drink coffee
go for very fast walks in the California sunshine
read books
cook for my family

everything makes me happy

Pleasure myself.

So many things. Waking up in my amazing bed, in my perfect house, to coffee and breakfast in bed...doing whatever I want every day (yoga, walking, spa, meet up with friends/family for lunch or dinner, hop on a flight to whereever last minute? Sure.) I love journaling and photography too, as well as gardening and being a polyglot. I'm learning my 15th language at 45.

Anonymous wrote:Lelo.com makes me happy on a daily basis.

Yes! Get it!

Walk 2 miles
Erg rower 45 mins
Hug my kids
Cook
Drink tea
Meditate

My kids also have busy lives/activities but I still need time for me.

I exercise daily. It makes me feel good to move.

I also recently started walking dogs at a local rescue. I get exercise and time with some amazing dogs. This definitely brings me a lot of joy.

I read. I have my kindle or a book with me almost all the time. I read in waiting rooms. At the doctor's I read waiting for the doctor after the nurse leaves the exam room. I've opened my book when I have gotten stuck waiting for a train (especially if at a crossing where they stop, change direction, stop, change direction again, and block the intersection for a half hour--not often, but I live near a crossing which is a mile from where they do a lot of car switching--trains are up to almost 2 miles long these days (I do miss the days as a kid when if we counted 40 cars we were amazed, and there was always a caboose). I'll have a book in the bathroom, one by my bed, one I carry around with me, and depending on the day (like interminable trainings where people are reading the content that's on my screen anyway) one at my desk working remotely.

(If I don't read for at least 10 min when I go to bed I don't fall asleep easily, although sometimes I do get sucked in and end up sleep deprived in the morning).

I watch a British period fiction movie or series and drink a hot beverage. DH and my kids aren't into them so it's my private time to escape.

I workout everyday. On my rest days I walk. I always take an hour to myself to workout.

How old are your kids? That teen sporty time was enjoyable for me too. I started to prepare for life without them before they were gone. That’s my advice. Prepare in advance. Do something simple to keep up friendships—a short coffee or walk with a friend.

What you’re doing now sounds good and you are happy. I’d just add in some prep so you don’t drop from 100 mph to 0 and have a shock.

Lelo.com makes me happy on a daily basis.

I am quite surprised no one has this far mentioned self-care in this thread.

Put your hand down Toobin. We already know your answer.

My morning coffee and playing/cuddling with my dog.

I bake. It’s a stress release and a good end result makes me happy. Plus we all benefit from the fruit of my labors. Bonus when my girls bake with me.