The sun has got his hat on. Hip hip hip hooray! (What would the sun's hat look like? Would it be a sunhat? Why would he be protecting himself from himself?)
Anyhow, what I mean to say is: sunlight is filling the room where I'm typing this, and it's making me feel extraordinately happy. I don't know why a bit of yellow light can make me feel better, but it can, and very quickly too.
So I thought I'd make a list of all the other things which I (and perhaps you) don't notice much on an everyday basis, but which can make us feel alive and happy...
(1) Being well. When you are well, you don't wake up every day thinking "Fantastic! I'm still well!" You just get on with life. But when you're ill, you can't wait to be well again. And when you are, everything seems fresh and new.
(2) Sleeping. Not the actual 'asleep' bit - you don't notice that for necessary reasons - but the warm, relaxed, snug feeling in between sleep and waking. That bit where you're half-asleep and dreamy and enjoying the heated cocoon you've created while sleeping.
(3) Exchanging smiles with strangers in the street for no reason other than friendliness. Babies and kids too. Having someone say "good morning" to you if you pass each other early and are the only ones walking down a street.
(4) Showers and baths. Lathering soap bubbles, lying in bubble bath, feeling hot water on your skin. And feeling clean and smelling good afterwards, wrapped in a fluffy towel, with your hair all shiny and clean.
(5) Being outdoors, feeling cool air across your face and being able to smell grass and flowers. Knowing that soon it's going to be spring, then summer, where we can lie in a park, reading books, eating ice lollies and having a picnic.
Can anyone think of any others?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
49 comments:
I'd have to say, Chris Hopkins off Quizcall. Quite niche admiteddly...
Thanks Ariane! This has well cheered me up, here's some more:
When the perfect song comes on your player/radio
The feeling after a a big clear up! Ah like feeling new
The smell and taste of coffee
A job well done - yay!
Feeding ducks (and other small water fowl) with bread, while pointedly refusing to cater to the angry swans and geese.
Walking down the street at 5.30 and thinking "Hang on, this is very odd, I can still see things...yes, everything's perfectly recognisable, that must mean...oh wow, it's still light!"
Nice one! :)
A hot drink or a hot meal to warm you up after you come in from the cold can be totally invigorating. This is something a lot of us take for granted each day when, in fact, it is a real priviledge.
@Christina: I can't say he's part of my everyday life! Should I make it so?
@Local Girl: Those are great. I always forget how good it feels to tidy and have everything sorted and feel dealt with.
@Paul: I forgot that. I'm going to take some bread next time I go to the park.
@BenSix: It's even better in June when it's 9pm and still light!
@Mountain View: Thank you.
@Damian: True - and also, just coming back in to a warm home.
When someone pays you a compliment. For this reason, I sometimes compliment strangers, such as telling an older woman who's clearly taken a pride in her appearance, "What a lovely colour! That really suits you." It's good to see people smile.
Saying 'good morning' to strangers at an early hour is nice but slightly uncomfortable. I'm surprised it happens in London though! There's a woman I often see on my lunch hour who always says hello and I haven't the faintest idea who she is. I wonder if she thinks that I'm somebody else.
As for my own suggestions;
i) The first night in fresh bedsheets.
ii) Being outside when it's drizzling with rain, especially in warm weather.
iii) The smell of certain printed material - brochures, books, periodicals.
iv) The smell of freshly sawn timber.
v) Sitting down to watch your favourite TV show with a vanilla soya dessert knowing that you've done your work for the evening.
Chris can only be part of your life Thursdays through Saturdays, but the warm feeling will stay with you all week long! x
Things that make me happy? Everything these days - there’s prozac in the water y’know!
Working with people who are really passionate about what to do really inspires me, especially creative types and those self employed people. Right now I’m sitting in the most uncomfortable seat imaginable - but I’m happy because I’m working of a project that I really fired out about - I’m in heaven!
Travelling makes me happy. Not going anywhere, just moving. I love the idea of constantly in motion,
I also like standing in the shower doing nothing other than thinking about random things. Not sure why that works for me but it does.
But what makes me happiest is children's television. I’m rather fond of the Disney Channel but to be honest, the brand of humour over there can be a bit simplistic. Still, the innocence etc is just to lovely.
