To ask what makes you feel at your happiest, most real "you"?

[whereiscaroline]

During my younger years I had a really strong sense of self. Worked hard, dreams of climbing the corporate ladder, was happy in my job and lived for nights out at the weekend - getting "merry" and clubbing with friends.

Now I'm older, friends are settled, corporate world is horrendous and I feel a bit lost. I don't really know what makes me happy anymore so I'm hoping that IANBU to look to MN for some inspiration please

When do you feel properly happy, like you're being the real, true version of yourself?

Dancing. Scottish country dancing doe ifi ally, but any old dance will do.

Running with my dog. On a beach if possible.

Doe iffy wotsit should have said "specifically"

Out on a long walk on my own in the middle of nowhere.

I feel similar, I've had the stuffing knocked out of me a couple of times by life and I miss the unmitigated feelings of potential and optimism I used to be filled with as a younger woman.

It's the smaller things in life that give me happiness now. Sitting in an airport restaurant with my DH, enjoying a lovely glass of wine before getting a flight to somewhere nice, sunny days where I can hear the birds singing and the trees and flowers are in bloom, having a Friday afternoon off to start my weekend early when the weather is sunny and warm. I grew up in the countryside riding horses and I started riding again as an adult, just being around horses and riding them gives me a overwhelming sense of peace and happiness. The whole world and all the miserable stresses and worries just fades away when I'm around horses, it's almost magical really.

A nice takeaway in my pj's
Prosecco
Time with my sons (teens) who are growing up and growing away
Holidays in the sun
Meeting up with old friends

You lot are making me feel happier just reading all your happy things

Festivals are a big one for me actually. DP and I are going to Rize this year, I'm very excited about that!

Listening to music
Being with my sister - we have the same memories and experiences
Seeing old friends
Looking at images of/visiting beautiful old buildings
Reading

When I'm alone or with good friends, and I can chill and be myself. I'm quite introverted though, and love being at home in my pj's with a cuppa, binge watching a show, or reading, with my pets snuggled in beside me.

Driving alone in my car singing along really loudly to cheesey 90's music.

*and with close family/ds of course

Someone upthread mentioned sitting by a roaring fire in the Autumn - I very much agree, even better if it's a lazy Sunday with the newspapers.

I also love, love, love Christmas and every year I spend a day putting up the Christmas tree and decorations (aided by Irish coffee), no one is allowed to help me, it's really a personal ritual at this point . Strangely I also enjoy taking all the decorations down after Christmas and giving the house a deep clean to start the new year off right.

Ds isn't keen on cuddling now, though I do still get the odd one.

A long walk or run in the hills or a forest.
Swimming in the sea
Having a coffee the the garden on a warm morning before anyone else is up
Having a boozy dinner party with my favourite group of friends
When my children fall asleep cuddling me

When I am cosy at home, everything is tidy and clean and I get that Hygge feeling.

one or two good friends, a cold bottle of wine and a long evening of conversation, catching up and laughs stretching ahead of us.
Sitting down to work with my first coffee of the day.
Cuddling my toddler and reading books or listening to music together.
Listening to music and watching the scenery on long train journeys.
Giving lecturers - give me a room full people and a PowerPoint presentation and I’m happy

I feel happier now than I ever have done in my life.
I am in my 50s, nice house, great ( older) kids, lovely husband.
I work part time from home running a small creative business.
My home is surrounded by ancient woodland , I can sit and watch deer from my window,
We are not rich, but we have enough money.
I have plenty time to exercise and potter about.

Life makes me happy.

Lecturers? Lectures

Standing on top of a mountain in Cumbria, having just walked up, enjoying the view.

And

Enjoying a Really good dance in a decent club after a few drinks

And also

Snuggling on the sofa with my lovely dcs watching something together

When the kids are asleep, it's raining and I'm in bed with a good book and a cup of coffee. I'm so boring 😁
Also, at Christmas. I live for it all year round 💖

Being in the sea.

Going somewhere (anywhere really) by myself. It doesn't matter what the end destination is I just love trains, airports and planes by myself where I can grab a Costa, not have to think about anyone but me and read a new book has to be a new book because it's the best smell

Managing a rare catch up with my oldest friend drinking cocktails and disgusting shots and dancing until 4 am.

Riding a horse in open countryside

On a beach or near one by a pool

Doing something creative

Creating a nice garden

Being with my dc

Running
Sex with my DH
Drinking very hot coffee on the way to work
Reading a book and getting that feeling of understanding what was written through the page
Taking a good photograph

You're the same magical, unique, gorgeous human you ever were OP. It's ok not to recognise that all the time - but it's still there!

Exploring new places, being by the sea, feeling the warmth of the sunshine.