Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by The Smetz Files
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In 2024, one of my goals is to explore aspects of my writing. I started some journaling exercises and jotting down ideas as motivation and to flex some writing muscle. (You can find more journaling ideas on my Pinterest boards.)
One exercise prompted me to jot down ten things that make me happy. So, in no particular order, here are ten things that bring me joy!
- Coffee
- Sunshine
- Bronx cuddles
- Baseball
- Time at the beach
- Cooking
- My kids
- Blankets
- Reading
- Writing
Coffee
I typically start my day with coffee. I am known to find a Starbucks drive through for a mid afternoon treat. I have a few favorite local spots that give that exact jolt I need to power through whatever my day brings. Bottom line, coffee makes me happy!
It’s the smell. It’s the warmth, though I do love an iced coffee, especially in the heat of summer! It could also be the consistency and predictability my daily cup of coffee provides. I find comfort in routine and predictability, so coffee makes me happy.
Perhaps part of my enjoyment of coffee are the people I associate with sipping my favorite cup of joe. My grandmother always had a pot brewing, even in the afternoons. Part of my regular routine in graduate school was meeting my advisor at the local coffee spot just off campus to analyze data and write. When my dad and I run errands we inevitably find a spot to grab a coffee. Meeting friends at a coffee shop for a quick catch up is sublime. So, yeah, coffee makes me happy!
Sunshine
Even on the coldest days I love the sunshine. The warm afternoons in winter with bright sunshine that signal spring is near. Those afternoons make me happy. Feeling the warmth of sunshine all day watching baseball gives me great joy. Sitting on the beach, basking in the warm afternoon sun…that is my favorite.
I love the feeling of optimism I get when I’m enjoying the sunshine. Also, I’m aware more than ever about the dangers of too much sun exposure. So, I always opt for a hat and of course sunnies (side note: I have a whole list dedicated to sunglasses I love on my Tap To Shop link!) when I venture out to get some happy time in the sun.
Bronx Cuddles
We are a dog family. Jay and I have had dogs since before we were married. The kids have grown up with dogs as an integral part of our family. So, one of my favorite things are cuddles with our German Shepherd, Bronx von York.
He is a typical GSD. Bronx is always alert. He has some anxiety and definitely has some stubborn tendencies. But he is a cuddler…especially with me. At the end of the day when he knows we’re winding down, Bronx heads to our room and curls up in my spot on our bed to warm it. When I’m ready to settle and read or watch TV before bed he lays up against me and rests his head on my shoulder. It’s kind of our thing. And I love it!
Baseball
If you’ve read the blog or follow The Smetz Files on social media you are aware how important baseball is to our family. Jay’s playing days are long gone, but both kids are actively involved with baseball and softball.
So, baseball is the topic of many conversations at our house. Beyond our kids’ youth teams, we follow college baseball and the MLB. From February to October we always have a game on and we’re bantering about impressive plays or unbelievable stats.
We spend a lot of time on the diamond. I love it. The kids are working on their skills. Jay helps them refine the finer points of their game. I’m there capturing it on my phone or in the outfield shagging balls when they take batting practice. It’s our happy place and a fun time to be on the field all four of us, together.
Time at the Beach
When we bought the beach house in 2020 it was thrilling and exciting. Prior to that Jay would mention occasionally he’d like to retire at the beach and I always glossed over it thinking, yeah right. But now that we have a little piece of paradise, I can’t imagine spending our golden years anywhere else.
The beach makes me happy. Between the slower pace and the warm sun, it’s just a great place to be. I like the freedom I feel when we’re there. Even when we’re working remotely, I don’t feel the stress and chaos of daily life as much.
I feel more alive. I like to be active when we’re at the beach. Riding bikes. Going for long walks. And of course, laying by the pool…that’s active, right?!
Cooking
I like to cook…under certain conditions. Hahah! I like scouring Pinterest and finding new recipes. I like planning meals. It’s especially fun cooking with the kids. But it can be frustrating keeping up with fresh ideas and ordering groceries every. Single. Day!
With the kids’ busy schedules, it can be difficult squeezing in time for lengthy, complicated meals. So, yes, cooking makes me happy. When the conditions are right, I really enjoy time in the kitchen.
Time With My Kids
Alright, we’ve all read the incredibly funny and often poignant memes about how our kids drive us insane! And that can be completely true. But I genuinely enjoy time with my kids. They make me incredibly happy. Especially as they’ve gotten older, funnier, and more insightful.
I like working out with them and seeing them develop. It’s fun to spend time with them in the car, just talking and hearing their perspectives. We work hard to give them opportunities to explore their interests and grow their talents. So, I’m always happy to see where their passions and gifts take them.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m laughing along with all the reels depicting the absurdity of raising tweens these days, but my kids are a source of happiness. And I’m grateful they’re mine!
Blankets
Cozy blankets make me happy. Hear me out on this one. It could be 90 degrees outside and I would still want a blanket to sit on the couch and read or watch a game. The temperature has no bearing on my affinity for a great blanket!
Of course, one of my favorite things about winter are the cold days when I can cuddle under a great blanket. Perhaps it’s the inner desire to hibernate. Regardless of if we’re at home or at the beach, I have a favorite blanket for lounging on the couch. It’s an essential item for me and they just make me happy!
Reading
I have been a reader since I was a kid. Some of my best memories growing up are going to the bookstore and perusing the shelves, looking for my next book. I’m also a fan of the local library. I can try new authors and genres for free and not clutter up the house.
Reading makes me happy. I’ve tried reading online and I do that some, but I love having a book in hand. Preferably while I’m cuddled up with a great blanket (see my previous happy point!). I like to keep a book in my bag, just in case. You never know when you’re at an appointment, you might have to wait. So, I have a book to pass the time.
I especially love mysteries and legal thrillers. Some of my favorite authors are Harlan Coben, John Grisham, and John Hart. I’d love to hear your suggestions – let me know what you’re reading in the comments!
Writing
Writing is something I truly enjoy. This feels sort of obvious given that I choose to write about my personal reflections and simple musings for public consumption. But even in my professional life, I find that I enjoy aspects of writing.
During my graduate work, I wasn’t intimidated about the amount of writing I’d have to do to earn my doctorate. I like playing with words. It makes me happy to read other authors and think about what I can learn to refine my writing.
It’s easier for me to explore my thoughts in written form. Writing feels cathartic and can be a tool for organizing and making sense of my thoughts.
Read more of my writing.
Finally
One of my goals for this year is to explore my writing and work on exercises that help me expand my blog. I love the idea of journaling and this prompt to write about ten things that make you happy was a fun way to start working towards my goal.
What would you include in the list of things that make you happy? Let me know in the comments below!
