Favorite Things, Holidays, Life, Soul Homework

what made you smile?

Kari

today i want to share two prompts with you. the first: make a list of things that made you smile this week. since it’s monday, i’m reflecting on last week’s smiles. i’m also flirting with the idea of turning this into a little friday tradition just for fun.

the second prompt: what are five things you love about yourself.

i picked these two because they feel just enough to lift us as we head into a week that can feel, well…heavy. maybe you’ll be at a table of people you barely know, maybe you’re missing someone you love, or maybe there’s no traditional meal at all. maybe you just ate too much and are questioning life choices.

holidays don’t have to look how the calendar or society says they should. honestly, who made all of this up anyway?

so here’s my little monday gift: remember the things that made you smile last week (or this week), and five things you love about yourself. they’re small reminders, but sometimes small reminders are exactly what we need.

things that made me smile last week

-getting my hair cut at my dear friend dina’s salon. she has her own place, so when she schedules a client, it’s just you. she had 70’s music on, and we were talking about our dads (she lost her dad nine months after mine, also to cancer). at one point i looked at her and said this, this is therapy.

-the squirrel family playing in our backyard all morning one day

-the holiday ornament section at world market

-grandkitttyyyy watching bird tv, completely mesmerized

-mom surprising us with anna and marc at her home-and the joy i feel seeing my children

-ella making us the most delicious dinner one night

-eating ice cream sundaes in the car with mom at noon

-mike and i started watching the anthony bourdain documentary, and the next day saw this on tiktok:

@wishmeluck365

I’m trying to find a table but I think I may have found Anthony Bourdain enjoying a bowl of Pho in Orange County California 👀 #vietnamesefood #pho #foodie #anthonybourdain #doppelgänger

♬ som original – thegoodvibesplaylist

-mike getting so excited to make a tiktok recipe he found

-finding a lovely new song and listening to it over and over

-watching the monks walking for peace from fort worth, texas to washington d.c. i’ve been following their journey on tiktok, and it’s been so inspiring and brings a smile to my face every day. if you want to follow along too, they’re also on facebook.

@walkforpeaceusa

Day 28: Dayton to Liberty 🕊️ Yesterday’s walk was filled with so much heart and so much care. Thank you so much for lifting the monks with your compassion. Let’s keep choosing peace together, on the road and in the way we speak to one another. 🙏💛 #WalkForPeace #BuddhistMonks #AlokaThePeaceDog #Compassion #Unity

♬ Natural harmony – Jonas Galdino Guitarrista

five things i love about myself

1- i feel things deeply and i don’t run from my emotions anymore.

2- i show up for people with my whole heart.

3- i’m passionate about the hobbies and little joys that i love.

4- i keep writing-through grief, migraines, fear, hard seasons-that i keep putting words out there.

5- that i’m honest about who i am and who i’m not

i hope you’re able to make your own little lists this week, and if you feel comfortable, share some of your answers here. i also hope you have a lovely week. as always, i’m so grateful for all of you.

Discover more from A Grace Full Life

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

50 thoughts on “what made you smile?”

  1. Aw, these are lovely! Evan got another college acceptance letter which made me smile for sure; even more so when I saw the scholarship they offered him! I got to talk on the phone with my brother and catch up with him which was oh so nice. The ladies at the gym actually had me laughing last week with one of our oddball conversations. I don’t know how we get from topic to the next but sometimes they are truly hilarious.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. This is great Kari. I love what you listed and I loved your prompts for me to think about those things too. Before I read your entire post, I wrote down things that made me smile this past week. I’m still in Florence and there are many things that make me smile here but what I wrote down was:
    -getting pizza with Guido the other night and meeting a woman who was at the table beside us from Germany and we got to talking about movies we love and laughed and talked for the longest time and had the best evening ever. It was wonderful.
    -And then I had to move places and stayed four nights in a room in a former convent from the 1200’s! That was before I saw your new song you love by The Nunnery. BTW-I love the song too.
    -And then I had acu-pressure by someone whom we immediately trusted each other and she wondered if we knew each other in a past life time. Many things like this happen in this section of Florence for me.

    Things I love about myself. First of all, I could relate to each quality you wrote down.
    I also like how curious I am about everything, and that even though I have had many knock-downs and set-backs, I keep getting up and trying to learn and to live a life that is meaningful and authentic for me and I try to do it with an open heart. Some of that over-lapped with what you wrote.

