50 Things That Make Me Happy + What Are Yours?
Life has presented its fair share of challenges over the past few years. I’ve navigated through some incredibly trying times that introduced many new experiences—most of which I wish I could erase.
To say I was “stuck” would be an understatement. It felt more like “having the rug pulled out from under you repeatedly.” Ironically, these transformative (or seemingly disastrous, in the moment) experiences tend to arise when everything starts aligning perfectly.
And then, without warning, everything changes.
Here’s a hefty dose of reality; I hope you find it enjoyable. Sincerely, the Universe.
During that tumultuous period, I found myself giving up on various pursuits. Some had to be set aside due to circumstances; others fell by the wayside because I simply lacked the energy or drive. My mind was fixated on wishing for things to return to a sense of “normal” and yearning to feel like my authentic self once again. Yet, a crucial realization struck me: when you endure hardships and transformations, the person you once were evolves as well. Along with those challenging experiences come invaluable lessons.
It took me time, but I finally acknowledged that while life may not revert to “normal,” I could still rediscover elements of my former self. It would require patience—a difficult pill to swallow. Thankfully, here I stand now, feeling more like myself than I have in years. It’s the simple, everyday joys I missed the most: enjoying hours in the kitchen without discomfort, taking long walks in the park with Blu every Sunday, and rekindling my passion for writing and photography. Plus, embracing personal growth through journaling and making lists.
Every month, I committed to creating a lengthy list of things I was grateful for. I took a break from this practice for a while, but eventually, gratitude became my guiding light out of that dark phase. Another list that I cherish—though I don’t make it as frequently—is one that captures 50 things that bring me joy. It had been a while since my last iteration, and when I revisited it, I noted activities like “snowboarding” and “plyometric training,” which no longer resonate with my current reality due to my car accident and ongoing back pain. It was somewhat disheartening, to say the least. Still, I believe I will add those activities to my list in the future—even if not in the immediate ones.
Compiling a list of what makes you happy redirects your thoughts away from worries and centers them on the things you treasure. Writing such a list is a joyful experience—you can’t help but smile or even chuckle a few times. Here’s my list, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to create your own, especially if you’re feeling lost or stuck in life.
50 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY
1. My family—Mark, my parents, sister, brother, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Despite the chaos that often comes with family life, I couldn’t imagine my world without their support, inside jokes, pranks, and cherished traditions.
2. My dog, Blu. He has been with me through significant moments since I was 18 and a freshman in college.
3. My gravity blanket and heated blanket. Essential for the fall and winter months.
4. My favorite small black pillow, which I brought on a flight and can’t sleep without now.
5. Avocado.
6. C.O. Bigelow Cold and Flu Soak—a true lifesaver for my back and leg discomfort.
7. Road trips, often more enjoyable than the destination itself.
8. Audible for audiobooks.
9. Cooking—one of my favorite stress relievers.
10. Spearmint tea.
11. Green tea, with just a hint of honey.
12. The Office, of course.
13. Scented candles.
14. Cozy socks—always keeping a pair under my pillow in case of chilly mornings.
15. The smell of summer rain.
16. A fresh haircut.
17. Online shopping—of course.
18. Avocado, again.
19. Blogging as a creative outlet.
20. A good night’s sleep, ideally between 6-7 hours.
21. Getting lost in a great thriller. Currently not-too-patiently awaiting the latest installment in the Stillhouse Lake series.
22. Music, which adds so much to my life.
23. Dark chocolate with sea salt.
24. Writing as an expression of my thoughts and feelings.
25. Board game nights with loved ones.
26. Rainy weekend movie marathons.
27. Morning cuddles.
28. Exploring new places while traveling.
29. The aroma of freshly-cut grass.
30. Enjoying my own company.
31. Being able to give back and help others in need.
32. Waking up feeling strong and pain-free.
33. Days when I feel particularly creative.
34. Experimenting with new recipes.
35. Lying on the grass under the summer sun.
36. The comforting scent of fresh laundry.
37. Snuggling into cozy PJs.
38. The joy of surprising family and friends with gifts.
39. Grocery shopping—yes, I enjoy it!
40. Crawling into bed after a long day with crisp, clean bedding.
41. The magic of Christmas lights.
42. Catching sight of “11:11” or “7:13” on the clock.
43. The delightful aroma of banana bread baking in the oven.
44. The joy of reading the Harry Potter series.
45. Learning Photoshop and photo editing skills.
46. Following my favorite blogs for inspiration.
47. My laptop and other tech gear that keep me connected.
48. Keeping a balloon in the air for as long as possible—a childhood game I rekindled this year. It was just as enjoyable as I remembered, perhaps even more so as an adult.
49. Receiving emails from readers of my blog.
50. Having productive days that leave me feeling accomplished.
One of the significant lessons I’ve learned through my experiences is the importance of not taking things for granted and cultivating gratitude.
I already viewed these concepts as essential in life. However, it becomes much easier to embrace them when times are good. When faced with pain and uncertainty, it’s common to feel anger and resentment. You want progress, but the question lingers: “Why me?” Focusing on the things that make you happy—the moments that bring a smile to your face and moments of gratitude—serves as a powerful starting point for moving forward.
In cherishing these small joys, you can pave a brighter path through tough times.
