10 Things That Make Me Smile

 As I wandered around Target this morning, I felt a deep satisfaction. When I left with a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino in hand, my heart felt happy. This is part of a 30-day stress relief challenge. 10 Things that make me smile, in no particular order.

1.     Target – How can one not love the environment and products that Target displays? Though the store has the ability to bankrupt my checking account, it make me feel deeply satisfied while doing so.

2.     Pumpkin Spice – Pumpkin spice chai, pumpkin spice Frappuccino’s, pumpkin spice donuts, if it has pumpkin in it, I’ll eat it and do so happily.

3.     Fall Weather – Though we don’t get to experience much fall weather here in Florida, every once in awhile the weather acts like it wants to be fall, it just doesn’t know how. Yesterday was one of those days. A cool breeze blew and shadows seemed to lengthen. Unfortunately, it was still hot as blazes, but those whisperings of fall were there.

4.     Hallmark Movies – I had the rare opportunity to sit and watch two Hallmark movies, yesterday. Though completely formulaic, and utterly predictable, I love that each love story ends with a happily ever after.

5.     A Long Nap – I rarely get to nap anymore, but when I do there is nothing more satisfying then dozing off in the middle of the day and waking up feeling refreshed and ready to finish the day.

6.     The Sound of My Children Playing Nicely Together – I love listening to my children playing together nicely. When their wild imaginations wander freely but in sync with the others, I experience a moment of satisfaction.

7.     Talking to my Mom on the Phone Each Morning – Being a stay-at-home mom is very isolating and often very lonely, especially when all your friends work. I love talking to my mom, not just because it allows me some adult conversation but also because I adore my mother.

8.     My Husband – Though he has the ability to be the most frustrating individual on the planet, he also manages to be the funniest individual. He never fails to make me laugh with his sick sense of humor, and witty one-liners.

9.     Vacation  - There are few things that make me smile more than the relaxed schedule of vacation. I love sleeping in, and lazing around. Seeing friends, as well as family. Getting out of Florida and back to the places I love.

10.  A Hot Shower – Our power went out for two days after hurricane Irma. I was unable to shower. My husband suggested I just take a cold shower, since the weather was hot and humid. To this suggestion I replied, “I would rather stink than take a cold shower.” Hot showers, the kind that steam up the mirror, are heavenly.