My Portable Magic

I started a list a long time ago after I watched a documentary. A list I never got around to sharing with the world. And, now, with the way things have escalated in this world today, maybe we could use a list to remind us of the brilliant things. Because as I once wrote: “The things that make us happy, that give us joy. Things that are not superficial and need money to accomplish. Brilliant every day things. A list that doesn’t have to start because you need to save someone but a list that gives you meaning, a list that makes you smile. A list you can bring out every now and again when you are feeling down to bring you back up. A list that is a glimmer of hope, a list that is a reminder. I know that I will be starting my own list, I will add to it every chance I get. I can only hope that I get as far. Because there are so many things worth living for, there really is.”

So, here is my first 50 Brilliant Things:

1. Watching the sunset with colours of pink and orange and blue
2. Hearing your laughter again on videotapes
3. Opening grandpa’s shave kit and smelling his aftershave
4. Dancing around the house like no one’s watching
5. Waffles
6. The smell of old books
7. Seeing the lightbulb go off in children’s eyes when they finally understand something you are trying to teach them
8. The feeling you get when the beat drops
9. Finding that perfect song to go with your mood
10. Having said song change your mood
11. Wearing (or, as I like to call it, borrowing forever) your significant other’s clothing (especially t-shirts and sweaters)
12. The salty aftertaste of french fries
13. Creating the perfect bite of a meal
14. Watching a sloth yawn
15. Hearing a cat purr
16. Smiling at someone only to have them return the kind gesture
17. The middle piece of a cinnamon bun
18. A baby’s smile
19. When you and your person create the perfect pretzel cuddling
20. Fuzzy blankets
21. The crunch of the leaves under your feet for the first time
22. Double (or triple) scoops of ice cream
23. Bubbles
24. Puppy breath
25. The smell of cookies baking
26. Kissing someone for the first time
27. The feeling of endorphins kicking it into overdrive after a workout
28. Splashing through puddles
29. Running through a field of flowers
30. Making someone laugh
31. Watching the sunset only to watch it rise again
32. Finding your festie bestie
33. Showing someone what music means to you
34. Brunch
35. Getting phone calls from your Grandma
36. Holding hands
37. Nature walks
38. The sound rain makes when it hits the window
39. Looking up at the stars
40. Having conversations with children
41. Spending time alone
42. Reading
43. Laughing at your own jokes
44. Instant replies
45. Creating the perfect hi-light on your cheekbones
46. Giving compliments to others
47. Receiving compliments from others
48. Wearing a cape
49. Pretending you are invisible
50. The first snowfall