20 Things I Love

img from Pinterest

So there's a tag going around blogs and Youtube where people list 20 things they hate, whether that be foods, people, chores etc. But I don't think it's necessary to concentrate on the negative in our lives; why give negative the time of day to contemplate it? It's useful to know the things we don't like to be able to live the way we do want to, but once we think about the negative, there is no point dwelling on it. Dwelling on it trains the mind that it's okay to think negatively, but it isn't. The more positive thinking we do the more our minds will get used to it and continue to do so.
So with that in mind, I've created a list of 20 things I love or make me happy. You can do the same and post your blog below for me to look at. They can be small things or bigger things, doesn't matter. This is not in order, but it's just what is coming to mind today :)
1. Sunshine. This is a masssssive love of mine. There is nothing that makes me more cheery and ready to start the day than opening the curtains and seeing the sun.
2. Fresh air and walking in the countryside. If you're lucky enough to be around green spaces (even if it's a park if you live in the city), make use of them! As humans we weren't evolved to live in cities, work in offices or stay indoors, so make the most of being outside because it will make you so much happier and healthier.
3. Reminiscing on old times with friends. I love doing this because we all remember the good times and the funny times. We don't think back to primary school and remember the monotonous repetitive days, we remember the ones where we we silly, playing games, dressing up, having fun with friends. 
4. Singing. I don't do it enough nowadays because my throat's not in the best health generally, but when I'm feeling good I try and sing. It can actually release a lot of tension :)
5. Making delicious but healthy meals. I like savory foods a lot more than sweet, so making delicious meals makes me happy.
6. But saying that, I love chocolate :) If you don't rely on it, but use it as a treat, it really can make you happy!
7. Learning. It sounds geeky, but I love to continue to learn things. It can be anything, but always things that you genuinely want to gain knowledge in, never force yourself to study a subject you don't really enjoy.
8. The smell of citrus and mint. Don't know why, but it is instantly refreshing. 
9. My puppy! Dogs (providing you're not already scared of them), make people happy. They just want to love and impress you, it makes me smile.
10. Perfume. I've mentioned before my love for it. It seems so superficial, but I love that something invisible can adapt to the mood you're in.
11. Cycling. This continues on from being in the countryside (as I don't like cycling on roads, too scary!), I love cycling, it's so freeing, and keeps you fit.
12. American teen dramas - Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, 90210, Revenge (is that teen?!). I love it - it's escapism, but they're not mind-dumbing like a lot of tv. 13. My bed. Too much. Must get out.
14. Coats. There's nothing better than finding the perfect coat - which I recently have, and I look forward to going out JUST to wear it!
15. Ginger tea. I only have one cup of "normal" breakfast tea a day because I find it a bit dehydrating and don't like too much caffeine, but ginger tea I have two or three times a day, and it is so soothing.
16. People who smile and give off a happy demeanor - they make me feel comfortable and happy. It is always better to surround yourself with people like this.
17. Theatre and Musicals. I loooove theatre. Whether it makes me laugh or cry, I find it really connects to my emotions, which is only healthy.
18. Hot weather by the sea. I love the summer, but it's even more pleasant if you're by the sea. I live just north of London so there's no sea near, but being on holiday in the Mediterranean is my idea of bliss.   19. Following on from holidays, I love going to countries AWAY from tourist spots. By tourist spots, I mean places where it feels like you're practically still in England. My parents never took me to these resorts and I never will. If I go to a foreign country I want to immerse myself in their culture, learn a language and eat the food the locals eat. So this is a definite love of mine and one I hope to do more of :)
20. And finally, the inevitable, friends and family. There needs no explaining, they are our stability and I can't express my love for them more.
I hope that gave you a bit of a boost of positiveness, away from blogs featuring the opposite end of the spectrum. As I said, it is always better to look on the 'bright side', however cheesy that sounds.