Episode 8: Unearned Kindness
This set of happy things is about gratitude, friendship, highschool, long conversations that happen in the middle of the night. Give it a shot.
Unexpected unearned kindnesses that stay with you longer than they should.
Staying up all night in high school, talking with friends because everything is new and this is the first time that you’re having these hushed, whispered conversations.
Your arms full, staggering in the parking lot, a friendly stranger gives you their shopping cart.
Realizing that you’re no longer angry at the people who wronged you, you thought you’d never be not angry but here you are older, wiser perhaps, but not angry nonetheless.
Falling asleep on Christmas Eve even as an adult.
Watching your best friend’s baby grow from an infant to a little boy to a small person with thoughts, feelings and a distinctive personality.
A wrist watch ticking towards the future, taking you with it, minute by minute.
Hearing the sweetest compliment that you weren’t expecting and blushing to your core knowing that it is true.
Unexpectedly finding a new movie starring your favorite actresses playing near you at the exact moment that you feel like going to the movies.
Making your best friend laugh so much that they lose the ability to speak for a full minute.
Caramel corn, crunchy, salty and sweet.
Holding the tiniest of grudges that hurts nobody for something very irrational and hilariously specific.
Coming across a painting in a museum that appeals to you so instantly, you’re almost smitten by the artist.
Walking through a familiar city alone at night feeling safe surrounded by people but alone with your thoughts in the crisp night air, your boots hitting the sidewalk in comforting, melodic thunks.
Drinking enough water for once in your life.
Seeing and recognizing that being loved has made you softer, has brought you back to yourself and has filled you with life.
Happiness Spells Podcast is a five minute list of all the greatest pleasures and smallest joys in life. Increase your capacity for positivity, curiosity and gratitude. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
This episode of Happiness Spells was written, arranged, recorded and produced by Amanda Meyncke in Los Angeles, California. Our music is by Chris Zabriskie.