Last semester, I read the book “14,000 thing to be Happy About” by Barbara Ann Kipfer. She lists both big and small details of her life which make her gratuitous. Inspired by her dedication to optimism, I decided to create my own list. Although it is 50 things and not 14,000, creating this post reminded me that happiness emerges from the compilation of small joys.
Falling asleep under my star light projector
Sitting in the living room doing homework with my roommates
Weekly coffee dates on campus with my dad
Grocery store trips with my mom
Candy-flavored coffee creamer
Beading my shoelaces
Homemade fondue
Wednesday coffee dates with Hannah
Reviewing your notes after reading a book
The color purple
Putting on my five rings, two necklaces, and four earrings in the morning
My brother’s college admission success
Rekindling old friendships
Daily tarot card readings
Sean’s Bacon Cheddar Burgers from Al’s Burger Shack
Sweatpants with pockets
Bachelor Monday’s with my apartment
Facetiming my grandparents
Saying yes to last minute plans and having a great time
Meeting influential people in your life through unexpected circumstances
Pairing matching socks after doing laundry
Having a vending machine in my apartment
Doing work in a room with natural light
Establishing new traditions
Learning skills in class that apply to your jobs
Tik Tok
Creating a crystal collection
Having friends who you feel 100% yourself around
Taking the high road
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
My 1SE Video
Burning through four candles since the beginning of spring semester
When others take your advice
Finally creating a blog after envisioning it for years
Creating community through TEDxUNC
Spending the day at the beach
Nature Twist Sugar Free Lemonade
Sticking my head and/or body out the window when I ride in the passenger seat
Having so much fun you forget to take pictures
Watching Youtubers you have grown up with
Accidentally matching your friends
Hanging homemade art on my apartment’s walls
Singing karaoke on my bluetooth microphone
Colorful eye makeup
Dance workout videos
Purchasing clothing dupes and people believing they are real
Watching concert movies
Achieving long term goals
Sleeping with my body pillow
Living in the present
Livithroughthelens 