Muthoni Mutonyi

List 30 things that make you happy.

Happiness is complicated. It is a fleeting feeling, a state of mind, a meme of a cat hanging precariously from a ceiling fan. It is subjective, elusive and sometimes downright weird. I am in no position to judge. So here is my highly personal and somewhat questionable list of 30 things that make me happy.

1. The sound of rain on a tin roof (as long as I am not the one getting wet).
2. Finding a parking spot right in front of your destination (I take it as a sign from the universe).
3. Finding money in your old jeans (an instant jackpot, and nobody to share it with).
4. Perfectly ripe avocados (the holy grail of fruits, and about as easy to find).
5. Warm socks on cold feet (pure bliss).
6. The smell of freshly brewed coffee (my morning fuel).
7. When your food delivery arrives early (a rare and beautiful phenomenon).
8. Accidentally overhearing someone complimenting you (an ego boost you did not have to fish for).
9. The feeling of sand between your toes (unless the sand comes with crabs).
10. When the elevator goes directly to your floor (a small victory, and I count them all).
11. A good hair day (the stars have aligned).
12. Getting a seat on a crowded bus (a miracle, and I do not use the word lightly).
13. Finally figuring out a solution to a problem that has been bugging you (the lightbulb moment).
14. That feeling of accomplishment after completing a task (go, me).
15. Finishing a book that turned out even better than you expected (a reader’s delight).
16. The anticipation of a weekend getaway (hello, adventure).
17. Seeing a cute animal (I make a noise I would rather not describe).
18. A perfectly timed GIF in a conversation (the digital high-five).
19. The smell of old books (a bibliophile’s paradise).
20. When someone remembers your name (validation).
21. Watching a cheesy rom-com (a guilty pleasure, and I plead guilty).
22. A good laugh with friends (the best medicine).
23. Finding the perfect meme to describe your mood (relatable content).
24. The sound of waves crashing on the shore (nature’s lullaby).
25. Finally understanding a joke that took a while to sink in (a delayed reaction still counts).
26. Successfully parallel parking (for those few seconds, I am a driving goddess).
27. A warm hug from a loved one (heart-melting).
28. Getting a package you forgot you ordered (a surprise gift from your past self).
29. The first sip of a cold drink on a hot day (refreshing, every single time).
30. That feeling of contentment when you know everything is going to be okay (inner peace).

This list is a random collection of moments, experiences and feelings that bring a smile to my face, and sometimes a question mark to my head. Happiness, it turns out, is made up of the little things that make life worth living. Go ahead and make your own list. Include the weird items. They are usually the most accurate.