Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy Girls Are Pretty Girls

"I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls." Audrey Hepburn

I haven't been feeling very happy (or pretty) lately. My cousin (the one who gives the good advice) told me that one way to get past that is to look for at least one thing every day to be happy about. It doesn't have to be a big thing; those will come in time. 

She's right, of course; but some days it's easier said than done.  But we all know that happiness comes from within, and I'm determined to find mine. To that end, here's a list of things that always make me smile.

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My kitties. They stick by me when I'm sad or sick. No matter how long I've been gone, or what mood I'm in, they are always happy to see me. How can that not make me smile? 

Purses and shoes. They always fit, and they are easy to add to my wardrobe. If I can find them on the cheap, even better. What can I say; I'm a girl.

Baseball. I've talked before about what baseball means to me. Plus, it's awfully hard to look at Derek Jeter and not smile. *sigh*

Flowers. I like to grow them, arrange them and I love to smell them. Roses and lilies are my favorite. I'm inspired when I garden, knowing that I brought beauty into the world and helped it grow. When I arrange cut flowers, I'm happy knowing that I created something that will bring a smile to someone else.

Chocolate. They say that chocolate triggers a chemical reaction in your brain that is similar to love. Well, I don't know much about love - but I know dark chocolate makes me awfully happy. In the immortal words of Author Unknown - "Forget love - I'd rather fall into chocolate!" Amen.

My "nieces and nephews." I don't have any kids of my own (that's its own post). I'm also an only child, so I don't actually have any nieces or nephews. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the most wonderful children in the world. My best friend's son and daughter are little angels who brought me back to life. My cousins are the sweetest, kindest (and coolest) kids around, and always make me smile.

So that's my list. Well, part of my list - the most consistent parts - anyway. That's the great thing about happiness - even when it's not right in front of you, you never know where you might find it next.

What's on your list? 

6 comments:

  1. Great advice. Similarly, one can list ones best qualities.

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  2. An excellent idea. I'm pretty sure I have a post like that buried somewhere in Live Journal. I may resurrect it here at some point.

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  3. Things that make me happy? Spicy teas, baby's laughter, hugs from friends, having a specific food on hand when I'm "craving" it...really it's little things that make me happy. :)

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  4. The little things are where it's at, for sure. The big things are too few and far between. It's the little things that even the worst days worth facing. :)

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  5. Great post. I'm so grateful for the little things...and the days where I feel unhappy and ugly. Of course, I feel grateful for these days on the days where I feel happy and pretty, but still...

    Little things: A friend's laughter. When a friend makes ME laugh. Coffee. A great book. A warm blanket. My Sonicare toothbrush. The sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet. Pumpkin pie. My grandparents. Being different, even if sometimes my differences are secrets. Secrets. :)

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  6. Those are great answers, Amanda! Thank you!!

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