What’s Been Making Me Smile Recently

In general, I’m a pretty optimistic person - someone who tends to see the proverbial glass as half full but that does not mean that I am immune to life’s challenges or that I don’t experience my share of emotional lows. I believe that it’s important to acknowledge the rough days and to extend some grace when we just can’t muster up a sunny disposition. Having experienced depression at various points in my life, I know that wallowing in those funky feelings for too long isn’t best. I also know that as positive a person I might be, it helps to deliberately engage in and take stock of things that stimulate happiness.

Below are a few things that made me smile this week.

Speaking With My Loved Ones

It has been a year since I have seen my parents and youngest brother because Trinidad & Tobago’s borders have been closed. Being away from them for so long has been hard. Speaking with my loved regularly has softened my homesickness.

Listening To By Any Means by Voice

There are several genres of music that I like but no other lifts my mood quite like Soca and Voice is one of my favourite Soca artistes. This week I jump started my mornings by blasting his songs, especially this one. The lyrics, sweet vocals and steel-pan music soothe my tababca for Trinidad & Tobago.

Strolling Through A Pretty Neighbourhood

Atlanta has so many gorgeous neighborhoods. The other day on my way to my favourite antique store I passed through one of these pretty areas called Poncy Highland. The architecture and landscaping of the houses made me ‘ooh and aah’ and gave me lots of curb appeal inspiration.

Reading An Excerpt From Yvonne Orji’s New Book

In the latest issue of Essence Magazine, the actress and comedian shared an excerpt from her soon to be released memoir - Bamboozled By Jesus. With her signature humour, she describes her journey from following her Nigerian parents’ expectations to embracing her purpose. Her hilarious stories piqued my interest in the book. It’s always refreshing to read another sister’s success story.

Subscribing To A New (To Me) YouTube Channel

I haven’t really gotten into watching YouTube channels as replacements for tv shows or movies but there are a few channels that I enjoy. A couple weeks ago I came across this couple’s channel. The husband is Japanese and the wife is African American & Costa Rican and they are so cute.

Well, that’s it for my round-up of feel good’s. Is there anything that has been making you smile lately?