Today is my dad’s 55th birthday. Happy Birthday Daddy :-) Sorry I outed you. He’s hanging out with my mom, my brother, his wife, and my niece and nephew. I’m missing it. I had the opportunity to talk to him on the phone this evening and it just put a smile on my face to be in on the plans that he didn’t know about. That got me thinking of the simplest things that make me happy.

  • Planning a surprise - Nothing like planning for someone else’s happiness. It just stirs up the joy in my soul.
  • Walking outside with no shoes - Preferrably on grass or sand, but I’ll take concrete. I get a sense of freedom when I walk barefoot. I take every opportunity I can.
  • Being naked - No, not outside ;-) But I get the same free feeling.
  • Kisses - When we were younger, I called my brother a kiss-ka-dee because he loved to kiss so much. His son is just like that now. Kisses make me melt, and again, they cost nothing.
  • Hugs - Touch is an important part of life. Did you know that premature babies who were touched gained 50% more weight than the ones that weren’t? [Source] Hugs are the grown up equivalent, and they are essential to a happy, healthy life. (So says me :-) )
  • Giving and receiving compliments - These bad boys don’t cost a thing, but they are so intoxicating. I used to be stingy with compliments, mostly because I was afraid of what people would think. Lately, I’ve gotten liberal. When I give a compliment I just love the moment that the smile starts spreading across the other person’s face.
  • Holding the door for someone - I understand that door holding is usually the guy’s domain, but I just love holding the door for people. Especially when they’re carrying a million things. I feel like it’s an invitation to a conversation.
  • Looking at the ocean - I get an sense of awe when I look at the ocean. I definitely feel like I’m a part of a grand thing.
  • Singing along - I love lyrical music just because I can sing along. Doesn’t matter the song, as long as I know the words, I’m in seventh heaven.

So, what are some of the simple things that make you happy?

In Spirit,
Nneka