the small stuff

Despite being surrounded by darkness that feels as if it is pressing in from all sides, squeezing so tightly I cannot breathe – there is happiness to be found in every day.

My friend's young daughter woke up joyfully one morning exclaiming to her parents, "We woke up!" What better way to greet the day than with joy? Attitude is so important. If you start the day with negativity, chances are you will color your day that way as well.

I wake up and greet my husband with a smile (sometimes a song or a silly poem). I appreciate his sleepy-eyes filled with love for me. Even when I am up at 4 am and leave him under the blankets sound asleep, he’ll surprise me as I prepare for the day, with a hug, a kiss, a silly dance in the bathroom, to send me on my way.

I am always looking up. That blue sky with white puffy clouds that inspires my imagination to paint or write or simply to bask in the glory of existence makes me happy.

Other things that make me happy:

· Flowering trees in spring, soothing breezes rustling leaves in summer, autumnal colors in fall, branches coated with heavy snowfall in winter

· Fields of colorful flowers or covered with pure, white snow

· Cooing babies

· Joy-filled, friendly dogs

· A warm chocolate chip cookie or a cup of hot cocoa

· A soft warm blanket (or cuddling with my husband) on a cold night

· Jumping in puddles on rainy days

· Watching thunderstorms while dry inside

· When people are kind to each other

· My kitchen filled with delicious smells, my table replete with yummy foods, friends and family gathered together in my home...

When those I love are happy, my joy is unmatched.