Amidst busy lives we often forget about the simple things that make us smile and "14,000 things to be happy about" reminds us of the simple joys in life. I believe it is our responsibility to remain happy by keeping in mind the simple beauties in life, and reading or even creating lists like this one is a definite choice to be happy. The author of this incredible list, Barbara Ann Kipfer, has written many list and reference books, this one in particular is a compilation of her life experiences and things she finds that make her happy. I think the coolest thing about this book is that it is essentially a listed document of the events of the author's life, including some entries that are specific quotes or events from her life. However, there are so many simple joys she also lists that make the book so relatable and brings just as much happiness to the readers as the author. I look to this book on days I need a little inspiration, or even just a little smile, here are some entries that make me happy and I hope will do the same for you.
social and emotional intelligence
hot chocolate and flannel pjs in bed
getting a nice hair cut
the taste of cake batter
waking up early and having breakfast together outside
Ball mason canning jars
face creams that soothe
a newly refinished gym floor
not worrying about what everyone else has
Dunkin Donuts stores
incurable enthusiasm
remembering when leaves were raked, jumped into, or burned and not put in plastic bags or giant
vacuums
things you don’t have to work at to enjoy
feeling of the damp freshness of a Cape Cod morning cool on your face
buttering toast generously and immediately so that the butter melts and sinks in
sleeping sprawled out on the bed
a widow's walk
a leader's words that stir a nation
effervescence
pink grapefruit with tons of sugar
getting warm by a fire or in his arms with something to eat or drink after you’ve been in the rain
or snow
a successful first attempt
returning library books
T’s and jeans
the act of entering a room and forgetting why
things that stand the test of time
headache medicines
tidings of comfort and joy
plastic bags for wet swimsuits
rereading specific passages and chapters when seeking inspiration
late sunday breakfast
reliability
laundry soap
charred hot dogs
getting snow caked on socks and in jean cuffs
warm firesides
plastic cups with built-in straws
the click of a closing purse
living with the knowledge that you’ve done your best
salt packets
the exhilaration of cold winter air
making lists, from major life goals to dinner menus
being knee-deep in foam and icy seawater
colors of the 64-crayon box
hearing someone’s heart beat
looking through a very powerful telescope
a class size of 20 or fewer
indulging in an activity that isn’t constructive or goal-oriented
air terminals
a sudden glimpse of a Christmas tree through a window
ferries to New England islands
liking rain showers
pullover tops
hour-long telephone calls
a recurring good dream
drivers who use their turn signals
windowboxes
a backless sundress
one-day hikes
when the worst player scores
sprinklers
being able to sample icing on a new cake without leaving a fingerprint
NASA
dog dishes that say “Good Dog”
blowing bubble gum bubbles
strawberry whipped cream waffles
drawstring pants
apples and cheddar cheese cubes
cherry tomatoes
zipper teeth
no line for the restroom
easy-out ice-cube trays
window seats at a restaurant
good magazines in the waiting room
watching it snow
vermont's atmosphere
the silence of close friendship
accidental meetings
flat, smooth, cool sand, just out of reach of the incoming tide
Kipfer, Barbara Ann. "14,000 Things to Be Happy About: The Happy Book". New York: Workman Pub., 1990. Print. entries were pulled in a random, non chronological order
