Often times life keeps you blindsided from the simplest things that can bring the greatest joy. Everyone gravitates to their own respective things or safe-havens that bring them happiness. Here are a few of mine that I have to remind myself of when I forget that, "the sun still shines even through the pain." -The Head and the Heart.
1. The cliché rainy days
Yes, it makes every list, but there is something so whimsical about raindrops rolling down your windows.
2. Books
Especially the ones that you can't keep your nose out of until you finish; the ones you carry around everywhere so you can follow the story whenever you have the time. Books are a magical thing.
3. Soul-searching
The days that make you stumble around a bit. I have to remind myself that it's better to feel something than nothing at all.
4. Old photographs
I can feel my lips curl upward just thinking about them. You start to paint a picture of the memories so they are clear on your brain. Nostalgia is sweet.
5. Nature
It's a great source to invite wonders into your mind. I can write novel after novel about the sway of the trees and the soft flow of a river. The Earth is a sacred gift.
6. Coffee
Always. The smell, the taste, the energy it brings. Always.
7. Ideas
They are always changing, always being produced. "Ideas can change the world." -"Dead Poets Society"
8. Poetry
So simple yet so profound. A whole life can be put into one stanza and still make you feel it so deeply.
9. Plants
Succulents, to be specific. They are a great decorating tool and they're cute. (In a weird way, yes.)
10. French fries
Those salty potato sticks...I could eat them everyday.
11. Friends!
What a joy they bring me. Even in times of disparity they will always be holding my hand. That's magic within itself.
12. The Head and the Heart
What a talent they are. Go listen to their music.
13. Will Ferrel
Who doesn't love a hairy dad bod.
14. First kisses
It's crazy how the world seems to spin around you while you're in a standstill with the person you're crazy about.
15. Driving with the windows down, music blasting, singing from the top of your lungs.
The typical commute.
16. The ukulele.
Strumming along to your favorite songs makes you feel more real. It makes you feel like you can pursue it as a profession, until you play for someone else.
17. Hats.
I love hats. Baseball caps, fedoras, bucket hats, you name it, I'll wear it.
18. Being alone.
This is probably the thing that makes me the happiest. There are days where I sulk by myself; however, I'm the only person that knows what makes me happiest, so I spend a lot of time going places or doing things alone.
19. Yoga.
You get to clear your mind for a bit and focus on yourself, your surroundings, and how you connect to the earth. I think it's important to do that once everyday.
20. Writing.
The way I'm able to write in black and white font but create endlessly colorful images in people's minds. It makes me feel alive. I hold onto that.
