Photo by Abyan Athif on Unsplash

I found myself feeling cranky and a blue this week due to the purgatory and disarray that is home remodeling. I had hoped we would be done by the end of this week, but we’ve been delayed by…a kitchen sink. The one we bought two months ago turned out to be inappropriate for our job, and the replacement sink arrived broken. Sigh. A new sink is due to be delivered tomorrow and work can recommence once it’s here. Provided it arrives unscathed.

Since looking at my half-finished kitchen and all its contents scattered through the house has been depressing me, I decided it was time to stop thinking about what bugs me and focus on some of the things that bring me daily pleasure. Sort of a counting my blessings exercise to remind me how really great my life is. I tend to take for granted all the little things (and some big ones) that work for good.

So in random order, here are 10 large and small things making me happy right now:

Hearing birds, especially red wing blackbirds, on my morning walk.

Being able to pay my bills.

A giant list of books I want to read, and most I can read for free by checking them out from my library. Sometimes a long TBR list stresses me out, but most of the time I love having many compelling books to choose from.

I am currently healthy and not injured (knock wood).

My new home. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for our new place. I love it so much!

I heard the frogs singing after a much-needed rainstorm Thursday night.

That much-needed rainstorm—we’ve been in a serious drought.

Good friends who encourage me, inspire me to be a better person, and who share in my adventures.

Loving family relationships—watching our niece and nephew moving into their roles as parents, talking with my stepmom on the phone for more than hour this week.

Our kitchen remodel will be done soon and it will be wonderful!

I know many people are suffering right now, and I understand how privileged I am. Even in an objectively good life, little irritations and worries can add up, and make me forget just how good it is. It was time for me to spend a few minutes refocusing on what I love rather than what’s bugging me. In addition to feeling better, I am better able to help those around me when I’m not mired in negativity. Helping others makes me feel happier, and so it goes, in a virtuous cycle. Remembering what makes me happy right now? It’s a start.

What are some things making you happy right now?