My Bliss List

This weekend was blissful. I didn’t plan for it or expect it but it was. I’m sure that part of it was the confluence of good weather, an open schedule, a healing heart and a downsized lifestyle. Still bliss is not a word I throw around lightly and like the perfect houseguest it doesn’t come often or stay long.

I pulled out a piece I started a few weeks ago. It seems like the ideal time to share it.

Bliss, the word is synonymous with joy, happiness, and contentment. Bliss has a different feel to it though. Joy is deep, spiritual. Contentment is quiet, warm, and comforting. Happiness is bliss on steroids. Bliss feels like the perfect alignment of stars, a fleeting yet intense affirmation that sometimes we get it right.

Here is my bliss list. These are the things that wrap me up in a long affectionate hug.

• scratching a dog’s ear and having them lean into you
  
• that first bite of your favorite dish (prepared by someone else)
  
• the first kiss with a new love
  
• a child’s head surrendering to sleep on your shoulder
  
• when everything you brought into the dressing room fits, is priced right, looks great on you and is machine washable
  
• tears of gratitude when you’ve done something for someone you thought was no big deal
  
• fat flakes of snow on Christmas Eve
  
• the smell of fresh coffee and bread baking
  
• Sunday afternoon naps punctuated by soft, steady rain
  
• overhearing someone say something nice about you
  
• soft supple leather
  
• the crackle of a fire
  
• the afterglow of a summer sunset
  
• an unexpected handwritten letter
  
• dappled sunlight and spring breezes
  
• waking up fully rested before the alarm goes off
  
• the perfect cross breeze in your living room in early summer
  
• fall days in the Midwest – crisp air, crystal blue skies, crunchy leaves and long shadows
  

What does your bliss list look like?