Society & Culture

What puts you on an instant high and brings you joy?

Society & Culture

Posted by: Rainbow

19th Oct 2011 11:45am

Is it exercise and the euphoric endorphins released? An ocean swim on a crystal clear day? A friendly smile from a stranger on the street? A gripping book? Wonderful friends and family? What about your pet dog, Sparky? Do you love an insane belly laugh that brings tears to the eyes and makes you feel like you've done 1,000 sit-ups? Or do you get joy out of free hugs?

Comments 97

wabbit
  • 22nd Nov 2011 10:24pm

a long walk in the morning with my dog after going to the gym, with both resulting in chatting with lots of different people (and dogs), then being free to potter around the garden after a great home-made plunger coffee whilst the weather isn't too warm

stevensnan
  • 22nd Nov 2011 08:35pm

My grandchildren. They bring me such joy. I have 5, two that I live with at present and three that I only see occasionally. However just thinking about any of them makes me smile.

Huk
  • 22nd Nov 2011 08:23pm

I get a high out of helping people because I do a lot of fund raising
for kids in sport and people who need help

Di
  • 22nd Nov 2011 04:42pm

What puts me on an instant high and makes me feels the best in the whole wide world is when my youngest daughter tells me "I love you to infinity and back mum"

Mondayitis
  • 22nd Nov 2011 12:09pm

Playng with my two puppies they are a lot of fun

Anonymous
  • 22nd Nov 2011 11:08am

Being with my Children.
I have 5 left, one died and I miscarried another.
they are aged 34 to 11 , and I have a son inlaw and a daughter inlaw and 2 grandsons aged 12 and 10. when we are able to be together, its just lovely !

tamsternt
  • 21st Nov 2011 09:34pm

Watching my beautiful 16 week old Twin Girls talk to each other in their own babble and laughing together, (secrets already) I love the warm bubbly feeling of pride at my blessed creations of life.

hellanol
  • 14th Nov 2011 10:54pm

sitting in a rain forest next to a waterfall, heaven

sneakierbiscuit
  • 13th Nov 2011 12:35pm

I have two small children, so rarely get time alone, but I'm highly introverted. What puts me on an instant high is time blessedly alone. A quiet walk by the ocean, time to cozy in bed with a book. Guaranteed to bring me a deep, quiet joy.

legend59
  • 7th Nov 2011 10:47am

Granchildren are a bessing in my life, health, sanity and my precious wife - Lucia !! Learning how to be better man through Meditation & Buddhism !!

Kerry2036
  • 31st Oct 2011 01:22pm

Just spending time with my daughters talking, shopping and laughing.

Mel
  • 30th Oct 2011 02:01pm

Working bees with my family are the best. Good times, good laughs and enjoying a cold beer (or three...) together at the end of the day while we look back on what we have achieved. Awesome times with the people I love the most :)

Dei
  • 26th Oct 2011 10:59am

My son's smile & being asked to share things with him (he's just turned 18)

HaggisKaz
  • 24th Oct 2011 06:19pm

To relax, there's nothing like a walk along a beach on a wondy day, but the best buzz is definitely from helping others - doing something that makes their day. And if you are down, don't forget that your brain cannot tell the difference between real and fake laughter, so pretend to laugh. If noting else, it won't take long before you realise how stupid you sound, then you laugh for real!
Of course, a random hug (or even an asked for one) is great, but they are not always available when you need them most, are they?

