Here we go …

List 30 things that make you happy.

Here’s hoping I have no problem whatsoever listing 30 things that make me happy; okay, are we ready?

Sunshine – glorious sunshine makes me happy. I especially adore the stunning impact of sunshine filtering through a foggy forest on a winter’ morning… I find this awe-inspiring and hauntingly beautiful. Simply breathtaking!
Birdsong- I live in a beautiful corner of the world. I am extremely privileged to live in a space frequented daily by exotic native birds. I delight in feeding the Kookaburras, Cockatoos, Rainbow Lorikeets, and so many more. I find birdsong incredibly uplifting, soothing and grounding. It usually elicits a strong emotional response, usually joy.
My family. It would be remiss of me if I didn’t add my family here. I delight in engaging in conversation with my kids. I delight in engaging in light-hearted play and deep-heartfelt conversation. I am happy when my kids want to share their day’s events with me, telling me about what is on their minds.
A clean home. This is a work in progress. However, all I can say is that I feel extremely happy when my home is tidied and well-0organised.
My career. I love my job. I love working as a counsellor, as well as getting to author documents and booklets at work. I find joy in connecting soul-to-soul, person-to-person, and providing a space where people are able to ‘be’, heal and connect.
Food. Food, glorious food makes me happy, especially homemade healthy food that nourishes my body and mind.
Bees. I love watching Bees. I love listening to Bees. I derive a great sense of happiness knowing that I have planted herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, plants, and flowers that nourish the bees. I especially delight, often with a child-like squeal of excitement, when I see beautiful native bees. as this often means that the solitary native bees have sought refuge and home in my yard, in my garden.
Driving in the Country. I love driving in the country, as the wide open roads with endless horizons offer a great place for quiet reflection and observation. I mean the real outback type country, where you could drive for 100km and still not see another car.
Camping. I thoroughly enjoy camping and am happy to get a little ‘feral’, cooking on the open fire, star-gazing at night and getting away from all technology, apart from my camera. It is usually a time when I get to spend real quality time with my husband and kids.
Dogs. Dogs fill my heart and body with happy vibes. I can’t explain the level of love and joy I feel when patting a dog. I’d love to have a family dog. However, my husband has allergies, so as a result, we cannot have a dog regardless if they are low shedders. My dogs were my everything when growing up, as they loved unconditionally and offered a place of respite from the hardness of the world.
Learning. I am happiest when I am learning. I delight in going to bed at night, knowing that I have learned something new that day.
Boots. Growing up poor meant that most, if not all shoes were hand-me-downs and never quite fit my foot. Not to mention I have a big foot. So when I realised that I could buy shoes that fit properly and suited my personality, wow, what a game changer! I feel happy being able to buy shoes that I love, fit me well and look great. I also love being barefoot. If I am at home, I am barefoot 100% of the time.
Baking; My kids and I are gluten-free, so I do a lot of baking. I enjoy the physical aspect of baking. I also derive feelings of happiness at seeing my kids enjoy the labours of my hard work. That makes me happy.
The Beach. I adore the beach. It simply brings me joy and happiness. I love watching the sets of waves, the emotion in the ocean. I love seeing the glistening sunshine sparkle on the water., giving an illusion of a sea of diamonds and crystals.
My camera and Photography. This is pure bliss, joy and flow for me.
Writing. Simply put, writing brings me joy and happiness.
Friends and Family. Spending time with friends and family makes me happy.
Showers. I love my shower. There is something quite magical about a shower.
My Bed. Jumping into my bed at the end of a hard day brings me incredible happiness. It is even better if I have just had a shower.
Rain. I love the rain. I love the smell of rain. I love seeing it fall to the earth, knowing that it is nourishing the plants, soil and filling up the catchment areas. I will stand out in the rain, arms outstretched and my tongue out. I feel free.
The sound of the wind over the tops of the trees. This sound takes me right back to some incredibly happy moments as a child, sitting on the riverbank, swimming and diving for smooth stones, while mum and dad made a billy of tea. It was special.
Social Media. I enjoy connecting with people from all over the world on social media. Connecting to people who are socially and politically motivated, active, and championing social justice.
The Northern Lights. These make me incredibly happy. They fill a certain void in my life, as there is something about them that brings great joy. I find them deeply, deeply spiritual.
Water. I am happy knowing that I have drunk enough water in the day.
Coffee. My coffee made with almond milk makes me happy. I delight in drinking a steaming hot cup of almond milk coffee. and is seriously good. It is a privilege I don’t take for granted.
Super Fast Internet. Yep, this makes life so much better, especially in a family of 5.
Waking up early. I do not like to sleep in. I actually hate it. I prefer to wake up early and have the house to myself.
Essential Oils. These make me very happy for obvious reasons.
Candles and Cushions. Yep, I love candles and cushions. I love sitting on the ground, surrounded by cushions and candles. Likewise, at night time, having a bed of cushions, while candles flicker peacefully.
My bath. I love having a soak in a deep hot bath. I could fall asleep in the bath tub