22 things that make me happy - snacks for the brain

(Obviously the list is not exhaustive)

1. Sleep: always works, free, easy, can be done at anytime provided an agreeable environment (quiet, not too bright, with some soft pillows and a mattress. My NYC bedroom is smaller than a hole in the wall; yet the perpetual semi-darkness, together with the lack of open space, makes it a sleeper’s heaven. Side effects if overdosed include headache and slight confusion – especially if you remember your dreams as vividly as I do.
2. Good food: It’s a deeply revered family tradition: “ we eat to live, and live to eat.” Down side: I can’t count the number of times when I ended up with an upset tummy and less-than-flattering consequences that I would rather leave to your imagination, an empty wallet, food comas, and jeans that fail to fit.
3. Facebook chat, Viber, LINE, Skype, and Yahoo Messenger (Yes, I still use Yahoo): My way of connecting with people; my source of support.
4. Traveling: Another family tradition. I’m charmed by the exoticism of the new places, new people, new water, new air, and new everything else. I’m sure everyone who travels understands. And those who haven’t, well, do it.
5. Dark chocolate: I literally show withdrawal symptoms if I have to go without chocolate for more than a week. Moreover, I always choose chocolate-flavor-everything. The darker, the better.
6. Writing: another addiction of mine. I really have to write, about anything, or I feel like my brain would explode. I created this blog partly to satisfy my hunger for writing, so there.
7. Reading: good books are like chocolate for the brain. Sooooo good.
8. Music: another universal happiness-intensifier. I just wish I’d learned to play an instrument when I was younger, or that I could sing.
9. Animals: especially cats because I’ve owned a few. Rest assured, I also love dogs, fish, birds, horses, dolphins, whales, sharks, elephants, lions, tigers, wolves, snakes, polar bears…. but no rats/hamsters/mice please.
10. The Internet: seriously, what would we all do otherwise?
11. Nature: This and no. 8 are not mutually exclusive. I’m huge on sustainability and I get really mad when I encounter ignorant people who treat mother earth like we had 20 of her.
12. Rainy days when I’m warm, inside and not having to go anywhere.
13. The first days of spring: Having lived in a tropical country for 18 years, I never knew how beautiful this could be.
14. Live concerts: few things compare to the fan-girlish teenage excitement you get when seeing your idols live the first time.
15. Sex: is like unicorns.
16. Good grades: I like them more when they are not too hard to earn.
17. Tight, warm hugs: seem like a luxury in NYC. It’s really ridiculous how I’m surrounded by 8+ million people and a sincere hug is as rare as rain in a desert.
18. Silly talent shows: The Voice and American Idol (only season 7). I know, right? I can’t explain this one, either.
19. Chatting with friends while playing card games/monopoly/whatever game: something I haven’t gotten the chance to do in way too long. Oh well.
20. My mom: She is my everything.
21. Volunteering: I’m crazy, I know. All I can say is it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the smile on one’s face, knowing you brought that smile about, or when that smile is your own when you know you’ve done something good.
22. Completing things: such as this list. There’s a sense of accomplishment “I did it!”, even though it’s just a glass of milk.

Most are fairly general, and if you’re having a down day, try some. Eat your soul away, turn on some bubbly music, or “travel” to another part of town for an afternoon. I’m lazy, so if I’m sad, I go for the easy and the free. Remember, as cliché as it sounds, the best things in life are free.