SouleMama did a post like this the other day, and it inspired me to make my own. It’s good to sit down and think of a few happy things every now and again.
The interesting thing is that usually when I make these sorts of lists, most of the things on them aren’t material goods.
That’s unintentional and probably sort of significant. When we take the time to think about it, we usually find that stuff isn’t what really brings us joy.
1. A visit from funny niece #1.
Miss Adriana is the most talkative 14-month-old I think I’ve ever met. We babysat her this week, and she kept us all in stitches. Such a delightful toddler.
2. A visit from funny niece #2
Julia, who is a mere 10 days younger than Zoe, is such fun to have around. She lives life with enthusiasm (and a little bit of drama.)
She’s got enough personality for about 10 people, I think.
She makes me laugh, and I like that.
3. The extra space in my decluttered coat closet.
Seriously, every time I go to put the vacuum away, I feel a fresh rush of joy.
4. My new mouse.
The clicking on my old one wasn’t working very well, and Mr. FG surprised me by picking up a newer, nicer one for me. It’s pretty lovely to only have to click on things one time!
5. A husband who is nice to me when I’m crabby.
I’ve been a little (or maybe a lot. ahem.) crabby this week, and Mr. FG has been kind to me anyway. He even brought me a giant Peppermint Patty one day. 😉
I must keep this man around.
6. Some homemade ice cream.
Lisey and I made strawberry cheesecake ice cream, and it is delicious. We’re going to share the recipe once I take a photo of the finished product.
7. The kind comments on yesterday’s post.
I must have the nicest readers in the world, because in a post where I explain I’m not going to produce something I said I would produce, you all gave me virtual high-fives.
8. Breakfast for dinner.
Pancakes are such a good thing to make when you’re in a pinch.
9. Finding new schoolbooks on my bookshelf.
I found that I already had the handwriting book and math book that Sonia needs for this year. Sweet!
10. Good readers.
All of my children can read fluently. This is good for many reasons, but lately, I’ve been pleased because it means this school year will be easier for me. Since both Sonia and Zoe are good readers now, they’ll be able to do more work independently. And that’s happy news for me!
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Do you need a mental boost? Try making a Happy Things list…it really does perk you up.
If you want, you can make a short happy things list in the comments (5 happy things would probably be the perfect length for a comment.)
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Today’s 365 post: I know you don’t expect this kind of thing from me…
Joshua’s 365 post: A new perspective
Rachel R.
Sunday 5th of August 2012
Just went on a MUCH needed short vacay, so many happy blessings came from that!
1) Snuggling with my sweet sleepy 3 month old while I type this:) 2) Recently enjoyed the blessing of the "pay what you can" St. Louis Bread Company (Panera) while on a budget vacation. 3) My hubby found a Hilton Hotel Room on Hotwire for cheap, cheap, cheap! 4) St. Louis Zoo was a free fun outing our whole lil' family enjoyed:) 5) Our car making it through the trip & these past years w/o major repair!
Praise God for meeting our needs in EVERY season of life!
Aubrey
Friday 3rd of August 2012
1. My 3-year-old son stayed in his room almost all night! 2. My husband is doing well in school and is almost done. 3. I'm going to a AAA baseball game tonight, and it's dollar hot dog and dessert night! Score! 4. We have just moved into a rental in a GREAT neighborhood where everything is within walking distance. Including a duck pond (!!). 5. I'm back on the working-out-and-reading-my-Bible-in-the-morning wagon this week, it's been great!
Rachel
Thursday 2nd of August 2012
1) watching my dog running through the woods 2) spending time with my mom 3) unloading the dishwasher - having clean dishes really does make me happy! 4) taking a cool shower after a hot, sticky day 5) peace and quiet, listening to the night insects
This is a really helpful practice to foster contentment and gratitude for everyday joys and pleasures. It's much easier to focus on the negative sometimes.
Glory Lennon
Thursday 2nd of August 2012
1. The profusion of Black-eyed Susans in my garden. 2. The beautiful full moon which greeted me this morning--Yes, this morning! 3. The funny, cute-as-can-be note my autistic son wrote for his brothers which my husband read to me. Boy, did we laugh! 4. The tiny and very noisy bird family which lives in the birdhouse hanging on the porch. The babies are getting eager to leave the nest! 5. Still two months left of summer. YAY!
EcoCatLady
Thursday 2nd of August 2012
1. Rain! Blessed Rain! 2. A 36.5 mile bike ride with my sweetie today... WOOT! 3. Grapes, Cherries and Peaches all in season. 4. Free wildflower seeds filched from some cone flowers going to seed along the bike path - they seemed to be thriving out there with no water so perhaps they can survive the treatment they will receive in my yard. :-) 5. Kitties! One on my lap, one on the floor next to me, one sleeping in his little bed, and one overcome with joy because it's cool enough to have the windows open.
I'm totally loving everybody's lists. It's so nice to have reminders of how rich and beautiful life is!
Kristen
Thursday 2nd of August 2012
Isn't it fun to read what's making other people happy? The happiness is contagious.