Senses Of Happiness

Life isn’t always easy. In fact, one of the few guarantees we have is that there will be hardships. The trick is in overcoming. Every once in a while I’ll find self doubt creeping into my head. Like you, I’m human…unless, of course you’re a machine sent by the upcoming Robot Apocalypse my buddy Austin is constantly warning us about…so, despite my usually sunny outlook, even I occasionally falter.

Well, recently another new friend wrote a post where he talked about the 5 Senses and feeling more alive. I do something similar…except I think about what makes me feel good. Usually I stick to one or two senses, but today I’ll explore them all…When I’m done, I’d love to hear what things tickle your happy senses (aka send you to your happy place).

Sight: There are a few things that do it for me, but the ones that bring on the senses of inner happiness are almost always natural.

My Dogs keeping me company while I write

My pups can always put a smile on my face. They love to keep me company when I’m working. So when I get stuck or frustrated, a quick look at them lying behind me will put a smile on my face.

A bird tucked into my windshield

Who doesn’t appreciate sweet surprises like this when you head back to your car? How can you not smile at the utter cuteness?

Watching the sun set (this one’s at Turtle Beach)

Yeah, there’s something about the natural beauties…especially when coupled with spontaneity that do it for me.

Sound: There are several things that makes my heart smile. Laughing babies…High on that list.

Music, as you all know, is always big on my list… Even more so when singing with my sister. Here’s a little clip of us goofing off on my wedding day.

Smell: I’m not so complicated. There’s something about that new car smell…It’s reeks of accomplishment. Vanilla makes me feel warm and fuzzy because it makes me think of baking and family. Freshly mown grass…speaks to new beginnings.

The Jasmine at my walk up

As I’ve gotten older I’ve really come to adore the smell of jasmine… Having my own home means I can grow it right at my front walkway to greet me as I head out or come in.

My two favorite Coffee mugs

My ultimate favorite smell in the world, though? Coffee. In fact, it’s also up there with my favorite tastes… (Don’t you love the segue?)

Taste: Party in my mouth you say? Hmmm…. Hubby makes some great desserts that make me feel good and put a smile on my face.

Hubby’s Blueberry Stuffed French Toast Casserole

Sure, combine my love for breakfast and my love for dessert. It’s bound to be a HUGE hit!

Italian Beef from Portillo’s

Or going back home and biting into an awesome Italian Beef (and I blame Katie from Sass & Balderdash for putting this in my head today).

But my all time favorite happy food? Cheesecake…and hubby makes an amazing Pumpkin swirl (that swirl is chocolate!).

Hubby’s Pumpkin Swirl Cheescake

Touch:Well, you all know I’m a sensualist… Yes, I love exactly where your minds all went. Yes, great sex makes me smile. But it’s some of those little things that lead up to that “Crescendo” (Heh!) that just warm me from the inside out:

• The soft brush of velvety soft lips at the curve of my neck
• Strong, loving arms wrapped around me to make me feel safe and keep the world at bay
• Hard body pressed to mine, dancing me across a room (often with no music playing)
• A sweet kiss dropped absently on my lips just because he felt like it
• A no holds barred tickle fight (Yeah, who can resist that laughter)

So what makes you feel good? What helps you remember all the little things that go wrong don’t really matter? What helps put you in your happy place?