There are many, many things that make me happy. I work very hard on focusing on those things because I do tend to feel the downs a lot.

My kids make me happy. Their ups, their downs, the good days, the not so good days, all of it. They are incredible people and I am so very fortunate to have them.

Complete strangers and Random Acts of Kindness make me happy.

My friends make me happy. I am lucky to have people around me who are willing to lend a hand up, or a shoulder, or some positive energy when needed. People who cherish the ways in which we are different along with the things we have in common.

Sunny days that promise Spring make me happy. Thunderstorms that likewise epitomize Spring in the Midwest also make me happy.

Purring cats napping in pools of sunshine make me happy. And the dogs looking at me, tongues lolling and tails wagging as they wait to come in the house, that makes me happy.

And sleep, sleep makes me happy. I wish I could do more of it!