Top Ten Things That Feel Good Right Down to My Soul

There are some things that feel good, and then there are the things in your life that feel good. The moments that you look forward to the whole day and make your whole week. The events that you post and tweet about. It might have been something you spent a year looking forward to, or something that took you pleasantly by surprise.

The things that keep you from being depressed and remind you that life is indeed good. That God is a good God who provides good gifts. Little things that mean maybe more to you than someone else, but that doesn't make it any less important.

Here are my "soul soothers":

1. Singing along with good worship music
Nothing gets me to church with more excitement than knowing I get to sing. Sing to God. To God. Where else can you let your voice go free in a room full of people who feel the same thing? Singing causes a release of some very important brain chemicals, and I would swim in them if I could. I am thankful to our faithful worship leader at church who seems to guide me to that place each week.


2. A chiropractor appointment
Ahhh… then the other body changes. A release in pressure on certain nerves. Sometimes I don't even realize how bad it is until I finish my appointment and come out walking straighter. I am thankful to have good health care all around.


3. Hearing my kids laugh
Basically because it means that they are not fighting or complaining. It means the joy of success. They are alive and should stay that way for the next few minutes. I am thankful for  each one of my three kids, no matter what their mood.


3b. Hearing my kids sleep
This goes with the previous statement, but there is something else that goes along with this one. The repetitious pattern of their breathing calms me down as well. They are resting, so I can too. I am thankful that there is night.


4. Seeing my husband be playful
First of all, I know this means his stress level is going down. It also always leads me to giving thanks for the husband He gave me. 


5. The first down stroke with resistance on a bike ride
I don't understand this one at all, other than the thrill over overcoming resistance, pushing through what is pushing back. And winning. Also, it propels the bike to go faster - another exciting thrill. I'm thankful for a body that can exercise.


6. Pumping through a heavy set of weights at the gym
I think this might be another sensation of "winning," of conquering another weight set. Of knowing that although I have worn out my muscles today, I will wake up stronger. Or maybe it is something secreted by my glands to make me feel that good. I'm thankful for those hormones.


7. Stepping into my best friend's kitchen and realizing it's time to talk
There's a reason she's my best friend. And when I get to her house and smell that coffee, I know it is the beginning of down time. It helps that our kids love to play together, so I know we won't be bothered (too much). But this is where girlfriend talk therapy is at it's finest. I am thankful for lasting friendships.


8. Finishing a good run
This one I know is chemically-related. (natural chemicals, of course.) Not every run is a good run, and because of that, I must treasure and make the best of the ones I get. So when I finish, it is the joy of having it in the past. I am thankful for finishing.


9. The first bite of something really good
I love food. Especially sweets. Because what I love is so bad for me, it isn't something I can eat every day. Again, I know I need to take the time to enjoy it. Cheesecake. Premium ice cream. Rich brownies. The texture of such yummy food leads to the slow sinking of my teeth against the smooth delicacies. And that's just enough time to think, "Oh, yeah." I'm thankful for chocolate.



10. Cool sand enveloping my feet
The beach at night… ahhhh. Maybe it's just the location and the fact that it means I am on vacation that makes this event so savory. Or maybe the cool temperature against warm toes soothes my feet, and those feelings travel all the way up to my heart. God was good to make sand so plentiful. I'm thankful for escapes.


Bonus: 

Hitting every green light.
This one doesn't feel good right down to my soul, but it sure makes me happy. I would tweet about it, but by the time I got home, too many other events have gotten in the way of my mind.

Getting really close to Grandma's house, after the 3 hour trip.
The completion of this long trip always ended in the sweet smell of Grandma's house and hugs to go around. What's not to love about getting to Grandma's house?


Please share below what soothes your soul. I'd love to hear!

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