Meeka
  • 24th Oct 2011 03:57pm

Whenever I see my three Sons, four Grandaughters and two Grandsons they put me on an instant high and to see them growing up and happy thats all you can ask for.

ozziedigger
  • 24th Oct 2011 12:41pm

All i do is open the daily paper,spend a cranky makeing time reading it,then happily
consign that days news to the bin.I then look around,kick the dog and go back to bed.
grumpy ozziedigger

CoolChange_01
  • 23rd Oct 2011 11:26am

Many things give me a natural high. Exercise is one, how great that feels for one's own body and mind. I also love singing for the public by going to karaoke. Singing is my passion, I thrive on it, makes me feel so good and at the same time if I can give that feeling to another then I have succeeded for more than myself. Another love is watching my finches, wrens and other birds use the bird bath. Their antics and enjoyment of the simple things such as water is so fulfilling, gives me a laugh.

smokie
  • 22nd Oct 2011 08:36pm

My dog who is always happy to see me. Both of them rush at me when I arrive home and love to cuddle in the mornings before I get out of bed. My girl comes up for a cuddle and to check and see I'm okay. When I'm sick they lay on the bed keeping watch.

ree
  • 22nd Oct 2011 05:34pm

Fist of all just to wake up,then spend the day with family or friends doing something we all enjoy doing weather it be going out or something at home

cedar51
  • 22nd Oct 2011 01:09pm

friends, taking the time to be with me.
freedom to do moreorless what I want, when I want...

Anonymous
  • 22nd Oct 2011 11:09am

My children and my grandchildren fill my life with joy. They make me smile and realise that this is what it's all about.

paradox
  • 21st Oct 2011 06:03pm

Hi Rainbow, excellent post. I tell you what puts me on high. Every morning that I wake up and look at the love of my live, my wife of 46 years and mother of my 3 children. For as long I see her now character lined face, her sleep tousled hair next to me in the morning I'm on a high. we have loved each other from the first moment we made eye contact and still do so passionately. I hope that you can experience the same joy and happiness that I do.

Jill
  • 21st Oct 2011 12:00pm

I get a high out of people caring and understanding my job. That may sound strange but I like it when people know how much I put into my work. I also get a high out of a good days shopping until I think about the money I have spent. Not because it's more than I can afford but because I am a careful spender. Love always gives me a high and I don't know if I am allow to say this but so does good ...you know what...where both of you are happy at the end.

suzy
  • 21st Oct 2011 11:35am

Seeing my children and husband happy gives me the greatest joy in life.

anaussiemum
  • 20th Oct 2011 11:49pm

Listening to my children's laughter puts me on a high.

angelmagick
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:28pm

When my kids tell me they love me and im the best. Always makes my heart sing

anne72
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:13pm

people telling me how well i have raised my 16 year old son and the fact that im a single mum makes it all that more special.

anne72
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:11pm

people telling me how well i have raised my 16 year old son and the fact that im a single mum makes it all that more special.

MellissaD
  • 20th Oct 2011 08:57pm

Hearing the laughter of my beautiful children.

lrgray
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:55pm

My answer is watching a really funny comedy, or a really moving movie like Braveheart. I can also get an instant high sometimes from the occasional joyful moment during surfing or golf.

Bigfoot
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:46pm

Watching my fishing float start to move and go under. Mind you hugs (FREE) from my wife come a VERY close second. LOL

Mumma Judes
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:34pm

I just attended my dads funeral today and what gave me an instant high today was seeing all my family and friends all in the same place for the same purpose.. To say goodbye to the nicest gentleman you could ever meet. The love I felt in that chapel filled me with great joy. We laughed, we cried and shared a celebration of my dads life. So beautiful

Barb
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:29pm

What makes me happy - seeing people I care about happy, my beautiful labrador Cassandra, a smile from a stranger, a hug, a good book, success with my craftwork, achievement at work, being alive and healthy, helping others, just where can you stop the list!!!!!

Di
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:13pm

getting a spontaneous hug from my 13 month old Grand-daughter..:)

gnome
  • 20th Oct 2011 05:25pm

Helping someone and then seeing them smile, it can be a stranger or a family member, but the end result is worth the effort.

PGS
  • 20th Oct 2011 05:10pm

A good chilli. Trinidad Scorpion does the trick these days.
Failing that... a nice 18 year old

single malt, double barrelled whiskey

:-) - less dangerous than females...

Coastgirl2
  • 20th Oct 2011 04:59pm

The smiling faces of my granddaughters.

