When I think of being happy, I think of our great-grandson, when he was 1 year old, who came into the house, looked around, realized where he was, smiled a big smile at me and started clapping his hands . . .that was such a special moment and his happiness and excitement made me happy!
I also got a call the other day from my daughter-in-law who said that our 2 year old great-grandson in California asked her to "call MiMi!" That made me happy!
These two simple recent memories certainly makes my "soul happy!" And, today our youngest granddaughter is graduating from High School and going on to CSU for her college experience, and this makes me HAPPY!
Too often, when we are hurting and grieving, we forget that there is still a place for happiness in our lives.
As one who is very familiar with loss and grief, I have found that I have to be intentional about making room for happiness, not only thinking about what makes me happy, but actually making a list to review at a later time, when I may forget that even as I live with sorrow and loss, I can still find a measure of joy and happiness in my everyday life.
There are LOTS of things that make me happy. What makes you happy? I encourage you to take a few minutes and make a HAPPY list and you may be surprised, as I was, at all that makes your "soul happy." I was surprised at the length of my list and maybe you will be, too. ENJOY!
What makes me HAPPY . . .
*Waking up to the chirping and melodious sounds of the birds (especially the coo of doves and the robin's song).
*Music - all kinds!
*Being surrounded by beauty; nature, beautiful people and surroundings.
*Books (all around me).
*Finishing reading a book - a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
*Gardens, Trees and Flowers.
*Choosing, planting and watching veggies and fruits grow and bear fruit.
*Working in a garden - planting, pruning, trimming and digging in the dirt.
*Valleys - especially those will green pastures and wild flowers.
*Streams and bodies of water - any kind of moving water; waterfalls, water foundations/features, rivers and the ocean.
*A fragrant, hot cup of coffee of tea.
*Teatime with a close friend or my grandaughters.
*Going to a good movie - always a favorite date with my hubby.
*Bathing/Showering - the scent and fragrance of soap, shampoo and conditioner; the warmth and refreshment of running water over my body.
*Crawling into bed under clean sheets.
*Sitting outside on the porch.
*My sons and their families - just looking at them makes me happy - they are all beautiful people-inside and out.
*Learning new things.
*Taking drives not knowing where I'm going, just exploring new places.
*Singing with someone - a duet, trio, ensemble or choir. I am definitely meant to be a part of a "concert" of prayer through lyrics and melodies.
*Harvesting herbs, veggies and fruits that I've tended and watched grow.
*Seeing miracles happen in people's lives.
*Fellowshipping with those who love and honor the Lord above all else.
*Studying and memorizing God's Word (hiding it/Him in my heart).
*Sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
*Being a part of something larger and more important than myself - this is an essential "imperative" for me.
*Belly laughing with someone who has a bigger and louder belly laugh than I do.
*A good joke.
*A new, fresh opportunity.
*A vision that I know comes from God.
*Seeing a God-given vision come to fruition.
*Getting organized and staying that way, but making time and room for Sabbath and pajama days.
*Snowy days.
*Sunny days.
*Rainy days.
*Busy, spiritual and relational fruit-bearing days.
*Being around people who know they are loved and are living FREE.
*Being in the company of those who are creative, wise and inspirational, and who love to serve and help others.
*Hearing a melody with lyrics and being able to score it and hear it played or sung by someone other than me.
*Taking a trip for FUN and adventure or as a "pilgrimage" in Christ.
*Seeing our children and grandchildren happy, at peace and loving and following Christ.
*Making a real difference in someone's life and the world - for Christ.
*When I feel and know that I am loved and am important to someone I love.
*Eating popcorn!
*Taking a peaceful, restful and refreshing nap.
*Fresh eggs from "home-grown" chickens - tee hee~
*Sleeping through the night with sweet or "telling" dreams of those who are no longer here with me on this Earth.
*Waking in the morning with excitement for what a new day may bring my way.
*Living in peace with God, myself and others.
*Dancing.
*Knowing that God is watching me, paying attention to me, delighted in me and fully present to me.
*Making other people feel "seen" and special.
*The sense of cleansing after repenting of my sins against God and others.
*Being the reason someone giggles or laughs out loud.
*Knowing that I am loved and appreciated not for what I do, but for who I am.
*Being in the company of good men and women who love JESUS - men and women "after God's own heart."
*Interacting playfully with family and friends.
*Finishing what I start.
*A clean house!!!
How about sitting down and making your list now?
With a Happy Soul Today,
Angie "a mom like you"
amotherlikem@gmail.com
www.amotherlikeme.info
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