How to Be Happier,
Step 4: Appreciating
On
January 2 I posted a list from the blog of psychologist Jeremy Dean of ten
habits that science has shown make people happier. For the next several days
I’m posting individually on one of these actions/states of mind in hopes that
we can all learn to make them habits.
Today’s topic is appreciating.
Here are a few of the little, ordinary, but beautiful things
in life and the world that I appreciate:
☼ Lighted windows at dusk
☼ Kindness and generosity
☼ Colors and patterns
☼ Birds chirping in bare winter trees
☼ Spontaneous conversations with strangers in
public places
☼ That a gray sky has its own kind of beauty
☼ My dog sleeping on her blanket in my office
☼ Strawberries and blueberries
☼ Smells: vanilla and cinnamon, lilacs, onions
cooking, pine trees, fresh wood, a library
☼ A clean, fresh, dry towel after a shower
☼ Snatches of music that just enter my head out
of nowhere
☼ Sunlight reflecting off the windows of tall
buildings
How many
more can you think of? What ordinary things do you especially appreciate?
This list made me smile! And you've reminded me that it's about time for me to sit down and update my ever-growing Happy List... because there's always something new to be added. :)
ReplyDeleteSmall things that make me happy? Flowers Chocolate. A hot cup of soup (that I didn't make myself) on a cold night. A beautiful sunset. Good news from a friend. Alana (Ramblinwitham)
ReplyDeleteLovely list Elaine. I share many of them. Some of my favorites?
ReplyDeleteSun showers/walks in the rain/a fire on a cold winter night/a good storm/a child's laughter/running across a favorite quote.
I'm sure my night will be filled with thoughts of many more - thanks for a lovely evening!