Mersie
  • 20th Oct 2011 04:36pm

I think there is nothing more wonderful than sitting on the sand and listening to the ocean crash against the rocks and just rolling in on the shore, I think it is magical, especially if you close your eyes and just listen, and there is usually a few sea gulls singing out, wow I'm there in my head now.

Anonymous
  • 20th Oct 2011 03:21pm

When my 5 month looks at me while I am breastfeeding him, I love the connection!!

White Crane
  • 20th Oct 2011 03:10pm

doing Tai Chi early in the morning beside the water...that transcends all other things that bring me joy..

suzieq
  • 20th Oct 2011 02:03pm

Standing on a beach on a sunny day with a strong breeze blowing around me,it is exhilerating it seems to blow away all the stress and makes me feel uplifted

de1
  • 20th Oct 2011 02:03pm

I wake up in the morning with my husband beside me and a chinchilla cat who is fast asleep with her head on my shoulder and her paws around my neck. There is enough food in the fridge, a roof over our head and good friends nearby. What more should one ask for?

suz
  • 20th Oct 2011 01:32pm

sitting at my daughters/ sons home watching our beautiful grandchildren palying, laughing and squealing. Its a wonderful warm fuzzy feeling

TATTY
  • 20th Oct 2011 01:31pm

My Cat Vinnie.

tintin
  • 20th Oct 2011 01:20pm

whenever i open my eyes in the morning, my kids smiling at me and telling me they love me. That always becomes the best time of my day. Nobody can ruin my day. Whenever I feel down and my children hug me and smile at me then all my worries disappear.

karina
  • 20th Oct 2011 12:46pm

Generally the simple things - a cuddle from the kids, that special smile from my partner, hearing from a good friend.
Something unexpected though was how funny the chickens we just got are. What personalities! As soon as I am out the back door they come running. Always makes me smile.

Anonymous
  • 20th Oct 2011 12:14pm

Taking an early morning mountain bike ride in clean, dry and warm conditions. Visiting/entertaining with family, good friends - sharing a coffee or good glass of wine.

Jezemeg8
  • 20th Oct 2011 12:08pm

I go out with Jeze (my service dog) each night to meet with, listen and help the street folk in the suburbs surrounding where I live. Helping others, listening to them, gives me great joy.

esme
  • 20th Oct 2011 11:02am

Friends ,family and a great holiday!!

Snake
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:59am

You wouldn't want to print my number one, but my # two is sunshine and my # 3 is SCUBA diving in warm clear water

Bellxchat
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:51am

Getting together with family and friends and sharing a laugh is always good. I like to start my morning - before I get out of bed - by saying "I'm so glad to be alive". Works for me...smiling at everyone and everything does wonders, too.

Ellessri
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:51am

It's probably quite lame, but I have found that some good fanfiction can cheer me up and make a bad day bearable.
Good coffee also helps!

Bellxchat
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:53am
It's probably quite lame, but I have found that some good fanfiction can cheer me up and make a bad day bearable.
Good coffee also helps!

Ellessri, whatever makes you happy and feel good inside is never lame! We're all different - thank goodness! - and can learn from each other.

Nance
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:44am

On a sunny afternoon, hearing our chooks cackle after they have laid an egg.

mandal
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:37am

I love a swim on a sunny day - doesn't matter if it's in the ocean or a swimming pool, as long as the water's clean and the sun is shining.

CAT17
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:03am

Today is my daughter's birthday - 38 years ago that was such a joyest day and each day since.

CAT17
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:01am

Oh so many things bring joy to me but I must say since becoming a grandparent it would have to be my three little grandsons. We got to see all three together recently for the first time (we dont live near each other) and to see my two beautiful daughters with their baby boys was just so wonderful. My heart just bursts with joy when I get a cuddle and a kiss. The eldest is now 3 and can sing "my bonny lies over the ocean" to me over the phone! The middle one is 20 months and recognises the silly laugh his gramps has when they see each other! The littlest who is one just grins the whole time. I know the joy my own girls give me, but oh the joy I get from their children! My elder sister told me once" the best parent to be is a grandparent" and must agree with that. I hope you all have joy in your lives whatever way it comes to you.

