Why Touching Base With What You Love Keeps You Truly Alive
When life gets busy, it’s so easy to forget the simple things that make us feel most alive.
We get caught up in work, in responsibilities, in the endless to-do lists. And before we know it, days (even weeks) go by without us truly checking in with ourselves. Without us doing the things that actually bring us joy.
I’ve been there—so focused on what needs to get done that I forget about what makes me feel whole.
But I’ve learned this: happiness doesn’t come from big, grand achievements. It comes from small, intentional moments that connect you back to your heart.
The Things That Bring Me Back to Me
Recently, I sat down and asked myself, “What really makes me happy?”
Not what should make me happy. Not what society says. But the moments, big and small, that make me feel like me.
Here’s what came up for me:
Being with my partner
Playing guitar and singing
Swimming in a playground
Gardening and feeling the earth in my hands
Cooking a meal with love
Reading quietly, just for me
Going on a journey—whether it’s travel or self-discovery
Hiking through nature
Sharing future hopes and ambitions with my partner
Solo time, where I can hear my own thoughts
Meditating and breathing in stillness
Laughing with Henry until my stomach hurts
Writing my thoughts out
Surfing, snorkeling, and just being by the ocean
Building, renovating, fixing—creating with my hands
Fishing, being in quiet connection with nature
Time with friends who really see me
Dancing without caring how it looks
When I look at this list, I feel a sense of peace and gratitude. These are the things that recharge me. They remind me that I am more than my work, my roles, my responsibilities.
They remind me that life is not just about doing—it’s about being.
Why This Matters for Your Wellbeing
When we lose touch with the things that bring us joy, we slowly lose touch with ourselves. Stress builds. Our energy drains. We feel disconnected, like we’re just going through the motions.
But when we regularly reconnect with what we love—even in small doses—it:
✨ Regulates our nervous system
✨ Replenishes our energy
✨ Keeps us grounded in what truly matters
✨ Strengthens our relationships
✨ And reminds us that life is meant to be felt, not just lived.
Your Turn: What Makes You Happy?
I want to ask you the same question I asked myself:
What really makes you happy?
Not the things you think should make you happy. But the simple, genuine moments that light you up.
Maybe it’s a quiet cup of tea before the sun rises.
Maybe it’s laughing with your kids.
Maybe it’s painting, dancing, reading, or just sitting in the sunshine.
Take a moment—write your own list. Keep it somewhere close. And most importantly… make space for those things.
Even five minutes of something you love can shift your entire day.
A Gentle Reminder
Life isn’t about waiting for the big moments.
It’s about touching base—again and again—with the things that make you feel whole.
For me, that’s love, nature, music, movement, laughter, and stillness.
For you, it might be something completely different.
But whatever it is—don’t forget it.
✍️ Reflective Journaling Prompt
Take 10 quiet minutes for yourself and explore these questions:
What are the small moments that make me feel most alive?
When was the last time I felt truly joyful and at ease? What was I doing?
Which activities or people leave me feeling nourished rather than drained?
What is one thing I can do this week—just for me—that would bring me joy?
Write freely. No pressure. Just let your heart answer.
✅ Your Free “What Makes Me Happy” Worksheet
I’ve created a simple printable worksheet to help you:
Reflect on the things that truly light you up
Map out small, doable ways to include them in your week
Keep your “happiness touchstones” visible and easy to return to
✨ Click here to download your free worksheet.
Print it out, keep it on your fridge, in your journal, or on your desk as a gentle reminder to always return to what matters most.
This Week’s Invitation
Write your own “What Makes Me Happy” list.
Choose one thing and make time for it this week—even if it’s just 10 minutes.
Notice how it shifts the way you feel.
Because your happiness isn’t a luxury.
It’s a necessity.
👉 Next Week on the Blog
How to Create Micro-Moments of Joy in Your Daily Routine (Even When Life Feels Overwhelming)
