Good For The Soul

I decided to make a list of things that put me in a happy place or just make me feel better about life (more general experiences rather than specific things with specific people), whether long-term or for a moment, deeply or in silly ways:

• Falling into soft snow
  
• Fresh, winter air blasting my face while speeding down a mountain on skis
  
• Interacting with nature
  
• The way my stomach flips when taking off in an airplane
  
• Really good back tickles
  
• The smell of sandalwood, cedar, fresh citrus, or pure vanilla
  
• Virgin mojitos
  
• The way I feel after a really good sneeze
  
• Waking up from a great nap and feeling utterly peaceful
  
• Bundling up in a blanket with hot cocoa after sledding
  
• Wrinkled noses
  
• Laughing freely at good-natured humor
  
• Gently tossed ocean surf
  
• Waves crashing on rocky shores
  
• The silent solitude of sunrise
  
• Comfortable silence with close friends
  
• Being pretty darn sure someone is a friend forever
  
• Intertwined snuggling (heck, I intertwine with myself)
  
• Forgiving someone who hasn't earned pardon
  
• Doing something for someone when nobody will ever know who did it
  
• Knowing I've made a positive difference in someone's life, or even their day
  
• Sand between my toes
  
• Skinny dipping
  
• Music that pacifies my heart and resonates with my soul
  
• Being cheek to cheek
  
• Ridiculously good chocolate
  
• Walking outside on a warm, sunny day with a slight, fresh breeze
  
• Synchronized breathing while spooning
  
• Seeing true humility and appreciation in someone's eyes
  
• Walking away from destructive habits, thought patterns, or relationships and knowing I have the strength to be OK
  
• Letting go of the need to hurt
  
• Massage offered with sincere TLC, especially scalp and foot massage
  
• Waking up to the smell of Swedish pancakes
  
• Crackling logs in the radiantly glowing fireplace
  
• Watching gently falling snow outside on a cold, dark night with someone close
  
• Rain on the rooftop
  
• Watching lightning across the rolling hills and waiting for the thunder
  
• Beautifully played live music, particularly piano, violin, cello, or guitar
  
• Air-drying after a shower, spread eagle, in front of a fan on a hot day
  
• Staring at a twinkling Christmas tree, sensing holidays past
  
• Getting caught in a downpour on a summer day
  
• Sincere compliments from critical people
  
• Feeling love without reservation
  
• Reconnecting with old friends, picking up right where we left off
  
• A friend's excitement from hearing from or seeing me
  
• Children's laughter
  
• Fiery sunsets setting craggy mountains ablaze
  
• Salty breeze gently swaying palm fronds on a beach camp ground
  
• Standing on an island alone
  
• Seeing a glimmer in people's eyes doing or talking about what they love in life
  
• Laying on my back with only numberless stars in sight
  
• Water fights
  
• Snow fights
  
• Falling asleep with someone (or a pet)
  
• Log-rolling down a hill
  
• Swinging in a hammock in the shade on a warm day
  
• Picking blueberries or raspberries
  
• Hunting tarantulas
  
• Helping people feel comfortable talking about things they've wanted to talk about but didn't think anyone would listen to or try to understand
  
• Low-key gardening
  
• Sharing new experiences with people who are a lasting part of my life
  
• Photo safaris
  
• Looking someone directly in the eye as they look back and knowing that, if for only that moment, you're connecting
  
• Sitting and watching my aquarium
  
• Playing the piano
  
• Listening to some of my favorite songs in the dark with my eyes closed before bed
  
• Reviewing the day and knowing I've been productive and used my time wisely
  
• Watching children's excitement about life
  
• Pets' antics
  
• The Oregon Coast: 'nuff said
  
• A really good storm (ice/snow/lightning/etc) from the candle-lit safety of home
  

I could keep going, but I'll stop there for now. Y'all are welcome to add yours if you feel so inclined.