The List of Happy

I've been trying to come up with a list of things that make me happiest lately.  I've made lists like this in the past, along with bucket lists, and to do lists, and much more.  (I like lists, a lot.)  And I think what's been holding me back with the list is worrying that it won't be all inclusive enough (what if i forget something?!?!...as if I could never change the list...I have to remind myself sometimes that the only rules I'm living by are my OWN) or that it won't be enviable enough (seriously, get over that one Kate) or that it won't include "accomplishments to have."  I'm journeying through the idea that accomplishments are not what they're cracked up to be and that it's not about what you do, but about what you love.  Do I really care if I learn Italian?  Will it get me one more day on this earth at the beach?  No, and being at the beach is what I want!  :)  

Today I visited www.superherojournal.com, my most favoritest blog on the web.  As I was looking through I saw that Andrea had written this guest post and it included this gem: 

"Let’s all make a list, a quick and dirty one, of what gives us energy, what lights a spark in us, what delights us." 

This finally gave me the impetus to write my list.  One that I didn't overthink, one that was complete stream of consciousness realization.  One that I said, "eh, that's complete enough for now."  And guess what, it made me happy. And that's what matters most. 

• The beach
• Time outside
• Hearing a favorite song
• An organized space
• Seeing/hearing/experiencing something beautiful
• A delicious warm beverage and a good book
• Breathing in a delicious smell (wood stove, lilacs, the ocean are all favorites)
• Violin music
• The warm sun on my face
• Flowers
• Farms
• Digging in the dirt
• Laughing without hesitation and reservation, a deepbellysoulfuluncontrollable laugh
• Good conversation
• Being in a space/place/outfit that feels like *me*
• Connecting with others, supporting each other
• Learning something new and fun
• Going somewhere I’ve never been (whether it’s the next town over or 5000 miles away)
• Finding/eating at a great restaurant
• Completing a crossword puzzle without looking up the answers
• Massages
• Discovering unexpected joy
• Dreaming
• Making something