Tuesday, July 13, 2010

What Makes You Happy?

I've been thinking about this one a lot lately. What truly makes you happy?

For me, it's the simple things. Writing and reading, of course. But what about those other activities that fill the well when it runs dry?

For me, it's:

  • Swimming
  • Riding really fast on a bike
  • Really old houses (at least 100 years)
  • Sunsets
  • Earthy smells (like pine needles and such.)
What do you do when your well runs dry?

16 comments:

G. B. Miller said...

I do a boatload of walking. Empties the mind, clears the head, and more often than not, helps recharge and refresh so that I can back into the groove of writing.

Robyn Campbell said...

Jesus, because without him, I'd be lost forever, my son Christopher. All my children too, but he's with me always and is so special to me. My farm and our horses and assorted critters.The farm smells. Even the horse poop. ;) Writing, swimming, riding said horses, the hubby (most of the time).

I recharge by heading out on our farm, Suzette. It refreshes and invigorates me. So sweet. Thanks for reminding me. *hugs*

Stina said...

* running
* biking with my kids and husband
* watching a movie with my kids (either in the cinema or at home)
* chocolate
* eating chocolate and not gaining weight (okay, that's wishful thinking).

Vicki Rocho said...

Laughter fills the well again (just like in Monsters, Inc. where it's 10 x as powerful as scream). Hanging out with my friends, or sister will do it. Going to a comedy club or watching a light-hearted movie. Or the kicker: listening to (or making) my kids giggle. How can anyone NOT smile when a child has the giggles?

Candyland said...

Funny, but I answered this in another post today. With the fundraiser/contest I'm having right now, I've realized more than ever how grateful I am for the simple things like clean water. It's something everyone takes for granted, while the people of Ghana struggle to find it every single day.
(If you want to help out with my effort, email me!)

Matthew MacNish said...

For me it's kids and pets. Simple is beautiful.

Jennifer said...

I paint, make jewelry, make up songs (even though I can't sing very well), and play with my brothers. When all else fails, I turn to fantasy-oriented video games--Overlord is my favorite. :D

Artemis Grey said...

What makes me happier than anything is writing.

But if I can't write I'll go with:

My twin sister

Laying in the woods while the trees are dropping their fall leaves, it's like being in a meteor shower

To that end, driving in snow, because I pretend that I'm in a Star Wars movie and the snowflakes are either meteors, asteroids or Tie fighters...

Laying out in the horse field and listening to the horses eat (it makes no sense if you aren't into horses, but for horse people that sound is heaven)

The sound of leaves hitting tree branches as they fall earthward

The vibration of my cat purring while he's draped over me like a living bear rug

The smell of the wild. And furthermore, the smell of Alaska (if you've been there, you know that smell, it's partly the black spruce I think)

Listening to someone rattling pans around in the kitchen

My best friend

Caleb said...

My kids, my wife, the chaos of family in general, coffee, art, playing soccer, cigars in the afternoon, the woods, looking for old books, cartoons, wrestling with the kids, poetry, listening to old records, talking. We talk a lot at our house.

??? said...

The smell of fresh paint, and the feel of a warm soft bed. I love junk food. I love spring rainstorms, books, reading, writing, notebooks... daydreaming, and cuddling with someone I love. And the big one: feeling like I accomplished something and being proud of it.

Bethany Wiggins said...

Really good chocolates.

Running.

Sunsets in the desert.

My flower gardens.

Kids.

Bethany Wiggins said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carolyn V. said...

I hang out with friends, garden, run, listen to my kids silly jokes. That usually helps me. =)

Suzette Saxton said...

*hugs* to all. Lovely lives you all lead.

Unknown said...

This is great Suzette!!! I think that the smell of fresh vegetables and summer rain really make me happy :) Silly maybe but they're the best.

Rachel said...

Writing and reading also. Listening to music. Writing songs. Making lists of what's irritating me. Walking near the river. Finding quiet places. Thanks for asking this question. I am always focusing too much on what annoys and infuriates me!