In our family, we have several things that we always are supposed to just say “no” to: blooming onions, rum punch, and illegal drugs top the list.

Lately, though, inspired by Cheryl Richardson, I’ve come up with a “Just say yes” list. This is a list of things I should make sure to ALWAYS say “yes” to. The things on this list make me healthier, less stressed, and happier. Here are some of the things on my list:

watching the sunrise and/or set
stargazing
a good run on a perfect day
taking a walk
taking a hot bath
laughing
reading a good book
my morning prayers/devotions
a glass of water
a kiss from/to my husband
spending time outdoors, especially near water
going to bed early
turning off the television instead of watching dumb, mind-numbing shows about people I don’t know and wouldn’t want to spend real life time with
playing around with my mandolin
making art
talking to or texting my children
a piece of fruit
silence
saying something nice to someone
committing a random act of kindness
a cup of hot tea
a visit with a friend
a lemon drop (the candy (and okay, not “a” lemon drop, but “many” lemon drops))
Girl Scout cookies
a thank you from a student
getting a check in the mail, even a small one
homemade soup
fresh sheets on the bed
a warm blanket on a cold night
comfy sweats
the full moon
that hushed sound when there are a couple of inches of snow on the ground and it’s still falling
a clear night in the country when you look up and see the vastness of the stars
a sandy beach and a cold beer
lazy weekends
home, sweet home
friends
family
having someone’s face light up when you walk into a room
my students’ joy when they find out they passed THE test
flowers
a piece of Godiva
a cup of hot chocolate with miniature marshmallows or whipped cream on top
so, so, so much more….

What’s on your “Just Say Yes” list?