Gerry1945
  • 20th Oct 2011 10:00am

So many things a day out with friends, bush walking, helping others with their problems that they are having problems with, a good movie, shopping going for a walk, painting the house because at 66 some things are not possible. I never get bored or depressed as it is a waste of time.

wernerotto
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:44am

being together with friends, sharing a glas of a nice wine, having a good conversation gives an instnt high and brings joy as well. nothing better than that !

Pammy67
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:24am

Enjoying the company of my 15yo son,and husband, just by watching a tv program or movie together....we are all so busy its hard to get all three of us together at the one time for more than a couple of hours (unless we are all asleep). Cuddles with our Maltese Shitzu Pomeranian, Bandit, are also a bonus - we all love him to bits. And a good session on Facebook is rewarding - helping others with challenges.

Anonymous
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:15am

Hi rainbow, what puts me on a high and brings me joy is a sunny day with the family on he beach <3

Robyn
  • 20th Oct 2011 09:08am

Awakening to blue skies and sunshine puts me on an instant high and brings joy.

PaulDW
  • 20th Oct 2011 08:58am

The moment my partner walks through the door at the end of the day - and weekends! :-)

angelskies
  • 20th Oct 2011 08:53am

baby smell, when you get the morning cuddles and their hair just smells so lovely and you get a mumbled 'mummy' it just makes my day and starts it all out on the right foot

mustang6000
  • 20th Oct 2011 08:30am

Nothing beats hugs & kisses from my wife and grandchildren.

cricky
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:55am

What puts me on an instant high and brings me joy ?

My two boys, aged 2 years and 4 years old, my eldest is Autistic and has Global Developmental Delay, and watching him achieve new things each and every day, is the best form of instant high for me, these two munchkins are my world.

cricky
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:54am

What puts me on an instant high and brings me joy ?

My two boys, aged 2 years and 4 years old, my eldest is Autistic and has Global Developmental Delay, and watching him achieve new things each and every day, is the best form of instant high for me, these two munchkins are my world.

Nons
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:52am

Spending time with my family when u haven;t seen them for a while, Smell of fresh flowers, A ocean swim on a perefct day, A great book that i can't put down, and i too enjoy helping a stranger out, curtsey and manners are gem these days.

Shortstuff
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:27am

To see the newborn ducklings, chickens,goslings and even better, the baby goats[kids] running around my block of land.

gigha
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:24am

We had a new calf this morning - scottish highland - new life like this brings me great joy.

Scarlett
  • 20th Oct 2011 07:17am

Looking after my grandaughter.......she has just turned one. She is always smiling & laughing & happy. This is the way all humans should be!

MAC
  • 20th Oct 2011 06:57am

When I finish a craft project I'm working on or when I attempt a new craft.

mtbm
  • 20th Oct 2011 06:07am

good times with friends; success at a sports event; a good sleep; beautiful gardens; a successful dinner I've cooked - all these give me joy and satisfaction

Kim
  • 20th Oct 2011 05:25am

Apart from the obvious joys of my family and friends the Sun always puts me on a high. I always know if it's a sunny day it's a happy day.

XL
  • 20th Oct 2011 05:17am

My 18 month old son when he plays , laughs and says Hi Daddy when I come home from work. It makes everything all worthwile

Whizzard
  • 20th Oct 2011 04:37am

I love a really nice sleep and waking up early and making a fresh pot of coffee. It is still twilight with sunrise slowly begining and birds sweetly whistling through the trees. I also love helping those who are less fortunate than myself. This brings me inner peace rainbow.

castiger
  • 20th Oct 2011 04:17am

For me it's definitely Christmas when my family all gets together. As two of my children live interstate with their families and another lives in the same state but about 500 lms from me we don't all get together very often.