The BBC has some lovely children's content - I’m happiest with a glass of wine, sat down in front of iPlayer watching The Story of Tracy Beaker - if you’ve ever seen that so you’ll understand that it doesn’t really go down too well with wine, but for one reason or another so works for me.
So those are the random things that make me happy!
Good stuff and vivid descriptions.....I guess that is why you are a writer!
The first thing that came to my mind is making a little kid laugh and smile. Its so genuine that one can't help but be moved by it.
Another would be cheering someone up who is feeling down.
I know why a little bit of sunshine makes you happy: because we didn't have a real summer since 2006 in this country!
Oh, and my own contribution to the list:
-Drinking a nice pint of real ale while eating nachos and/or crisps. Heavenly.
The pub dog settling at your feet for a sleep when you're having a drink in good company.
Looking out of the window on a train journey through the countryside.
The moment someone invites you out somewhere when it just started looking like a dull night in.
Good post, Ariane.
For me, it's Larry David currently filming another season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
"It's even better in June when it's 9pm and still light!"
Ah, yes, and then the sun dips below the brow of some hill or other, and all is dappled in orange...quick, everbody, sing along before we get cynical.
Family
Hi Ariane,
If you're on Facebook look up the group Every Brilliant Thing ... I think it's up to about number 3500 of brilliant things just like this!
Great post Ariane, and some really nice comments.
I'm with Graham when it comes to smells, like new magazines and sawn, seasoned wood. When I was at infant school, my most poignant memories were dozing with my nose against the open text book, and the smell of freshly-mown grass drifting in through the window.
Heaven now is a country walk on a bright spring morn' through sun-dappled bluebell woods. The colour of the blue-violet against lush green is dazzling, and it's impossible to make out the individual flowers in this shimmering haze of colour. And silent, except for the chatter of blackbird, greenfinch and robin.
The pint of real ale in the village pub always tastes so much better after this!
Life is good - how lucky we are in Sussex!
Reading the last page of a good novel and thinking: now the whole thing makes sense.
It's almost like a sadness because you've finished but there's a real
sense of satisfaction as well.
Wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoy your writing Ariane. You manage to convey your optimism and love of life without crossing the (Possibly yellow tinged) line marked "Cheese." And that's a difficult thing to do...
1. My little bundle of joy telling jokes that only makes sense to her, e.g., "why did the banana cross the road?"
"don't know babo, why did the banana cross the road?"
"cos someone threw it!"
"right? That's a good one babo"
2. Reading your post and not commenting on it, and, no one (possibly you) knowing that I read it.
3. tummy aching from stretchy yoga.
4. strong ice-coffee (organic) first thing in the morning.
5. nice and relaxing time in the bathroom, after ice-coffee.
6. the allure of women.
The occasional mental drift on a clear, starry night when you look far back in time and juggle emotions: trepidation at the thought of how small and insignificant you are, and exhilaration that despite the infintessimal odds, you exist.
This, along with ticking the "mark complete" box on my Outlook tasks, gives me motivation to live life to the full.
The moment of exaltation on hearing a much loved piece of music.
Being in a good academic bookshop, like Dillons used to be: the feeling of so many possibilities, so much unexplored knowledge just inches away. The feeling that today could be the day I begin to understand particle physics or gastro-enterology.
@PJ Martin-You are starting to sound like a broken record.
@Warwick-Forgot that one, how could I? With the pint of real ale on the side a good book, I am definitely in heaven.
@Brian-Being in a nice, "real" bookshop is sure another of those moments of pure joy. My favourite one is Olivieri in Montreal, but I am a bit far away from it now.
These are fantastic - thanks so much! Off to sleep now, full of these thoughts. Will write again tomorrow.
"when you're ill, you can't wait to be well again"
I currently have a chest infection and I can't wait to get better, I'm fed up of coughing!
As someone once said "the best things in life are free". I'm lucky to live in an area surrounded by natural beauty, there's nothing better than walking in the countryside on a sunny day with my parter and the dog.
Hello Ariane!
I love your idea for an Atheist Bus Campaign.
I read about it in a scientific magazine here in Brazil, called "Superinteressante".
The comment of our friend (friend?) Rick is a perfect example of how this idea doesn't work in here. Unhappily, my country treat the existence of God as a inquestionable true, and to think is a crime.
So, i was born in a wrong country. Here in the bus I find some people with a black book in the hands and screaming for everyone: "Jesus die for you!". rsssss.
