What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

Today’s prompt asks a great question regarding the 5 things that bring us happiness everyday. My life has always been remarkable in simple, commonplace ways. So here are my top 5 things:

1. Waking up in the morning. Some might say that’s a given, right? But, because I am fully aware that the next second, minute, hour or day is not promised to me (or you!), waking up each day gives me sincere gratitude and happiness.

2. Mobility. In my youth, I walked several blocks to & from school, ran track, cheerlead & joined the Army where physical training occurred daily. Now, I experience crackling bones, painful knees & back, & a casual stretch can cause muscle spasms in differing areas of my body. However, still having full range mobility makes me happy in spite of the aches.

3. My Relationships. I’m an introverted woman who enjoys connecting with others on intellectual, emotional & spiritual levels. I thoroughly enjoy the conversations I share with my parents, my children, my grans, my church family, coworkers and friends. Although I have to retreat to recharge regularly, relationship is at the heart of my everyday existence.

4. Career choice. I’ve never chased money over job satisfaction. I’ve always viewed work this way: I work to live; I don’t live to work. My career choices have always had set hours, and I don’t allow the lines of work and life to blur or bleed into each other. My income has continually & consistently increased to be sufficient for my needs. I’m a happy worker!

5. Conquering fear. I’m not afraid of death or loss. Through my relationship with Christ, I settled the fear of dying. Philippians 1:21 puts it this way: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. In the same manner, nothing I gain on this earth will follow me into the afterlife of eternity. 1 Timothy 6:7 says: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. My flesh returns to the dust; my children will do as they please with my material stuff regardless of a will. And I’m simply thankful that I can leave them something, and peacefully rest until we meet up again in heaven.

Overall, when it’s all said and done, I have an ordinary yet extraordinary life that I derive a healthy measure of happiness from each day.