List 30 things that make you happy.

Welcome to my quick-read blog on the 30 things that make me happy; and as I wrote it, I realised that this was fast becoming a gratitude list. I hope you enjoy it…

1. My kids: of course they are my no. 1 source of happiness. I know that without them, life would have less meaning – or a different meaning. They are my reason to get up in the morning. I asked for them and got them! They’re funny, clever and driven. And I actually think that they like me!

2. The rest of the family: It had to be the rest of the ratbags. My favourite bunch of misfits… and we all seem to just… fit. Here’s to the people who put the fun into dysfunctional!!

3. The pandemic: Lockdown was like one long weird break from the ferris wheel of life. Hearing birdsong when living in the city was bliss. However, if I didn’t know what I was made of before the covid-19 outbreak, I bloody well know now. I worked from home, home-schooled 2 kids in 2 different classes – despite being twins! And still had to take care of the house and some of the shopping. But staying away from certain people in that time was the real bonus. Main regret? I didn’t make any banana bread.

4. My resilience: You know when you look back at a situation and thought “damn! I really went through some shit!” The pandemic wasn’t my only trial but that feeling of knowing that I can endure, whatever that is, makes me happy. *Although, Dear Universe, I would like less “life lessons”*

5. My divorce: Not because it was a fun time. It was awful – not least because it happened during Lockdown 2.0. However, it was hands down the best decision we ever made because the peace I have felt ever since was worth it. Long may peace reign!

6. My house: To have a roof over my head feels good, because when all is said and done, it’s home. It’s not much to look at at the minute but I’m working on it. She deserves love and care for the way she’s looked after us all.

7. Good friends: My circle is small but it’s a good circle. They guide, support and have been there for me when I needed it. That being said, I want to socialise more now. *Universe, I’m ready for you to bring good people into my life*

8. My city: I love my hometown. We’re not as busy as London and not as slow as further North. It’s just a calm place to live. It would take a lot for me to leave here.

9. My education: One of the best days of my life was to share my graduation day with my family. It was a few months before my grandad passed away and I shared it with both him and my grandmother.

10. My sense of humour: Because Jah know, I needed it. Jamaicans have a saying “you hafi tek bad tings mek joke” and even in my darkest hour, I’ve found the laughs and trust me, it helped me heal.

11. Family holidays: I do have to say mum was the main driver for this. We’ve been to Jamaica, France, Canada, and seen a lot of the UK because of her. It was down to the ex-husband why I saw the Middle East and Sudan. I can honestly look back and smile. There’s more to see but that’s on me now…

12. Taking chances: I don’t really see myself as a risk taker but I’ve now got a new job that I never thought I’d get. I’m not sure if being my age makes me think twice on things but I’m hoping that I can still pull out the magic on this one. I’d like to take more risks.

13. Cooking: After many years of bobbing and weaving the allergies and the ever-changing likes and dislikes of these fussy-arsed kids, I am back to one of my favourite things – cooking. And I love BIG COOKING too! There is nothing better than cooking for a whole group of folks… but the washing up? I’ll leave that to the guests!

14. Turning 50 but looking 30: Alright, maybe not quite 30 but I know that I sure as hell don’t look my age lol. The greys betray me but as as long as I throw in a weave or braids, me old but me nuh cold lol

15. The peace I feel within myself: I touched on it here, but one day after the divorce, I was washing the dishes. And, as I’m staring out of the window, I noticed this strange feeling had come over me. The feeling was peace. I’m grateful for that day because I knew that peace could be mine and in all fairness, it has been here ever since. *Dear Universe, please bring only things and people into my life that enhance my peace.*

16. Where I’m at now: If I was grateful for anything over the last few years is knowing who I am. I did a blog a few weeks back that made me realise that I’m a misfit. I was raised by misfits and I’m raising misfits. Coming to that realisation put a lot into place for me… and the kids

17. Harry Potter movies: As I’m sat here writing The Boy Who Lived is playing in the background. And I can’t help but feel that J.K. Rowling has done an amazing job in creating a whole universe. I even love the Fantastic Beasts movies. Great job Joanne!!

18. Wine: aaaahhh, nectar of the gods! There’s nothing more refreshing than a beautiful cold white wine. Whether it’s a Gavi, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Gervertzraminer, I love a good wine. There’s nothing more that I need to add other than chin chin!

19. My indoor dryer: the day my old dryer broke, I cried. The work to wash clothes and take them to my mums killed me. Then, I learned about an indoor dryer. I’ve not looked back since.

20. Earl Grey decaffeinated organic tea: Quick, call the Woke Police, I’m bougie! My sister buys me a box every month. For my birthday, I bought myself an enamel Beatrix Potter mug and I have to say, my tea tastes decidedly more English when I drink it. De tea BAD!

21. Gardening: This is a new one for me. I have a huge garden and I want to design it in a way where I’m growing food, keeping bees and having barbecues. I did a stint last year and loved it.

22. Books: A long lost pleasure. As a kid I was an absolute bookworm. Then I stopped reading. Maybe it was social media. Maybe it was a feeling of brain saturation. Now I have a ton of books that I want to read and I think I’m in a better place for the escapism of a good old fashioned read.

23. My virtual turn real connections: As I said, my connection circle is growing and I have to say, I’ve met a good few people off social media who have literally become lifelong friends. I’m grateful to them for seeing the madness and liking me anyway!

24. Music: Is life! I love literally any genre of music. I can rock, dip and boogie with the best of em… but I draw the line at most metal and mumble trapping drill (I’m old!!)

25. Youtube playlists: There’s something about a playlist that YouTube have chosen for you that makes the world a better place. Yes algorithms, do your thing!!

26. Creativity: I love art! And more than anything else, I love the passion for art. There’s a beauty in hearing someone speak about their creativity, what brings them joy and why. Their happiness is my happiness.

27. My car: Bought in 2020 by my brother (G-d love him), Harris, my Yaris, has been an absolute lifesaver. We have travelled far and wide but we still have so much so much more of this fair isle to see. I love her.

28. Christmas Movies: Now I love Christmas as it is and believe me I have been known to watch a Christmas movie as early as June! There’s a formula to the best ones. If it’s not an undercover Prince from a country that ends with -ovia marrying an ordinary American girl, it’s two people that hate each other but by the end up falling in love. So get your homemade popcorn and hot chocolate with whipped cream and let’s go….!

29. My blog: I only really decided to revive it to talk about things that are on my mind. I’m tired of the social media squabbles but I absolutely love throwing out my thoughts and hearing what you think lol.

30. Being Black and British: the older I get, the more I love the juxtaposition of being Scotch Bonnet British. Whether it’s Jollof British, Kente British, Souse British or Aseeda British, we are an event, a mood, the very thing you want to be. I love that for us and long may it continue.

If you made it to the end of this blog, thank you for reading. What are your favourite things, or things that make you happy?? Let me know in the comments.

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I love you for reading,
Tricia xx