Year 25

SURPRISE! It's day 9125-ish post (of my entire life). Not sure if anyone still visits this blog, but I decided to post a surprising post because today marks my quarter-century. Gosh I thought I would always be forever 19!

First of all, I didn't plan to contemplate anything, let alone to post something on this blog again. But a friend of mine—who shall remain nameless—once upon a day came to me and asked to share '25 things that make me happy'. I don't know for what purpose, but that made me pause and reflect.

Before I share the contemplation, let me tell you what happens today. . .

At midnight, I was in the middle of a phone call with my 'manager' when suddenly I was invited to a group on WhatsApp. Suspicious, I didn't open it right away and instead, interrogated my 'manager' on the phone. He amusingly tried to hide the 'behind-the-scene' stories by laughing out loud. What surprised me about that group wasn't just the group title ("Winda's Birthday Surprise") but also the participants:


These are some of the people I consider close to my heart from three different circles: family, the Navigators and former colleagues. How did they come together?! I was at a loss for words. Not only did they wish me a happy birthday, they also compiled the videos they made throughout the week. I've never felt so loved on my birthday :)


So, to end this gladdening post, as my 'manager' has requested, here are 25 things that can make me overjoyed!

(( in no particular order...maybe ))

25
the feeling after finishing a really good book/movie

24
convenient, clean, dry and fresh-scented bathroom (or any room, really!)

23
sunset skies in autumn season, lights during night time, and perfect temperature (between 12°-17°C/54°-63°F)

22
healthy food that is delicious and not expensive (can somebody make healthy yet tasty thin spinach cheese pizza, doughnuts and chai latte, please??)

21
feeling accepted and at home in a foreign land / country / city

20
unexpected thoughtful messages

19
songs that match mood (usually atmospheric music / acoustic folk songs)

18
warm genuine hugs

17
bernese mountain dog / giant fluffy stuff or animal

16
snuggling under comfortable blanket and pillows

15
photographs that capture real atmosphere and true memories

14
clothing items that reflect my personality and are comfortable to wear (and affordable!)

13
having heartwarming and exciting things to look forward to

12
diverse/interracial friendship and community

11
when someone defends me in an argument

10
music sessions / praise and worship / acoustic performance / live concert in an intimate relaxing atmosphere

9
introverting moment at a solitary place (being contemplative and reflective about life so I can think, analyse and write them down—no distraction and no intervention)

8
being able to understand and to help someone / a situation

7
people having a good time at our home / event we organise

6
productivity (waking up and feeling energised and inspired / not feeling tired to accomplish things for the day, making meaningful satisfying art-works that bless other people)

5
days without MS symptoms

4
quality time with favourite people (the presence of the ones I love and who love me);
being surrounded by people who are chatty, witty or thoughtful, people I can joke and laugh with (shared sense of humour), having heart-to-heart and mind-to-mind conversation with them — talking about life, ideas, the future, culture, the world, personality types, jokes, dreams, movies, music, stories, beautiful things, God and whatever topic that connects us deeper. No assumption, no judgement, no disagreement, just sharing and laughing.

3
selfless and intentional act of love and kindness

2
connecting / bringing people together in harmony

1


To all my loved ones, thank you for making me feel so loved, valued and cherished today.

You all have made me happy to be alive!


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