The Sure Fire Way to a Happier Life? The “Just Say Yes” List

By Sherry Siska

In our family, we have several things that we always are supposed to just say “no” to: blooming onions, rum punch, and illegal drugs top the list.

Lately, though, inspired by Cheryl Richardson, I’ve come up with a “Just say yes” list. This is a list of things I should make sure to ALWAYS say “yes” to. The things on this list make me healthier, less stressed, and happier. Here are some of the things on my list:

  • watching the sunrise and/or set
  • stargazing
  • a good run on a perfect day
  • taking a walk
  • taking a hot bath
  • laughing
  • reading a good book
  • my morning prayers/devotions
  • a glass of water
  • a kiss from/to my husband
  • spending time outdoors, especially near water
  • going to bed early
  • turning off the television instead of watching dumb, mind-numbing shows about people I don’t know and wouldn’t want to spend real life time with
  • playing around with my mandolin
  • making art
  • talking to or texting my children
  • a piece of fruit
  • silence
  • saying something nice to someone
  • committing a random act of kindness
  • a cup of hot tea
  • a visit with a friend
  • a lemon drop (the candy (and okay, not “a” lemon drop, but “many” lemon drops))
  • Girl Scout cookies
  • a thank you from a student
  • getting a check in the mail, even a small one
  • homemade soup
  • fresh sheets on the bed
  • a warm blanket on a cold night
  • comfy sweats
  • the full moon
  • that hushed sound when there are a couple of inches of snow on the ground and it’s still falling
  • a clear night in the country when you look up and see the vastness of the stars
  • a sandy beach and a cold beer
  • lazy weekends
  • home, sweet home
  • friends
  • family
  • having someone’s face light up when you walk into a room
  • my students’ joy when they find out they passed THE test
  • flowers
  • a piece of Godiva
  • a cup of hot chocolate with miniature marshmallows or whipped cream on top
  • so, so, so much more….

What’s on your “Just Say Yes” list?

 

Image: © Janaka Dharmasena | Dreamstime Stock Photos