Every now and then it’s both good and healthy to reflect over our blessings and the things that we are grateful for and makes us happy. Happiness is not to be taken for granted, and I think it’s also something that needs work, effort and energy to keep up. Happiness to me has a lot to do with attitude, which is something everyone can work on from time to time. My best advice for someone going through a grey phase is to force oneself to look at the brighter things in life. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but it’s the process of starting to think about the positives that counts.

Mornings. I love waking up next to my loved once. Waking up together as a family is my favorite time of the day and sums up everything I have to be grateful for. I am surrounded by people who’m I love and who love me, and we make each other very happy. I have a wonderful, clean and comfortable bed, and a home I feel safe in.

Freedom. As an adult I’ve come to realize I have the freedom to do almost anything I want. Realizing that is something that has changed my life. It’s like the realization opened up doors that I never imagined possible for me. Freedom is of course not to be taken for granted, which is why I appreciate all the opportunities and choices I have. I have the freedom to build my own life, and even though it might be hard or almost impossible to get where you want, most things are possible and starts between your ears and within yourself. Changes and goals might take time to reach, and sometimes requires re-arrangement, hard work, giving up other things and a lot of faith and discipline. However, just knowing you have the possibility is freeing itself.

Peace and quiet. I love being busy and on the go, but I’ve never appreciated peace and quiet as much as I do right now. Having some time to think and taking some personal space without having someone constantly in my face, feels heavenly at the end of the day. I have come to minimize all kind of unnecessary noise. Can’t stand having the tv, radio or music on in the background when at home. Unless I’m all alone of course.

Date night. Yes, it’s back! Not on a regular basis but a few weeks ago we went out for dinner, and the other night just the two of us shared a huge fruit plate in front of our favorite tv show. Pure luxury and so very necessary without the pressure of making it into a too big of a deal.

Your turn :). What makes you happy right now? 

Headbands from BikBok

Pictures by Janita Autio

Close ups by Matti Keski- Kohtamäki