the little things.

the warmth of a cat in your lap.

receiving a Christmas card.

reading a memoir you relate to.

the scent of a candle from your BFF.

small talk with strangers.

your partner waking up at 6am just to have coffee with you.

bonding with neighbors as you shovel.

a simple “i miss you.”

a job that respects & rewards your well-being & your work ethic.

the magic of dry shampoo.

dancing awkwardly.

placing the last piece of a puzzle.

supporting local businesses.

climbing into flannel sheets when it’s cold out.

cooking & baking with bae.

making bracelets.

someday by kygo.

friends reaching out on your birthday.

the convenience of rideshare & public transit.

❤️to❤️s.

therapy & psychiatry.

playing board games.

binging the L-word.

coffee pick-me-ups.

access to heating & air conditioning.

watering plants & watching them grow.

hearing birds chirp.

eating lots of chocolate.

releasing endorphins via exercise.

catching a snowflake.

watching sunrise & sunsets.

the power of a hug.

karaoke with friends.

listening to podcasts.

writing out your thoughts & feels.

——-

A friend asked me how I found happiness again.

It’s many little things, each chipping away slowly at the hard shell my grief had built around the warmth and joy within.