the warm sun
19. Rainy days, ideal for the special projects you’ve been procrastinating about
20. The ability to start over
21. Long days at the beach
22. Taking a shower
23. Ignoring those who discourage you
24. When it is better that things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to
25. Thinking for yourself
26. Sunday naps
27. Poetry that doesn’t rhyme
28. Wine tastings
29. Happiness coming in three ways: anticipation, realization, memory
30. A boost when you most need it
31. Seeing someone you love do something outstanding
32. Doing something against all odds
33. Driving by the house in which you grew up
34. Helping others
35. Viewing every problem as an opportunity for learning new things
36. Reading outsides on a blanket wearing a big sweater in the autumn sun
37. Being the only one awake in the morning
I am sure my list will grow but please go out and get this book. Read a couple pages a day and you'll be surprised how much you have forgotten to be happy about.