“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

It’s such a momentary thing, isn’t it? Happiness? We hardly seem to know what might make us happy.

From something as small as an acknowledgement from someone who matters a lot, to something as big as winning a million dollars, happiness is everywhere.

But the weird thing is that despite being such a ubiquitous emotion, a lot of us spend so much time and money looking for it elsewhere.

Such a paradox. So typical of us humans.

So I decided to make a small list. What makes me happy? It was harder to list out that thinking of listing it out. Anyway, here goes.

Caffeine: Who doesn’t love coffee? Or caffiene perhaps. I’m an avid tea drinker as well. Depending on my mood, I reach out for a cuppa or coffee and it keeps me happy — until the next cup. There’s something about a hot beverage that nothing else can compare to. It doesn’t matter that I live in the Southern hemisphere where the current temperature is 75 degrees with a forecast of over 100 degrees for the whole of next week. Despite the heatwaves, sometimes some caffeine brings happiness.

Good reads: The first drug is for the body, the second one’s for the soul. When both combine, it’s the perfect weekend. It’s so satisfying to enjoy a well written book with some well brewed beverage. With those two, I’d need nothing else. And happiness is everywhere.

Family: This one’s tricky. Parents can be tiring to be around with. But at the end of the day, nothing matters as much as spending a flawless day with family, sharing homemade lunch and a conversational afternoon tea.

Friends: Much like family, only younger. And noisier. When I’m in the mood for some reminiscing, my friends are my go-to solace. Personally, it rarely happens to me, but when it does, it brings so much joy.

Food: In a line of comforters, food is always a priority. It’s amazing how a well-prepared dish spreads warmth and makes you feel satisfied with yourself. A candy bar, or some ice-cream. Better yet, an all time favourite home made mutton gravy, or soup — with salt and pepper in perfect proportions. No hotel can ever get that right. I’ve always ended up disappointed in a restaurant — not spicy enough, too salty, or sweet.

But when made at home, with care and precision, a few kitchen lessons – and for once, you’ll enjoy your own cooking. The real happiness in eating, comes when you indulge in a dish you made from scratch. Ah, the pride! Doesn’t matter that it lacks your mother’s touch, at least you’ve learnt to master your own happiness.

There’s my list. What’s on yours?