Whether you are a fan of raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, many people can say that they love more than one aspect of life. I, for one, constantly forget to appreciate the blessings presented to me on a daily basis. I have composed a list of fourteen things that make me feel warm inside (in no particular order).

1. When people smile between words

There is nothing better than holding a conversation with an individual who likes to smile, and even better, smiles between words. Whilst on a trip to New York City with my journalism team, I noticed a lot more smiling between words than at home. This might have been due to my deep infatuation with the city, but I like to believe that New Yorkers smile a lot more (not the ones that yell a lot, obviously).

2. The smell of my mom’s veggie soup

I grew up primarily eating at my grandmother’s house, who used to make home-cooked meals almost daily. Amongst these said meals was her special soup. Whether she made it with just vegetables or with chicken, the distinct smell has carried through my life on a very consistent level. The smell not only reminds me of my childhood, but also of very happy days. I have developed a motto: where there is veggie soup, there is a good day.

3. Accents

Whether it is the deep Russian accent of a certain cashier at my local grocery store, the flowing British accent I heard recently at a cafe, or just a simple accent from the mere depths of Chicago, accents sure do tickle me pink.

4. Messy hair

Don’t get me wrong–brushed hair is just as lovely, but something about the negligence of messy hair is intriguing to me.

5. People-watching

My love for people-watching started at Starbucks in December of last year. I discovered that the ambiance of cafes or mildly crowded places helps me to concentrate on homework. When I started visiting Starbucks on a daily basis in order to complete homework, people-watching was very sporadic at first, but frequent in a few days’ time. People-watching is a compelling activity that comes with a surplus of unanswered questions.

6. Books

As cliche as this sounds, books make me happy. I am a binge reader and proud.

7. My dog wearing a handkerchief

I adore dogs, but no dog is more adorable than my Shih Tzu, Toto, wearing a cowboy-printed handkerchief.

8. Upbeat folk music

Contrary to popular taste, I love folk music more than most genres. Nothing can start my day on a more positive note than a few Mumford and Sons songs and embarrassing solo car-dancing.

9. Music in general

Modern rap and country are the two music genres I cannot tolerate for an extended amount of time, but music is art and it deserves to be appreciated as such.

10. Photos of cows

Growing up, I grew accustomed to visiting my grandparents’ village home, where I could see cows grazing by the village pond. It is not common to see cows in Las Vegas, so when I see photos of cows, my happiness level increases immensely.

11. Watching my little brother grow up

Soon enough, he will be finishing elementary school and reaching growth spurts. For now, I like to see how my baby brother is maturing. I especially enjoy the fact that I am a big part of his life and he looks up to me as a role model.

12. Shoes made of fabric

It is not often that shoes feel lightweight and comfortable, especially when they are close-toed. Thanks to a great friend and a spontaneous shopping trip in San Diego, I bought my first two pairs of cotton shoes. My feet are happy, and so am I.

13. Laughing

Aside from the fact that my nose bunches when I laugh, laughing is a release. Nothing much can compare to the feeling of a tight abdomen and bent-over laughing, especially in the company of great human beings.

14. Eating

Say what you will about being skinny and in shape, but eating is a wonderful activity. I support being fit and active, but at the end of the day, a meal is glorious.

No matter what downfalls life may present me, I have to remember to appreciate the small things it brings me. Being sad is an unwelcome feeling. On the other hand, happiness is a feeling very comparable to bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.