I try. I really do. After all, there’s no shortage of horrible news that makes you want to suck your thumb, strap on an adult diaper, and lose yourself in a tub of tears and ice cream. Salty!
Happy Panda did a ‘Happiness is…’ photo series which is such a good idea. Here’s one of her posts. It’s a nice way to re-purpose old photos and remind yourself of all you have to be thankful for. Then, Good News Network’s shared American’s top 10 little joys, so I thought, I can take a hint!
/a new recipe/ Finding and successfully making a new dish is heavenly! Or even tweaking out one of my standards. Budget Bytes is one of my favorite sites to go to. She has vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are simple and delicious.
/plants/ Recently, I took the two fake plants (I only have the two) that were on my desk and switched them out for real ones. What a difference it has made in my mood, too! I also moved more plants inside and started propagating my pothos. Beautiful plant nerd Summer Rayne Oaks was my inspiration.
/a good book/ I once heard that the best thing you can do for your health is to get up and go to sleep at around the same time. And I’m pretty good at this except when I have a book that I cannot put down since I read before bed. Even if I try to start my reading routine earlier, a good book is awesomeness!
Currently reading The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley (thanks, Sarah for the recommendation!), and am already looking forward to reading book two in this series.
/a full pantry/ When I was participating in #365daysofgratitude on Instagram, I shared that I was happy for a full kitchen. I love that feeling after you’ve put everything away, when the shelves are stocked, when the fridge is full of food. A friend sent me a message saying I said the strangest things, which I think was her way of saying, that’s interesting, Lani! Consequently, when food is low in the house I get nervous. Surely, I can’t be the only one!
/laughing/ Last night, one of my students went to get water at the cooler, I was going to the teachers’ room and another student was in the doorway of the classroom. The student getting water put the paper cone cup to her ear and said, ‘hello’ like a phone and I looked back at the other student and we burst out laughing. It was so random, but a moment that makes me happy remembering it.
/connections/ This reminds me of all those seemingly small moments when we connect with one other. When we take the time to be aware of the HUMAN behind whatever interactions we’re having. I think this is what makes me such a bad driver, and why I don’t do it. I get angry first and then calm down later.
/peace and quiet/ SE Asia is not the quietest of places. I could write a whole post on noise pollution. I live near a large grocery store that insists on making very loud intercom announcements, and the makeshift flea market that sets up regularly outside the apt blasts music (they were in a classic rock mood yesterday). But generally speaking, we live in a quiet area. And I love it.
Sometimes in class when the students have finally settled down to do book work, I always, always, pause to appreciate the sound of silence. I find myself even stopping in my tracks, moving slower, so as to not disturb the moment. Funny, no?
Wishing you good health, luck, and love, where ever you are in this moment. What are your little joys?
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
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