What I Love About Life at 32

A list of small, subtle things that bring me comfort and happiness, in honor of my birthday and the month of love.

It’s my 32nd birthday today, and somehow it took me this long to fall in love with February. I think that’s in large part due to all the wonderful posts I’ve read on Substack over the last three weeks, with people sharing the small, subtle things throughout their everyday lives that bring them a sense of comfort and happiness.

So I figured there’s no better way to celebrate than to share things I love in honor of this month and my birthday. Many of these have been living in my pocket journal, scribbled down as I noticed them throughout the month. Writing them down made me realize how much there is to love in the everyday.

The first sunny day after weeks of cloudy weather and snow.

Spontaneous drives with stops at local farmer stands.

The smell of coffee brewing while I’m in the shower.

Weekly calls with my best friend from childhood.

Wildflowers blooming along the side of the road.

Mornings when we have extra time in bed with our cat.

The smell of shampoo in my hair.

Someone’s face lighting up as they tell a story

The glimmer of dew in the grass as the sun rises.

Hearing Stephen sing as he goes about his day.

Waking up before my alarm well rested.

The way my cat’s nose scrunches when he yawns.

A stack of current reads on my nightstand.

Sheets pulled tight and smooth across the mattress.

Foggy, misty weather.

Cooking for people in my life.

Late summer evening on the farm. Source: Stephen Audia

Sunsets in indigo and magenta.

Sunbeams coming through the window.

Watching wild animals in their natural habitat and animals playing.

Little corners of a home that reflect the stage of life you’re in.

When someone comes up to me to start a conversation.

Taking a photo at the exact right moment.

The sound of crunching leaves in autumn.

Smelling something that reminds me of a certain time or place.

Handmade gifts!

Coffee or matcha with a frothy top.

The kind of laughter that fills your chest and steals your breath.

Seeing elderly couples express their love for each other.

The sound of bread crust cracking as it cools.

Receiving a handwritten card in the mail.

Finding the perfect gift for someone.

When I pull the tab off a jar and it peels perfectly in one go.

The satisfaction of finishing a book I loved.

So that’s 33, not 32. One extra for good luck seemed right.

Sometimes the best way to celebrate is to notice what’s already good. What are some things from February that you’ve loved?