Success for you!
Kisses, Elton Dias.
Ps.: sorry about my english, i never took classes... but I free you to read Portuguese! rsss.
Love the positive theme - I see your five and I raise them:
6. Hot buttered toast. The smell, the taste, the whole damn slicing/toasting/spreading ritual.
7. Horizons. In London, I occasionally forget it is still there. It is. I saw it this morning. Go take a look yourself and it should give you an enormous sense of well being.
8. Birds. I was up a little late last night working and I heard some outside my window, it was dead lovely. There are lots around at the moment, and not just annoying ones like pigeons or single magpies either. Looking for them usually involves staring at the sky too, always a bonus.
9. Saying thanks. People don't do it enough but it always gives a lift, whether your doing the saying or the, er... receiving.
10. Finding a random blog. This one made me smile. Try clicking on one from the "Blogs Updated" feed and see where it takes you.
Just been outside stargazing, it always makes me happy contemplating the vastness of the universe and how lucky we are to even exist in it.
Thanks a lot everyone, for taking the time to leave a comment and cheering up my weekend!
@Aphra That is lovely. Sometimes even nicer the other way around - to give someone a genuine compliment and see them smile can really brighten your day.
@Graham Definitely with you on the smell of books, especially new books. (Though I can attest that sniffing them in a bookshop gets you nothing but weird looks.)
@Christina Hopkins, De Burgh... I think you have a 'thing' about Chrises!
@Ross I understand what you mean by "travelling - not going anywhere, just moving". I like to listen to music and dream while on a train or bus.
@Derek Thank you. Both your examples are excellent, and cheer me up too.
@Guillaume I like crisps too, but in sandwiches or with carrot (a bit odd, but hey!) Do you live in Britain then?
@Darryl Thank you - I forgot animals. When they settle on you contentedly it feels quite wonderful!
@MJB Thanks - I love looking forward to a favourite TV programme or film.
@BenSix Great song!
@Alan I'm glad you're close to them.
@Alexa Thanks a lot for the tip - I'll definitely have a look!
@Richard Have you ever thought about writing a novel? I think you'd be ace at it.
@Saladin With you on the last line - it's like you've come to the end of a long journey and everything has clicked into place. It always makes you 'feel' something, and that's rare in everyday life. (And thanks for your lovely compliment!)
@Muhamad You're lucky to have a sweet little one. I'd love a kid. One day, one day...
@Somnambulist It is quite amazing that we exist, given the odds. And you're right that those thoughts can be amazing and scary at the same time.
@Warwick Definitely.
@Brian (I nearly called you 'Brain' then!). I love bookshops, and agree that it's because of all the potential. The knowledge that they're full of wisdom, and that you could learn new facts or a new skill and subsequently change your life for the better.
@Dan Please do get well soon. I'm in built-up London, so the idea of fields (and even dogs!) is very refreshing.
@Elton Thanks, really glad you like it - and many thanks for not making me read Portuguese, as I can't! Your English is excellent.
@SP I see your toast and raise you hot buttered and honeyed crumpets! With you on 7, 8 and especially 9, and wish I had the time to do 10.
@Alan Definitely - it's quite daunting but also awe-inspiring.
NB: After a long time thinking I should leave them in the name of freedom of speech, I've finally decided to delete comments against atheism when posted on non-atheism posts. @Guillaume, @Derek and @BenSix - thanks for all your help.
@Ariane-Yes, I live in England.
Heeey, I'm reading a magazine, here in Brazil, that is talking about you!
about your slogans, "there is no god"
I love it! keep going whit that.
Odours and smells, scents and aromas…such potent memory markers. Occasionally, while walking in the street I’ll catch a few molecules of some forgotten stink and it’ll just fire up my memory centres. A half-imagined, half-remembered romance, or the cinnamon of freshly made atole in a mexican market.
Burnt hair is a good one, as is burnt toast. And a freshly extinguished match. The smell of campfire smoke on your clothes. That patch of the pillow that still tells of someone’s presence.
Way to go Girl... I met your acts pro-atheism and I want to congratulate you for that... A Big Hug from Brazil. "A man without a religion is like a fish withou a bicycle"
Well, something that makes me extremally happy it's a hug. Hug from my parents, familly, sister, dogs, boyfriend and all my friends. I love hugging, it makes me fell very comfortable and happy.
