Happiness. A noun associated with peace, contentedness and most cliché pure bliss. A word that provides a standard by which we live our lives by. How happy are you? What makes you happy? Are you overly happy or just not happy at all? It’s a social measure to depict your mood and how you personally envision yourself. But what really is happiness? To me, this emotion was measured by an outstanding number of irrelevant factors which included opinions, fondness and if I got coffee that morning. I lived my life having outside aspects govern my emotional state, as if I was controlled by some outside force, and not the good kind. I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I have ALWAYS allowed my emotions to be controlled by others, which is such a sad realization.

Why should I let someone depict how I am going to feel or not feel in that moment as if it’s any of their damn business? It’s here when, again, I stood still and took a moment to comprehend that I am the only person who can control me. What a groundbreaking realization, I’m sure God delivered a standing ovation for that one. Now, this isn’t a lecture about always being happy, happy this, happy that, heck I’m not even sure what I’m writing actually makes sense. What I do know is when you find things that make you happy life feels a little more stable.

For this post I decided to create a list of all the things that make me happy RIGHT NOW, not tomorrow or in five years but at this exact moment. It’s when I wrote this list that I realized how fluid happiness truly is. One thing might make me super happy one second and the next it doesn’t and THAT’S OKAY. It’s in my control to decide what makes me happy not some silly societal norm or expectation. Heck, a glass of wine might make me super happy one night but believe me the next day when I realize I finished the entire bottle, wine sure isn’t the bane of my happiness. Your happiness isn’t concrete and can be changed because you can change anything about your life, that’s the best part of it all. Also, when you appreciate how many small things make you happy you can’t help but smile. Below is my list, no ranking order, no rhyme or reason, simply: a forever changing, getting longer, smaller, different things, list. So ready or not here’s a peek into my existence:

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1. Sunflowers

I don’t know if it’s the color, the warmth or the look but these damn flowers make me smile always.

2. Twinkly lights

They make everything beautiful.

3. Goose bumps

The shivering feeling you get when something emotionally gets you and bam these little guys appear.

4. The perfect song

Music in general is my mood stabilizer but when you hear that one song during that one moment its pure magic.

5. People’s Stories

Hearing various life stories is so interesting to me, I could listen all day.

6. Driving with the Windows Down

The sun is shining and the wind is blowing through my hair, that’s pure bliss.

7. When you can talk to someone for hours

If I can talk to you for hours at a time about anything that’s real happiness man.

8. Caring for someone

Putting my emotions out there for someone makes me happy because I’m finally strong enough to.

9. The smell of a grill in the summer

Preferably with a steak cooking, this speaks for itself.

10. My grandpas laugh

It’s literally the most contagious thing in the entire world.

11. Old pictures

It’s a memory caught in time that I can look at again and again how cool is that.

12. New pictures

It’s an addiction but I love taking pictures of EVERYTHING

13. Hiking.

The most freeing feeling.

14.Talking on the phone

Hearing someone’s voice is special to me.

15. Vulnerability

Even though at times this increases my anxiety to sky high levels its allows me to let people in.

16. Potatoes

Do you know how many different things you can make with potatoes?

17. Corny jokes

If you know any puns let me hear um because I will laugh, promise.

18. Pinky promises

The most sacred thing known to my existence.

19. Running

It’s my high in life.

20. Plans

Having something to look forward to.

21. Hugs

Especially those that last more than a minute.

22. Bucket lists

This means goals and achieving them.

23. Coffee

I LOVE coffee.

24. Sweatpants

If I could live in them I would.

25. Mix CDs

It’s a genius and creative gift that takes time to make.

26. Surprises

Tiny, big, last minute, I love them all.

27. Being nervous

That heart racing, shaky feeling means something big is about to happen.

28. Reading old messages

Yes I am a hopeless romantic.

29. Airports

You know an adventure is coming.

30. Optimistic enthusiasm I get on Sunday nights

I feel like I can conquer the entire world until Monday happens.

31. Sand between my toes

Means a lake or a beach is close by.

32. Making lists

Organization is key in my life.

33. Crossing things off said list

Sweet, sweet satisfaction

34. The perfect white wine

Did I mention that I love wine?

35. My jokes

Let be honest I’m hilarious.

36. Tattoos

Personal expression is quite fascinating.

37. Randomly dancing

I tend to dance in many appropriate and inappropriate situations.

38. Singing in the shower

Mallory Spears is a real person.

39. Driving into a city at night

Hello, more twinkly lights.

40. The calmness of the outdoors

Its breath-taking beauty sends shivers down my spine, every time.

41. Finishing a workout

By that I mean when I’m finally walking out of the gym.

42. Puppies, puppies and more puppies

They are just so darn cute.

43. Huge sweatshirts

Bring on the cuddles and warmth.

44. That Coke tastes better than Pepsi

Every time, Don't @ me.

45. The smell of rain

Do they make a rained scented candles?

46. When the leaves change color

The beauty of nature at its finest.

47. Candles

They calm me and smell good, double win.

48. When my apartment is actually clean

Lol.

49. How I picture my future

It’s scary and amazing all at the same time.

50. Emails

They make me feel important.

51. Facetiming my best friend

Despite being Miles a part, facetime always feel like she's right next to me.

52. Sporting events

The one time a group of random people can come together and cheer for one common goal.

53. My favorite lipstick

Don’t ask me how I choose a favorite.

54. Girl’s night

This may not may not include lots of wine and movies.

55. Cuddling

Again hopeless romantic over here.

56. Clothes fresh out of the dryer

Oh the warmth.

57. Fuzzy socks

Especially when my feet are cold.

58. Acoustic covers

The most intimate sound.

59. My nieces and nephews

Being an aunt is the greatest label ever.

60. My siblings

They have to love me, no matter what.

61. Deep thought

This is when I am most creative.

62. My 80s playlist

Dance party anyone?

63. Reading blogs

Reading others peoples work is so inspiring.

64. Writing

I don't know why this took so long for me to think of.

65. Being wrong

Gives me a chance to learn.

66. Being right

Allows me to show you what I know.

67. When others achieve their goals

I’ll always be everyone’s biggest supporter.

68. Acceptance

I’m weird people, being accepted is a feat.

69. Free speech

Believe me I’m not afraid to speak my mind.

70. Feminist quotes

Empowering women powering women is what I do.

71. Group Messages

Yes I read all 67 missed messages.

72. Calling myself an old soul

No really I’m like a 55 year old in a 22 year old ‘s body.

73. Dream catchers

The idea of catching dreams is so interesting to me.

74. Nerding out

Ask me about my major and I won’t stop talking for hours.

75. Ears!

Everyone’s ears are different, HOW COOL IS THAT!

76. Madison, Wisconsin

My favorite city ever.

77. Camping

S’mores, campfires, and tent style, please.

78. Full refrigerator

I just love cooking so much.

79. Pinterest

All my favorite things in one place.

80. Home

It’s where my family is.