A Bit about happiness

Being a Gemini or perhaps just me, I could go on and on about subjects I have passion for. For now though I'm only going to touch on happiness or joy. I'm also going to plug a friend's book because it brings me happiness and light. Being a single parent for most of my parenthood , a caregiver, and a caregiver at times growing up it took me years to understand the need for self care which for me is part of happiness and joy. For most of my life I was an optimist so finding joy was natural. At 42 I tend to be a combination of optimist, realist, and spiritualist. 

As a parent to a few kids with varying degrees of special needs I can tell you it teaches you to note what others call the " small stuff". Often, milestones come late or in bits and pieces. When they come you cheer them on!! They are huge, though to many others fall under " small stuff" category.  You also learn to take things as they come , develop a pretty wide sense of humor( sometimes its a laugh or cry moment) ,and enjoy seemingly simple things. 

One of the moments I treasure as a mom is when all of my kids are truly enjoying an activity or moment together.  It's like a glimpse of heaven so to speak. As a special needs parent its usually when they meet a milestone, learn something new, or check off an IEP goal. As for myself, I savor my morning cup of herbal tea or coffee that I truly make with love and nutrient dense ingredients. It feels like a love note to my soul. When I pair it with a wonderful read its perfection. Last night I was thinking of some of my favorite books and picked one to reread bc the energy felt like happiness. It also happens to satisfy the nerd in me. The book is by a dear friend and mentor , Barbara Christensen. Its quite perfect title is Micronutrient Happiness. I love the beautiful colors , flow of the writing, ( huge for my ADD brain) the incredible amount of info, and personal touch. Its a treasure, full of richness and goodies. I was tickled to find the notes I made last time I read it .( in pencil) I'm curious what will stick out to me in my present mindset. Reading it again is like having a good friend over for a visit.  Its a comfy feeling. The Danish call it hygge. 

"The Danish concept of hygge, or hyggelig (adj.), refers to finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in simple, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship. The Scandinavian term encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being found through cherishing the little things."

After a long night and waking up to a colder than usual morning here in the south,  I am quite content/ happy practicing hygge. I'm curled up under my blanket with a warm cup coffee made with love,  a good book, and quiet. Best way to start the day. I hope wherever you are you are able to take some time for self care and to enjoy the small happy moments !