It really is the little things, like wrapping gifts with ribbon, that make my heart smile.
Over the last three years, I’ve been experimenting with how best to take care of myself. I’d never paid much attention to what filled or drained my cup, but with two young kiddos and a pandemic, I started listening and leaning into things that make me feel good…Morning hugs. Jazz music at dinner. Watching my daughter read stories to her sister.
The littlest ordinary things fill my heart with the most joy.
Yet when unexpected stressors clutter my brain (i.e. when life happens) it’s easy to miss out on these sweet moments.
To keep them top of mind, I created a happiness playlist of the small things and simple experiences I can easily look to or recreate anytime to perk me up. Here are a few special ones to hopefully inspire you to start your own playlist.
happy eats / my mom’s banana bread
The first slice of homemade banana bread, warm from the oven with a crisp crust, never gets old. It takes me back to all the loaves my mom made growing up or had waiting for me whenever I flew back for a visit.
Baking banana bread has since become a weekly ritual. I adapted the recipe for my family (eggless with whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose) and occasionally add cocoa or chocolate chips for a yummy change. And what’s even more special is having a “banana bread buddy.” Sharing that first slice with my littlest girl is so sweet and gets me excited to imagine this ritual continuing on.
happy mornings / my weekday routine
Quiet time isn’t just for kids. It’s become a sacred part of my weekday routine that I look forward to and rely on to get my mind and body in alignment.
First up, movement. Exercise following my first pregnancy was nil and I suffered physically with my second because of it. After having both my girls, I wanted to be physically strong and able to keep up with them, so I slowly, with two years of consistent practice, built up a habit of regular body movement. Not only do I feel my body becoming stronger, but I also notice a shift in my mood and mental capacity when I don’t workout.
My movement routine now alternates between a 20-minute cardio/strength video, walking on a treadmill (or outside in the summer), and yoga. I‘m diligent about sticking to this, but I also listen to my body and opt for rest when I’m feeling drained or craving sleep.
Next, I settle into a guided meditation with Kelly Smith of the Mindful in Minutes podcast. Each of her meditations has a different focus be it anxiety, confidence, energy, or sleep. Kelly’s voice is soothing, her words are motivating, and her longer freeform episodes show her relatability. I use my time with her to reset my
mind and sore muscles (hello, heating pad) for the day ahead.
Afterward, I start up an instrumental playlist and take a quick scroll through Pinterest. It gets me inspired and helps me transition from the quiet into my girls’ more animated morning routine.
happy sounds / my go-to podcasts
I must have been living under a rock forever because only recently did I discover the greatness of podcasts. It’s been through listening to a variety of personal growth and parenting shows that I’ve learned more about myself and, importantly, that I’m not alone in my thoughts or feelings about so many things.
I’m so grateful to the podcast creators and hosts who have impacted and inspired me to keep learning and growing. Rather than choose a fave, I’m linking the ones I listen to weekly in hopes to help spread their wisdom and perspective to you and others:
what would you put on your happiness playlist?
Do you hold a sacred quiet time? Have a special morning or evening routine? I’m fascinated by what brings people joy, so let me know what you do for YOU in the Comments below, and I hope you go and make time to do it.
Always,
*p.s. I’m spending some special time with family right now, so I’ll pen off for the year here.
I wish you and yours a wonderful safe holiday season and look forward to bringing new stories and helpful tips to you in 2022!
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