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Lately I've had friends who are my age (and older) with 'issues' that have caused them to be anxious and unhappy. I want to help, but as hard as I try, can't seem to find the magic 'fix'.
Sometimes they seem sad, sometimes angry... and I know it's normal and to be expected, but it bothers me. I guess we all want our kids to be happy. But I want my friends to be happy too.
So I got to thinking... "What makes me happy?" Everyone is different, yet in some ways, we're all the same. Anyway, I decided to just print out a stream of consciousness list. This is what came out... and although these are true, they are not necessarily in any order of importance.
What makes me happy?
As a child - fishing with my dad
When young - College days
Now -
Coffee on a lava beach
The sound and smell of the ocean
Children and Grandchildren
Dove bars
Kittens
Tea and toast
Foot rubs
Coffee with friends
Hugs
Interesting comments from blog friends
What makes you happy?
Closing with a kitten video:
This is little "Hans Solo" (DH named him) playing in the back with his mama. (Remember to click twice and then click on the small square on the right to enlarge video)
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Hugs (virtual),
Rian
The natural world makes me happy. A good book. Sunrise, sunset. A clean house.
ReplyDeleteThose make me happy too, EC.
DeleteI'm sorry that some of your friends are dealing with issues. Sadly, no one can "fix" them, though I understand your desire to. It's hard to see people we care about "suffer" in any way, mentally, emotionally, or physically.
ReplyDeleteI love your stream of consciousness list. Some of the things that bring me Joy, in no particular order, are animals in general, flowers, gardens, taking photos of animals and flowers, the first sip of coffee in the morning, hearing robins singing, listening to mellow jazz on a Sunday morning, finding a great thrift store bargain, reading in bed at night, watching "All Creatures Great and Small" on PBS, looking up at the night sky on clear nights, spending time with friends, treating myself to an iced or hot latte (with oat milk and stevia), vacation days and holidays (even just weekends, lol), the sound of a gentle rain...I could go on and on!
Thanks for this! It's great to realize just how many things DO bring me Joy!
Yes, Kim, those are joyful things also... (I loved watching "All Creatures Great and Small" on PBS too). So many little things that bring joy that we need to be mindful of.. as they could be gone in a blink of the eye.
DeleteAww, Rian, I think those little moments you mention here are almost all the same for me. I find that the little things often overlooked in daily life are perfect moments when we stop to appreciate them. I also love my blog friends who inspire me in unexpected ways, such as this particular lovely look into your world. And thanks for the kitties, too. :-)
ReplyDelete'little moments of happiness'... and I can find it in watching a kitten play. When you think about it, that's pretty wonderful.
DeleteI'm fortunate, that I have yet to experience any major health issues - which I think tend to be a reason for seniors to feel anxious and unhappy. At least that was my experience when she was 10 years older than I am now.
ReplyDeleteSo many things make me happy, a hug from my children or grandson is definitely top of the list. A good book, my morning tea, the early morning sun shining through the bedroom window, a visit with a good friend, sunrise or sunset on an ocean cruise, and the list goes on. I do find, I'm happier and more content now that I've retired than when I worked full-time. I have more time to appreciate the small joys of life (and take advantage of them too).
Hans Solo is a real cutie! His mom wasn't giving him any slack.
Hans Solo's mom is who we call a 'meany mom' as she is strict... and a terror to even the bigger males. She will swat at any of them... and they stay far away from her. So it was good to see her playing with her kitten.
DeleteHappy is a state of mind.
ReplyDeleteTrue... but is it something we can encourage? Is it chemical, psychological, or physical - or a little of each?
DeleteThe little things make me happy - my flowers, my pets, having a laugh with my family, a good book, a yummy meal, beautiful scenery... the only times when I'm really genuinely down are when I'm dealing with pain or a health issue. I get angry, momentarily, when people don't do their jobs and waste my time, when people say they are going to do something and they don't, and when people lie or are deceptive. But truly, I'm very grateful for those little things that bring contentment. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jenn, that I tend to get angry (or anxious) when people don't do their jobs or something they said they would do and didn't... when someone down the line makes a mistake and it's so complicated and time consuming (on our part) to get it fixed. But it happens... and although frustrating, isn't worth getting upset about.
DeleteWatching my birds and animals in the yard. Going over memories with my husband, Spending time with my children and their families. Feeling needed.
ReplyDeleteThose are all little things that bring joy, Tabor. I love watching the wildlife activity in our yard from day to day...
DeleteRian, this was a sweet read--loved the kitten video too! Well I know what makes me happy, I just returned home after a weekend back home visiting family and a day in West Virginia with an old friend. I'll be blogging about it soon :^)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your next blog about your trip home visiting family and friend - that should have definitely made you happy...
DeleteKay of Musings: This is truly a happy post and I’m trying to think about what makes me happy. Being with friends is great! I haven’t had a Dove bar in a long time, but that would make me happy too. Seeing my children and grandchildren: Defiinitely! Finishing a project. Seeing relatives I haven’t seen in a long time. Having a good night’s sleep. It’s made me happy just thinking about happy things. Thank you Rian.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Kay... and I have to say that your posts and shares make me happy too. We will never travel around as much as you do, but it is nice to share your adventures. And I take it that your mom's head wound from falling healed fine. She seems like a wonderful little lady.
Deletethank you Rian for commenting so perceptively on my blog. I reread my post and you are absolutely right. Maybe it would help to be more visible in the blogosphere again, there are so many lovely people all willing to lighten ones load.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes me happy? Not money or possessions, grand holidays or material self indulgence.
Good relationships with other people, family, friends, or just acquaintances. A days happy work in the garden. A glass of wine, in company, at the end of a busy day. A delicious meal or a bar of my favourite dark chocolate, A new dog would make me happy, but I'd have to be a few years younger.
I am sure I could find lots of things to make me happy if I dug deep. Perhaps that's what I must do.
Friko, we have always had cats (usually several) and lost our last one at the beginning of the Pandemic. I still love them and miss them terribly, but can't quite make myself get another... it was so hard to lose the last 2... not sure I want to go through that again.
DeleteSo I understand about the dog. But... I'm not alone, I do still have DH. If I was alone, I do think I would want a dog (for company and protection). IMO we need someone or something to share our lives with (even if we don't have many years left to share).
Blast, did my comment get lost? It was a long one and all.
ReplyDeleteNo, not lost... just slow. Some of my comments go to bloggers' Spam... so I'm told they have to check if they don't see a comment from me.
Deletemy husband, my family...the beach make me happy!! lots of things make me happy, too many to list!! i love that first picture, a purple bird!!
ReplyDeleteYou are right there, Debbie... there is something about being around the water
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