A reminder...

What feels good.

1. Playing and watching sport. The adrenaline of the moment, watching goals being scored, regardless of whether it's one of 2 in a football game, or 1 of 30 in a footy game. Rooting/supporting/barracking for a team and feeling the jubilation when that team - your team - wins or achieves something. Playing for, and feeling a part of, a team. Contributing to the team's performance and results.

2. The company of friends. True friends. I don't think I say enough in a big group of people, and I like one-on-one conversations. I like listening in big groups, I pick up a lot of random and interesting things (and probably miss out on others too...) but I think that might have made me seem boring or aloof to some. Can't please everyone! It takes me a while to warm up sometimes, and I think I like having a few good friends I can rely on rather than a big group that I can't. Unfortunately, they are currently not within touching distance and may not be for a while.

3. Taking a drive in late summer/early autumn, just as the weather turns a little cooler. Winding down the window to get a gust of wind and fresh air. Even better if there's good music blaring from the speakers and you can sing at the top of your lungs, even though you're tone-deaf. I guess you could say the same for the start of summer, when the temperature and climate is similar to late summer/early autumn.

4. Exploring new places. It might be eating out at a new cafe/restaurant with quirky interiors, or a little town where few of your friends would even consider. The slight problem is that no one will go with you! :)

5. Achieving something. Anything at all that means something to you.

6. Learning a new skill. Having a goal that you can share with someone, and achieving it together. Triple 'good' feelings.

7. Waking up with the sun shining in through your window.

8. Bear hugs. When it's cold. When you're happy. When you're down. When you just need one. When you don't need one and get it anyway. Ones that make you feel safe and the world doesn't matter.

Why do I need to remind myself all this? Because I am a minute particle in this large universe and I might get lost. And because I'm afraid I'll forget what there is to smile about, to live for.

Because celebrating the team's success is more fun when you share it with someone on the team, singing off-tune is more fun with someone else, achieving something is a lot more meaningful if you have someone to share the moment with, but those of us who don't will have to find a way of celebrating anyway.

Because learning a new skill is more fun if there is someone to do it with you or is keen to teach you.

Because waking up with the sun shining used to feel good. Now I wish I would go to sleep one day and never wake up. Never have to see the sun smirking at me.

Because bear hugs will never be the same again.