    Grazie, my sweet friend. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Week. XOX

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. This whole comment felt like a deep breath. You always seem to find these little pockets of magic wherever you go, and Florence really brings that out in you. That night with Guido and the woman from Germany sounds like one of those effortless, meant-to-happen evenings. the kind you tuck away forever.

      And that former convent room… I had to smile when you mentioned The Nunnery song right after!

      And the acupressure session — that part really touched me. I’ve had a few moments like that too, where you meet someone and there’s just this instant familiarity, like you’ve crossed paths somewhere before. I honestly think when we’re living in the right rhythm, doing what we’re supposed to be doing, those moments show up more often. It’s like the universe gets louder.

      What you wrote about yourself was beautiful. your curiosity, your resilience, the way you keep showing up with an open heart… that’s something rare. and I felt that overlap you mentioned too.

      Grazie, my friend. Sending a hug and wishing you a peaceful thanksgiving week. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. Kari, I beg of you, make this a regular feature!!! I love this so much. Ahhhhh! Wonderful! All of those things a) gave me a secondhand smile, and b) are things I also love about you!

    So things that made me smile, oh god, there are so many, but let’s start. We put up the tree and decorated the house yesterday, Rex has not one but two new holiday bandannas, which he genuinely seems to like/ not mind to wear, this morning I did a Peloton “epic singalong ride” which was super fun, the leaves are all crunchy and fun to shuffle through, I made chocolate pretzel bark, I shared some sad news with my girlfriends and they are all super supportive and one actually phoned me this morning, this morning I wrote the first 1000 words of a new project, and…..what else….oh! Holiday music!

    Things I love about myself: I’m very open minded, I like supporting my girls (not just my boobs, although I DO, I love a supportive bra!) (but I meant my girlfriends!), I’m a good cook, and I am always the first to get on the dance floor. Someone has to be first!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m planning on it — maybe not this year since we’re down to the last few weeks, but definitely starting in January.

      And I love that you loved the things that made me smile. that honestly made me smile even more. 😊

      You had so many good things on your list. I loved reading every one of them. your energy and enthusiasm for life always shine through, and it’s really inspiring. I’m also really glad you have such a supportive circle around you. I hope everything is okay — sending you a hug. 💜

      Like

      Reply

  4. Great prompts, and those are some great personal qualities. That question – things I love about myself – still makes me deeply uncomfortable – so I will stick to my stock answer: my forearms.

    As for things that made me smile last week, the dog, the grandkids, and various wild things I see on walks, especially ducks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I get that. That question still makes me uncomfortable too. I had a prompt last week asking for five things I love about my body — I could only come up with two and it really triggered me. So I totally understand.

      And I love your list from last week. Dogs, grandkids, and ducks on walks… that’s a pretty great trio of smile-makers. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. hi Kari

    these are wonderful two prompts…

    5 things that made me smile:

    a plastic apple statue, a gift from my union saying “congratulations on your tenure”- we had a celebration tonight, with our teachers’ union and fellow colleagues

    a glass of prosecco

    skating!

    November sky and a carpet of leaves

    my kids’ jokes “what do you call a witch that likes the beach? A sandwitch.”

    5 things I love about myself:

    my eyes, my ability to explain complex ideas in accessible terms, my love for travel, and my resilience for surviving in the US as a young adult (19 y.o.)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Congratulations, Daria! That’s a big deal!

      And the things you love about yourself are beautiful. Your ability to explain complex ideas, your love of travel, your eyes, and the resilience it takes to build a life here at nineteen — that’s a lot to be proud of. 💜

      Like

      Reply

  6. Great fun reading the things that made you smile. Can you believe I’ve never been to a World Market? Same as Ikea. I didn’t know they have a great ornament section. Hmm.

    Things that made me smile last week: getting my haircut (I love my hair dresser too – she’s so fun and she gets me and is interested in what’s happening in my world, and we’re on the same page), When Coach didn’t know Osco had a bathroom – I walked to the produce section to get my part of our list and I just couldn’t stop laughing, When Curly’s team won in double OT, and when Reg emailed me the funny clip of me bopping around at the bottom of the screen, and the Good Hang podcast. Lots of the things the tots I sit for do make me smile so much.

    Things I like about myself: my sense of humor, my new haircut, my motivation to workout, and my willingness to help others.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I cannot believe you haven’t been in an IKEA. That is blowing my mind.

      Thank goodness for good hairstylists. You had some really good moments last week.

