As the UgBlogMonth draws to a close, I am delighted to share the things that make me happy.
Life would be one huge dull blob if there was nothing to look forward to. I am grateful for moments of smiles, laughter and warm goodness. The following are what make me happy:
- Understanding Grace
Understanding the grace that comes from a relationship with God truly freed me to live a guilt-free life. I was very legalistic in the past and though I was raised in the church world, religion kept me enslaved to a life of tradition devoid of freedom. I wasn’t fully happy in my Christian journey; in fact, I was one of those Christians that didn’t make Christianity look attractive. However, when the revelation of grace started sinking in, it released me into a new kind of happiness. I’m getting happier with each new passing day and I am thankful for the blessings that come from being a child of God.
- Family
I love my family. As most families do, we have experienced issues too. That said, my family has also had some really happy moments. I am happy we are in a good place now and we experience a lot of peace and laughter with each other. My favourite moments are when we all gather together in my parents’ living room and share a meal while watching TV. God has brought us out of some murky waters of the past. Currently, we are all more understanding of each other and happy to have each other. Watching Nigerian programs with my parents really makes me happy; we always share lots of laughter in those moments because as we all know, our Nigerian brothers are not short of drama. I treasure those moments; they are golden.
- Bae
On one of my birthdays, bae took me to the lakeside where we watched the sunset over a good meal. A few days ago, he walked a distance to come see me, since public and private transportation is not operational due to the lockdown. Apart from the many acts of service, gifts and more, we have great conversation and lots of laughter. He and I haven’t had a perfect run but I can say without doubt that he makes me happy.
- Great Friends
Where would I be without good friends that support me and understand me? The friends with whom I can talk effortlessly for hours on end are the absolute best. Time seems to stop, the tea is poured and a new world is formed for hours of pure bliss. I am so blessed to have great friends with whom I can share such moments.
- Great Music
Music is my first love of all the Arts. Listening to great music does something to my soul that feels so divine. It’s like entering into Heaven for a moment and being totally transported to a surreal world of happiness. Music nurses my heart so well if I am feeling sad and it has the ability to instantly shift the mood and give me hope. I am very picky with the music that I love and I ensure that it’s uplifting and positive either because of the beat, the lyrics, or both.
- Beautiful Spaces & Items
Beautiful spaces, clothes, jewellery, décor and other items, make me feel very important. I love feeling like royalty. Beautiful spaces and items boost my confidence and desire to continue living in ways that I can’t explain. When I enter a space, I instantly start either appreciating it or redesigning it mentally.
- Nature
Nature is God’s genius creation filled with beauty. I feel closer to God when in beautiful natural settings where the sun shines warmly, casting vibrancy over the horizon. Calm and peace fill me up and I am easily happy.
- The Performing Arts
Watching good performing arts gives me goose bumps out of feeling pure wonder. I can also remember a number of times when I have stepped off stage, after performing poetry, thinking ‘I was born for this’. The wide range of performing arts excite me. In fact, to kick up my energy and enthusiasm, I often watch talent shows such as The Voice and the ‘Got Talent’ series.
- Good Fantasy Stories
Good fantasy literature and movies transport me to other worlds and I love being transported to places I won’t ever go to physically. I can get lost in these made-up fantasy worlds willingly. The happiness that fills me in those moments is immense.
- Being Around Talented Positive Artists
Being around these kinds of artists energizes me tremendously. There is something about being with likeminded and driven artists that confirms my purposes to me every time I am with them.
- Good Comedy
The laughter industry makes me happy without a doubt. Comedians like Trevor Noah and our very own Pablo add a lot of humour to a serious world.
I am very happy about the above 11 and more. Life is certainly not dull but rather, filled with so much colourful variety. Thank you for reading. Like, share, comment and subscribe.
Stay safe. Stay HAPPY. Stay grateful.
Regards,
Keziah.
Keziah Elaine Ayikoru 