What Sparks Joy for Me?

Hello! It's Monday again. Remember to start your week happy!

Speaking of being happy, ASEAN Hive Community's current challenge is about happiness.

What Makes You Happy?

This question had me thinking. What makes me happy?

While listing them on my mind, I realized that our happiness change throughout time and experiences. What makes us happy when we were younger might no longer be what brings us joy when we become adults.

So here I am listing what gives me happiness recently:

♡ Healthy Body and Mind

You can't function at your best when you're not well physically and mentally. Last year, I got unintentionally got food poisoned and experienced the worst week of my life. And because of it I struggled making a cake order. It was huge lesson for me in handling foods. Also, I can't function very well when I lack sleep. My sleep problem was terrible in the past and now I am thankful that I have somehow overcome it. Being able to sleep 8 hours and on the right time makes me happy.

Losing my mama took a heavy toll on me. Honestly, it's difficult to keep my mind at peace ever since. Now it's like having a switch in my mind. One moment I'm full of hope, appreciating life, and enjoying the moment. Then one second I find myself sad and hurt. Of course, I try my best to lessen my negative thoughts which is why it makes me happy when my mind is in good state because then I can function and do my tasks well.

♡ People Who See You

I'm thankful and happy when people make effort to see me and spend time with me even though I am a boring person. However, this isn't what I am referring to. It's when a person sees you even when you don't exactly say what's bothering you. They know when you're not okay or when you are happy. These type of people who makes you feel seen and heard, like your whole existence matters a lot really makes me happy and thankful to have them in my life.

♡ Cooking A Healthy Delicious Meal

Being the chef for myself for almost three years now, I must admit that cooking a tasty meal is still a hit and miss. That's why being able to make a delcious food brings me happiness because I get the feeling that I have finally done something right in my life. The more it makes me happy when I am able to share the food I made and bonus, when the food I made gets complimented. Yes, I am the pro, the master chef! Lol!

Also, being able to use healthy ingredients is another thing that brings joy. As I get older, I have become more conscious on the foods I take. And I have to keep my promise I made to my mama that I would eat healthy foods. I don't want her to get worried up there.

---

The things I've been through have altered my gauge for happiness. It's no longer the material things. Just being able to go on life with less problem, a healthy well-being, access to healthy and good food, and having genuine people in your life whom you can fully trust and have their best intentions for you are what brings joy to my life now. It's true that we appreciate the simple things in life as we get older.

And with that, I'll leave you with a song. I hope this song brightens your day! Remember that happiness isn't something you force to experience. It should be felt naturally and genuinely. :)

---

Thanks for reading! 💚