      And I love the things you picked about yourself. They feel very you. 💜

      Like

      Reply

  8. Aww..you struck again. Great post! Early on in my blog each year I would write about “simple things I am grateful for” a week of so before Thanksgivng. It reminded me that little things made a difference in my happiness. I need to think about the 5 things I like about myself..one for sure is I like the way my mind and physical things stay organized. My husband doesn’t it like it so much, but I do!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I love that idea! I keep a daily gratitude journal, and let me tell you- some days it’s hard to think of anything. 🤣

      Last week, a prompt asked me to list five things I loved about my body. I could only come up with two—it was kind of triggering. I worked through it with chat gpt (my therapist), and it helped me navigate some of it. but wow, it really is hard to think of things we like about ourselves. We grew up in an era where liking ourselves equaled vanity, and that wasn’t seen as a good thing.

      Also, I’m a neat freak/organizer too—another pea in the pod! 🤣

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. I love these so much — the prompts and especially your answers. I find it so difficult to come up with the five things, and yet I want to because I read yours and they fill me up with such admiration. They all sound so hard-won, Kari.

    Let’s see, something that made me smile this morning: my kid recounting to me, scene by scene, a movie she watched with a friend. I love when she is excited about something, I love when she shares things with me, I love when I have the patience to listen fully.

    Let’s see, something that I like about myself: I like that people feel comfortable talking to me and telling me important things about themselves. We went to a sports lesson the other day and the receptionist opened up about something very painful and life altering and, hey, maybe she shared it with everyone, but I felt glad I could hold space for her to share it with me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you for saying that. I have to admit, coming up with five things was hard for me too. I love what you shared about your daughter and the encounter with the receptionist—it’s such a gift to notice those little moments and be there for others.

      I really appreciate you sharing so openly. These small, meaningful moments—both the ones we notice in others and the ones we notice in ourselves—matter so much. This comment left me smiling today. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. What a lovely post, Kari. I read it while listening to the song you recommended, and it was beautiful. What made me smile today? I slept for 6 hours, which is great for me! I got my A1C checked this morning, and the past three months, it went from 6.9 to 6.1, so I’m making progress. Your post and the song made me smile. It’s a beautiful, sunny day! I’m smiling!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Kari, I just had to come back and say that after Garden of Your Heart played, the next song was Fat Bottomed Girls and I laughed so hard, I about passed out! Oh my goodness, that was too funny! (I think it was just a random selection?)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. A great post for Thanksgiving, Kari. That Anthony Bourdain TikTok was crazy! Talk about a doppelganger! I couldn’t stop watching it. What a national treasure he was. My son was such a big fan of his. I enjoyed everything that you shared.

    Things that made me smile: When my youngest granddaughter arrived Saturday night and walked right into my arms. I hadn’t seen her since early September (they live near you now!) She’s 26 months old. And when I babysat my 4 YO granddaughter on Tuesday, her two older siblings had left me notes that they wanted me to write back to them on. Too cute!

    5 Things I love about myself: I’m a forever friend to many people, I remember random things that always seem to entertain other people, I’m always up for a good time, I like my body and everything it can still do, and I think I’m a great wife, mom, and G Starr!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Right?? I watched it a bunch of times and even paused and zoomed in. His daughter did a follow-up Tiktok with him, and it’s honestly uncanny. He really was such a treasure.

      OMG — they’re in the Chicago area! I know how tough it is being far from your family, so I can only imagine how that hug must’ve felt. I’m sure you’re soaking up every minute.

      I love all the things you love about yourself, my friend. They’re really good things to hold onto 😘💜

      Like

      Reply

  14. First Kari, thank you for mentioning the Anthony Bourdain doc because I SO want to see that. It’s still so hard for me to realize he is no longer on this earth. Not only his cooking, but I always enjoyed listening to him talk on various shows.

    “-the holiday ornament section at world market” – don’t you just LOVE when all the holiday stuff arrives in stores? Even though I’m in retail, I love this time of year; helping people selection gifts for their family and friends. I even love all the Christmas music and movies!

    “-i feel things deeply and i don’t run from my emotions anymore.” – me as well.

    Last week, a customer came into our store and she had her newborn baby in a carriage. And as she walked pass me, the baby (who was ADORABLE), open their eyes and smiled at me. Which made ME smile. I adore babies. So precious!

    Something I love about myself is that I say what I mean and I mean what I say.

