10 Things That Make Me Truly, Madly, Deeply Happy

Truly, Madly, Deeply Happy. Is it possible?

I posted a hilarious video (below) from John Oliver last week about just how calamitous 2016 seems to have been in so many ways.

When I posted it, a dear friend of mine, who practises gratitude daily, challenged me by saying that there are in fact millions of daily examples of kindness, compassion and innovation, proving that 2016 has also been wonderful in so many ways. She is of course right.

As we come to the end of the year and Christmas season, we are entering the final period of self-reflection for the year. For me, I am using the time to reflect on the things that make me happy. This is the first of a series of three weekly posts that I will publish before the end of the year.

Here are 10 things that make me truly madly deeply happy.

1. The intense love I have for my children

I am in love with my children.

2. Watching the sun set

Sunsets take me to a place of deep happiness, relaxation and a true appreciation of the majesty of nature. I am truly at peace when I watch the sun set. Read a recent blog I wrote about sunsets.

3. Being in the bath

I love baths. Instantly calming. I stay in the bath until my fingers and toes go all shrivelly. Happiness is a long bath.

4. Snorkelling in see-through waters

It is so calming and visually spectacular to snorkel in warm tropical waters. I love hearing the fish nibble on the coral. Being in water is a very happy place for me.

4. Being Creative

I feel totally aligned with who I am when I am being creative. Creativity for me is as broad as taking photographs, writing, appreciating art, interior design, applying makeup, putting outfits together, generating ideas and solving business problems.

5. Lying in the sun staring up at blue sky

When the sky is totally blue, with no clouds and the sun is beaming down on me, the feeling is one of being instantly invigorated. I am solar-powered.

6. Helping People

Whether it is acting as a sounding board for family and friends, to helping businesses grow, to supporting Ana By Karma to empower women through entrepreneurship, to helping women get their energy and confidence back through 40 To The Max, I am at my very core a giver. And it makes me truly happy to help others.

8. Being around animals

Sometimes I feel I connect with animals better than I do with humans. If I could have a zoo in my house, I would. Working with animals is a long-held dream of mine. Being a Zookeeper for a day is on MyMaximalist.

Sharing a relaxing moment with my #bunny #rabbit #Panda #40tothemax

9. Sleeping

I often feel that I am happiest when I am asleep. Because it is in sleep, that I can dream and my body has a chance to recalibrate for the next day.

10. Surrounded by family and friends

Nothing makes me more truly, madly, deeply happy than throwing a party and hosting family and friends at my place. When we sit together around a table and laugh and share stories, it is what living is all about. And I definitely lived it up this year. I am totally blessed to have the people in my life that I do. My friend was right. Of course she was.

“Oh can you see it baby?
You don’t have to close your eyes
‘Cause it’s standing right before you”

Lyrics Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden