Years ago, a couple of volunteers (Roszika and Andy) started something they called Happy Club.
A small group of us would meet at a local ice cream/coffee shop and bring a list of five things that had made us happy since we last met. We would read our lists out loud to the group. In the sharing of our happy moments, we increased happiness exponentially within the group (I’ve done the math to prove that statement).
The in-person meetings petered out when people moved away or got busy doing other things (I do hope they were resurrected once in a while), and Happy Club was moved to a virtual platform that still exists. People don’t post to it too frequently, but every once in a while I’ll see in my Facebook feed that someone has posted their list of five things that made them happy that week. It always makes me pause and puts things into a different perspective.
Today was a gorgeous, warm, sunny day. It’s not going to last – there’s even snow in the forecast for Monday – but today was like summer. It would have been a huge missed opportunity to not set out a lunch forage on the hill, but luckily I didn’t miss the opportunity.
Here’s a list of things that made me happy today.
Number 1: The sun. No explanation needed.
Number 2: The staff at CSNW. Amazing, I tell you.
Number 3: CSNW supporters. I received texts and emails of support and a couple of notifications of donations throughout the day. I love people who share my love of the chimpanzees!
I realize I mentioned #2&3 in my video from the other day. Those two probably would make my list every week!
Number 4: Burrito
Burrito started his day wrestling and tickling Missy, then Jody, then Negra. Nothing knocks him down. He remains full of playfulness, charm, and energy. I don’t know how he does it.
Number 5: Negra
Unlike Burrito, she is not often full of playfulness and energy (though when she is, it is a pure joy to witness).
This is how Negra started her day:
Doesn’t she look so cozy? She also looks like she could spend the rest of the day in bed.
But, she didn’t. She tore herself out of bed for breakfast, and she was out on the hill for the forage with everyone else, though her style is to take it easy while the other chimpanzees quickly go from place to place looking for food.
Seeing Negra outside in the sun should be able to make anyone’s happy list.
Pretty soon, the hill will be full of green grass and Negra will be outside partaking of one of her top ten happy things. I am so looking forward to that! It’s okay if we go through one more snow storm first to get there.
Linda C says
Nice idea, Diana!
1 thing that makes my list every week is this blog and the readers, because other than my trainer or a couple of people at work, I’m afraid people will think I’m strange talking about these chimp people –but none of you do! 😛
Linda C says
Oh, and I loooove seeing Negra enjoying a sherpa blanket! Those blankets were made for women like her-lightweight, but super toasty!
Kathy B says
Burrito should be very happy on Monday if you guys get some more snow.
Marcia says
There’s not much that makes me happier the seeing a chimpanzee with fists and a face full of food, especially Mr B. I could, no exaggeration, watch him eat all day long! He could teach a course in Appreciation 101.
Love the pic of Negra’s blanket coziness and the last one of her in all her beautiful glory, in the sun.
Jackie says
Beautiful!
Elaine Reininger says
What a fabulous idea. I’ve noticed we seem to be writing e-mails to people or telling friends on the phone every days worst stories. It’s like “Did you Hear” and see if the person can beat that one. I am going to instead pass on your idea to every one I write or speak to. What incredible human beings you people are. I wish I had just ONE in my life.
Linda C says
You can be the one! Send out your message, it could have the same effect on othets, and attract like-minded folks!
I know what you mean, though. Instead of re-hashing the dire news, my niece and I (once she’s put the kids to bed, both under 10) trade toilet paper hoarding memes and try to laugh about the fact that she had to send me some! I, in return, offered to send her cool ranch Doritos!
Caroline says
I love your 5 things that make you happy, it’s very similar to the grateful jar I started years ago! One of the 5 things that make me happy are people like you and your team who care, simple as that!
2. Seeing how happy the chimps are to be free to choose what to do each day, and are no longer suffering.
3. How beautiful and wondrous Nature is ( this one is my everyday happy thing)
4. Friday when I was out for a walk a flock of geese were returning home for Spring!
5. Happy that so far, all my friends and family are safe and healthy!
Thank you for all that you do everyday, and I will continue to support you while I am able. Love to you all, take good care and stay safe.
C
Diana says
Thank you for sharing your list, Caroline!
Jo Arroyo says
Ditto of everything everyone wrote! Fantastic reminder to be grateful everyday. This blog is my sun ?! There’s so many happy moments in my life, I am so so blessed, and one thing truly stands out everyday, Burrito.
Diana says
“This blog is my sun” – wow, that made my happy list for the day!
Jo Lathrop says
Yes, Mr. B, what can one say? Just pure love!! Thanks for the thoughts and love and hugs to you all…
Claudia says
It made my day! Good to see the Chimps so happy! Hugs from germany and i hope you all stay safe and healthy
Kathleen says
I need a Happy Club in my corner of the world. Great idea Diana! If I had to list what makes me happy, precious Burrito and his unwavering passion for chase and his habit of having a silly little wooden toy in his mouth would make the top 5 for certain. Queen Negra would be on the tippy top of my list too because of her proclivity to be swallowed up inside a massive nest of fuzzy blankets (and remain there for lone as she chooses) and for her sheer delight over the taste of sweet spring grass. Definition of Happiness! Every beating heart at CSNW would be on my list. Same goes for my shelter dogs, all of them, I mean every single one from the past 24 years need a place in that top five listing. But number one would go to the dogs I have been fortunate enough to share my home and life with. Just the memories of them makes me happy and a glance towards dog at my side takes my breath away. Beyond happy.
Who knew I could be so happy locked inside my house during a pandemic? Thanks for this new perspective.
Diana says
You know I’m with you on dogs making the happy list every time! My life is immeasurably happier because of the dogs and cats too that I’ve shared my life with. Thanks, Kathleen.
Barbara H. says
Loved the pictures and quips about the chimps. They are so adorable and look so
happy and carefree thanks to CSNW. So happy to be a part of it. Thank you.