@Mantecanaut: Yes, definitely. I like burnt toast too, and extinguished matches, as well as freshly-baked bread, peach perfume and vanilla.
@Helena: I'm with you on that. You're lucky to be getting so many hugs - sounds like I don't get as many as you!
@Joriie, @Alexandre: Many thanks! I'm glad you like it.
If anyone else would like to discuss issues relating to atheism, please do it on the official campaign website:
http://www.atheistcampaign.org
Or on the campaign Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=32985131033
Thank you - and thanks Matt, Guillaume and Alan for your support.
Being indoors in the Summer heat when it's thundering and raining monsoon-like outside.
Forgetting yourself.
Wild imaiginative flourishes of mind.
Well I've just seen the first frog of the year, followed shortly thereafter by the second frog of the year, the third frog of the year, the fourth frog of the year and then... the first squashed frog of the year. Both pieces of it. I guess Spring must be on it's way.
Dahl and rice...and weather forecasts that prove to be correct.
Or maybe dhal. It's late.
Tarka dhal - curried otter.
@ Matt Keefe
I like my dhal 'otter than usual.
I don't know why anyone would want to eat curried otter. I'm constantly amazed at the things people put in curries - 'favour', for one. I still don't know how you curry that.
Gently fry spicy comments in buttery words, add your finely sliced favours and cook gently for 5 mins. Add some saucy phrases stir for a few moments until well received and serve on a bed of pleasantries.
That's a bit complicated for me, Bubalus. I decided to cheat. I rang the local takeaway and said: 'Can you do me a favour?'.
He said: 'Medium or hot?'
I said: 'Hot. Excellent. How much will that be?'
It's free, apparently. But he wants his car washing next Tuesday. What?
Hi Ariane, my name is David and I live in Brazil. Here the people have a religion like you lifes. I read about you in the magazine. Is funny and nice, congratulations. I belive in God but no have religion and don't like listen about "what God want".
And you are very pretty.
Good evening Ariane.
I am french, do not express well in english but i hope that you will understand me.
For the first point, you are absolutely right. When you are ill a little, and when it is absolutely not dangerous like gastroenteritis for example, you are suffering, unable for waiting with calm the end, even terribly anxious. But when you are well again, you feel the life in you, you are aware that you are in life, just aware of your life and safety, and you are free of your worry, of your projects, of your hobbies even. After the storm and the suffering, YOU just realize that you are alive and well, and it is sufficient, you need anything else. For me, that could be one of the definitions of happiness.
For the third point, are you sincere ? One day, i had a dream. Do you want to know a little bit more about this dream ? I dream that a girl like you, very pretty, sweet, feminine, and intelligent, REPLY KINDLY to my entire smile i adress to her.
But in general, many girls, the majority in fact, the totality (maybe yes) are "closed".
They do not appreciate when a normal man give her a smile, just a pure and harmless smile. Except if the man has for name Brad Pitt or David Beckham, the girls respond to this harmless smile by looking away, or by threwing him a dark and angry look. They interpret the smile as a seduction tentative (i am not sure of my words, is the expression "seduction tentative" correct in english ?). It is partly true : when a boy smile to a girl in the street, it is always because he appreciate physically her.
What i write is trivial, but seeing a beautiful girl like you can be very reviving, and the smile is automatic.
Why are the girls in their majority so "close-minded" and also without any pity ?
Is a smile so agressive ?
Is a little and sympathic discussion with an unknow man in the train so unpleasant ?
And why are you, Ariane, different from the majority of girls ? I really appreciate the attitude you preconize.
The tolerance, the kindness, and the joy of living begin here, by this attitude. If you really like when you see someone smiling you and respond to this person by a smile, i am really filled in admiration for you. Thanks.
And if you behave like this, i suppose that you really appreciate the life in society and also the life.
To generalize, many people are angry for peanuts, this girl because a man gave her a little smile to her, this man because his car has just a little scratch and so one. Peanuts are filled the life of people, often.
I don't know you but, reading only this post of you, i view you as a sympathic, open-minded, generous girl who stand back and can appreciate the life.
See you soon Ariane,
Thomas
Dear Ariane,
i realize just now that i have not answered to your simple question.
It's late and i prefer take time to think about this interesting question.
Have a nice night Ariane,
Thomas
Post a Comment