We all have favorites. We all have things that make our heart beat a little faster. We all have things that we know will brighten up our day and show a little glimpse of a sparkle in our eye. They are the things that bring us joy; things that make us happy. They are nothing special, and they don’t have to be. We don’t compare them to others’ favorites. They are ours. The things that make us happy belong to us, and we need to count it all joy.

What brings joy to Whitney:

Pale Pink Peonies

The right shade of lipstick

Grace

When the right song plays at the right moment

Chubby babies

Making others genuinely crack a smile

Polka Dots

Finding meaning in a new verse

Love

Defying expectations

Coffee shops on cloudy days

The sun peeking through the trees

Handwritten letters

French expressions

Beauty and the Beast

Classics

Witty sayings

Making a batch of cookies and not baking them

Intellectual conversations

Cheat days

The smell of coffee

Surprises out of love

The feeling of being home

Finishing a book

Messy buns

Praying for others

The feeling of a fresh start

Eating cake for breakfast

Grandma’s hugs

The smell right before it starts to rain

Anything that sparkles

Well-tailored clothing

Curiosity

A wink

Knowing the victory has already been won.

I encourage you to think about what brings joy to your life. When you do that, write it down and reflect. Think about what is on your list and ask the question, “When have I last experienced this?”

Do more of that. Recreate it. Repeat it.

If you have a zest for it, what is stopping you from experiencing it? Write it down so you know to do it more. This is soul food for your growling, hungry heart.

It doesn’t have to be anything special. Write down the feelings, emotions, things and people that make you happy.

Count it all joy.

If there is even a slight chance at getting you something that makes you happy, risk it. Life is too short and happiness is too rare. – A.R. Lucas