30 Shades of My Happy: A Soulful Inventory from Me to…Me!

List 30 things that make you happy.

“Happiness is not a pursuit; it’s a personal playlist we often forget to press play on.” – Unknown but probably me, on a good day.

Somewhere between balancing a grocery list and a gratitude journal, I realised—I rarely ask myself, “What makes me happy?” Not what makes my kids jump with joy, or what brings a smile to my husband’s face, or what earns me a gold star in the eyes of my mom, but what genuinely makes me do a little happy dance inside my heart.

So, here I am—reclaiming my joy, one bullet point at a time.

1. Talking to my friends—those soul mirrors who remind me I’m not alone in this circus.

2. A deep, drool-worthy, undisturbed sleep.

3. Reading a book that makes me whisper, “Wow” into the wind.

4. Writing a blog that makes even my soul say, “Well done!”

5. Being kind—not for applause, just because it feels right.

6. Offering help before someone gathers the courage to ask.

7. Listening without judgment—sometimes people just want a safe space, not a solution.

8. Good food. (Bonus points if I didn’t cook it.)

9. Being gentle with myself—especially on clumsy, cranky days.

10. Spa day: lotions, potions, and pretending I’m royalty.

11. Playing with my kids—no agenda, just belly laughs.

12. Cooking something special, and occasionally nailing it.

13. Quality time with my husband, especially when we talk like friends.

14. Absolutely nothing. No guilt. Just pure, lazy bliss.

15. Sharing old memories with my mom and grandma—they’re walking time machines.

16. Visiting my hometown and inhaling nostalgia.

17. Discovering a new podcast that sounds like it was recorded just for me.

18. Wearing clothes that actually fit me AND my mood.

19. Laughing at my own jokes—even if the room doesn’t.

20. Dancing when no one’s watching (and sometimes when they are).

21. Making my kids laugh so hard they snort.

22. Organizing something messy—it feels like therapy with visible results.

23. Daydreaming about impossible vacations… then adding them to my wishlist anyway.

24. Hearing “Mamma, you’re the best” (even if it’s followed by a request for chocolate).

25. A good hair day. These are rare. Celebrate them.

26. Watching a movie that gives me goosebumps or tears—both are welcome.

27. Completing something on my to-do list and dramatically crossing it off.

28. Getting unexpected compliments—especially on days I felt invisible.

29. Sitting in silence without the pressure to fill it.

30. Remembering that I matter too.

“Sometimes happiness isn’t found in grand milestones, but in a hot cup of tea sipped before anyone wakes up.”

Thought to Ponder:
What if the secret to your joy was already scribbled in the margins of your ordinary days, just waiting for you to notice?

So go ahead—make your list. Re-introduce yourself to your own happiness. And this time, don’t save your seat at the back of the line. Sit front row. You’ve earned it.