8 Things That Make Me Happy

What makes you happy?

That was the topic of the hour on the morning show that I listen to during the morning hustle (home à school/drop off Miles à daycare à Y/work/run). The hosts were referencing a survey of tens of thousands of Britons who downloaded a questionnaire and rated what made the most happy – and what made them the most miserable.

The top 8, in each category (from highest ranking to lowest):

Best things in life: Having sex, going to the theater, going to the library or a museum, playing sport, gardening, singing, chatting and birdwatching.

Worst things: Being sick in bed, working or studying, carrying for an adult, waiting in line, doing admin and finances, attending a meeting, commuting and housework and/or DIY.

Birdwatching is the eighth best thing in life. Really? The only way birdwatching would make me happy is that it would be so boring that I would fall asleep in the grass and sleep is the best thing ever.

Yes, on my list, sleeping through the night would be No. 1. I mean actual sleeping, too – not that bull about the s-e-x. Sad but true.

My other favorite things:

• I’m stealing this from the radio host – sort of. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying than scoring a major deal at the store. 

For example, I found my new favorite running shirt for $4 on the Target clearance rack. With coupons and rewards, I got a pair of Athleta Chatarunga tights, Athleta Chi Tank and two Old Navy shirts for Miles for $6 out of pocket. And, folks, the Chi tank is so buttery soft that I could die in it … from boredom while I watched birds.

• Hot coffee in a cute coffee mug. I’m currently drinking decaf Starbucks Sumatra out of a reindeer mug that I got at, you guessed it, Target. On clearance. For 50 cents. I might need to refresh for Valentine’s day.

• Playing sport, aka running. A good, solid workout does more for me than any drugs would.

• Doing nice things for people. Sadly, I think many people move throughout the world without another expressing genuine kindness toward them. It makes me feel good when I can change that.

• Making my boys laugh. It’s easy with Miles – all I have to do is a read a book the “funny” way, which involves replacing random words with potty ones. Si is harder but when he does giggle, boy is it cute.

• Eating out for breakfast on the weekends.

• Working hard toward and accomplishing a goal. 

What makes you happy?