I usually write about my experiences as a back-of-the-pack runner so you are probably wondering why on earth I decided to write this blog. I promise that once I’ve written this blog normal service will resume.

I’m not the most positive person on the planet (understatement of the century) and have developed a rather negative attitude. Certain aspects of my life are a bit of a disaster area at the moment and my mental health isn’t great.  As a result, I decided to spend some time focusing on the positive things in my life.

Here’s my list of things that make me happy. While most are predictable, there are a few slightly unusual items in my list.

1. Sunshine
2. Tea
3. Running
4. Afternoon naps
5. Walking in Sutton Park

6. A lie in
7. Love
8. Hugs
9. My family
10. My friends
11. Receiving an unexpected letter
12. Sending in a completed job application
13. Mastering a challenging piece of music on my violin
14. Reading
15. Writing
16. A long, hot bath
17. A night out with people I love
18. Kind comments left on my blog
19. Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer served with ice
20. Holding hands
21. Travelling and holidays

22. Uninterrupted sleep
23. My research getting published in academic journals
24. Blogging, occasionally!
25. Looking at old family photographs
26. Red wine
27. Listening to music
28. The changing seasons
29. Visiting the family

30. Finding trousers and jeans that fit
31. Helping my elderly neighbours
32. Presenting my research

33. Crossing off tasks on my ‘things to do’ list
34. Eating chocolate
35. Cuddling with my cat
36. The seaside and beach
37. Scented candles
38. Steak, chips and pepper corn sauce
39. Completing a challenging piece of work
40. Writing lists
41. Cooking
42. Saying ‘no’
43. A shower after a run
44. Volunteering
45. An empty washing basket
46. Running through fresh snow
47. Getting my hair done
48. Rivers

49. Overcoming challenges
50. Decluttering my junk

I actually found listing 50 things that make me happy far, far easier than I thought I would and I could have listed 100 things that make me happy. This is definitely a positive sign!

What makes you happy?