    Fun and fabulous post, my friend. I so enjoy getting to know you more and more through your blog. Wishing you and your family a Happy and Beautiful Thanksgiving Day. And thank YOU for being here!

    X

    P. S. I really enjoyed the video clip!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We just kind of wandered into it, but I’d been wanting to see it anyway. It’s really good so far.

      This time of year makes certain stores feel almost magical. I love that feeling.

      I’m really glad we don’t run from those emotions anymore 😘💜

      Newborns get me every time too. They’re just so precious.

      And truly, I love that about you — and that you love it about yourself.

      Thank you, friend. I hope your thanksgiving day is lovely. My squirrels are going wild in the yard right now because a storm’s rolling in, and it made me think of you and your park squirrels this morning 💜

      (I’m glad you enjoyed it)

      Like

      Reply

  15. Oh, this has definitely been a very heavy week already! Big family argument between me, my mom and aunt (mainly my aunt). We’re all staying home this year for T’giving at our own houses. *sigh*

    So, thank you for this post because this is something that made me smile.

    Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And I will talk to you soon in person about these shenanigans.

    xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh no- I’m really sorry, friend. I’m glad this post gave you a smile.

      Our extended family had to cancel because of the storms headed toward Chicago, so it’s just us and Mom this year. Honestly, we’re looking forward to the quieter day. Can’t wait to hear about the shenanigans. 😘

      Happy turkey day to you, Brian, and Tim! 💜🍂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Thank you for the link to The Nunnery! I’ve never heard of them but really like the song. As a music guy, I’m always excited to discover new artists. (I guess that’s one thing I love about myself: the way I embrace new discoveries).

    Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, Kari!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad you liked it! I get that- I’m always excited to find new music too.

      You’re really good at embracing new discoveries; I’d like to get better at that.

      I hope you and Tara have a wonderful thanksgiving as well!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. I love the first prompt, although the second one is somewhat tougher. Not as tough as asking things you love about your body (per your words in the comments), but close.

    I’ll offer you one from each category, just in case I decide to blog about this myself in the future!

    I learned the group name for squirrels is a scurry :)
    I am a good listener.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s very tough- it took me a week to come up with something.

      Scurry! OMG- I love this little fact so much!

      And honestly, I feel like I already knew this just from your comments. You’re so good at engaging people and asking questions. It doesn’t surprise me one bit. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Who wouldn’t, for this is surely the time of year for mysteries! I’ve just started reading the Louise Penny Inspector Gamache series. Sooo good! I believe there was a film – maybe a made for TV one – with Alfred Molina as the Inspector, which I’d also recommend.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Kari, thank you for this post. I’ll borrow it for one of my own.

    In the meantime, let me say that these things always make me smile:

    • dog heads in car windows
    • Theo calling me: “Nana come too!”
    • Rick making my coffee in the morning
    • blue jays at my porch feeder
    • the stock clerk singing at the grocery store

    I hope November finishes gently for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I love that you’ll borrow it, and I can’t wait to read yours.

      Dogs in cars always make me smile and wave, like they might actually wave back. 🤣

      You and I share a lot of the same little joys.

      November was good to me, and I hope it ended gently for you, Nance. 😘

      Like

      Reply

  22. This would be a lovely addition to your blog posts; who doesn’t love smiling and sharing smiles? Well, satan, but I don’t think he’s reading your blog.

    I love The Nunnery song. I’ve never heard of this person/group, but how sweet!

    Did you read the comments on the Anthony Bourdain post? I went there because I thought it might be an old capture of him, but it’s not. He has a doppelgänger!

    I had both my girls home last week, and for a time, all was right in the world. The laughter. The BABY!! ❤️

    What things do I like about myself? I can talk with anyone. I can almost always make someone laugh, even strangers. (Maybe the stranger, the better?) I’m thankful and appreciative of everything!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Right? I’m planning on stopping my Tater Tot posts, so this will give me time to work on Smile posts. I think it’s a good swap.

      I love it too. It was in a playlist I found on Apple, and I’ve been playing it ever since.

      YES—that was the point of the TikTok—it’s not him! It was a lookalike! His daughter made a follow-up video, and he was next to her holding a sign that says “I miss him too.” OMG—he looks SO MUCH like him. I’ll try to find it and share it in an upcoming post.

      I love this so much for you! There’s nothing like that! 💜

      I love this about you, my friend. 😘

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to Melanie R Cancel reply