Inez6306
  • 20th Oct 2011 02:38am

My (adult) kids, listening to them, and when I wake up and realise it is not a FI day, but a FO day.

lilbabsgal
  • 20th Oct 2011 01:05am

Giving my beautiful 1 year old grandson a biiig hug. lol

blueyes
  • 19th Oct 2011 11:57pm

What brings me joy is the fact that I wake up in the morning and I see my daughter, my mum and my dog happy!

bexbex
  • 19th Oct 2011 11:32pm

Well, let's think. Delicious food of course! Especially desserts. Winning a prize. Chocolate. Doing something great at work. Making something great (whether it be a pizza from scratch, a drawing etc).

Miss Prim
  • 19th Oct 2011 11:24pm

Waking up and listening to our cockatiels birds talking and the birds outside singing. My husband making me a cappuccino on our coffee machine whilst we watch the birds frolic in the bird bath and get up to antics. Looking at photos of my beautiful granddaughters who are on the other side of the country brings a smile to my face. Listening to beautiful music whilst doing craft work to forget my health problems. Sharing special moments with my soul mate.

Karene
  • 19th Oct 2011 11:16pm

Waking before dawn and hearing the birds wake also as the sun rises also being around my grandson, brings out my inner child, we play, walk and discuss our environment wherever we are beach, park or home, even though he cant talk.

Kitty999
  • 19th Oct 2011 10:51pm

A good book, chocolate and my gorgeous cat.

poody
  • 30th Sep 2013 07:37pm
A good book, chocolate and my gorgeous cat.

Yes, yes, yes

Blondie
  • 19th Oct 2011 10:33pm

What puts me on an instant high is when my son hugs me and tells me he loves me...It doesn't get better than that :-)

Lorraine
  • 19th Oct 2011 10:30pm

Chocolate, especially maltesers or a crunchie, suck the chocolate off then the centre pops in your mouth, and wash it down with a lovely aromatic coffee. Mmmmmmm, pure bliss.

Paulie
  • 19th Oct 2011 10:24pm

Motorcycling. The theory is that you're inhaling oxygen at speed.. an instant high if there ever was one. These days, older runners on treadmills are taking hits of pure 02 to maximise the benefits of exercise, but I get the same rush around 100 kph on my bikes. It's a blast!~

taveren37
  • 19th Oct 2011 10:12pm

...Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens ... oh sorry, just got carried away there.
What brings me much joy is surprise hugs and kisses from my children. But also compliments from friends and acquaintances about my personality and also my appearance.

jolesley
  • 19th Oct 2011 10:12pm

A great book, Christmas (sometimes) and the rare occasion when I have some money to spare

mysteron347
  • 19th Oct 2011 09:26pm

Kiva.

(You know how to use Google...)

JW
  • 20th Oct 2011 08:37am
Kiva.

(You know how to use Google...)

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Eva
  • 19th Oct 2011 09:13pm

If I can help someone even a stranger solve a problem or relieve them of an immediate worry, I feel great. My family also give me a great feeling when we are gathered together and just relaxing.

naz4321
  • 19th Oct 2011 09:12pm

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flyingace
  • 19th Oct 2011 09:12pm

Hi rainbow, what bring me joy is birds singing, bee buzzing and sun shining.

sprinkles
  • 19th Oct 2011 09:30pm
Hi rainbow, what bring me joy is birds singing, bee buzzing and sun shining.

For me there's no high quite like looking after an injured animal, whether it's a mouse, a dove, a possum or a seagull. The way they trust you to help them is the greatest feeling ever, and when they get better it's like no other feeling on earth.
Oh, and I do love to watch old 80s soaps like Dallas and Dynasty, and old movies with Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow and ..well, pretty much all the old time stars.
It takes me to another place, and helps get me through back pain and insomnia.
Plus a cuddle with our cats is a natural high too!

woodie
  • 19th Oct 2011 08:34pm

People taking the time to care when I'm feeling down ,always lifts my spirits. Kind words are the best way to make me feel loved and appreciated.

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