Journeys With Jani

Sometimes in this big, loud, slightly unhinged world, it’s good for the soul to slow down and take stock of the simple joys. You know, the little sparks of happiness that sneak in between the chaos of barking hounds, travel planning marathons, and the occasional toddler meltdown covered in Goldfish dust.

So, today’s WordPress Daily Prompt is a good one:

“What are 30 things that make you happy?”

-A hot cup of coffee in my pink Yeti tumbler: Bonus if no one talks to me for the first 20 minutes.

-The sound of grandchildren giggling: Even if it’s followed by, “Gramma, we accidentally flushed Barbie.”

-Planning the perfect trip: Give me multiple destinations, transportation logistics, and a picky traveler—I’ll turn it into magic.

-Writing and journaling: It clears my head and gives me a place to keep the sass bottled. -Blogging with my full sarcastic Southern edge: Cheaper than therapy, and more entertaining. -Music that brings back a memory: Billy Idol. My stepdad cranking AC/DC. My Daddy’s Marty Robbins. Kristi and Dana acting fools with Shaggy and REO. Every song has a story.

-A well-timed, wildly inappropriate meme: Laughter is medicine. Dark humor is the prescription.

-When my Dad laughs at my jokes: Usually followed by a head shake and a “Lord have mercy.”

-Law & Order SVU marathons at 2am: Who needs sleep when you can fight fictional crime with Benson?

-Tying my shoes without seeing stars: If you know, you know.

-My dramatic Basset Hounds, Shelby and Cash: Moody. Needy. Ridiculous. My kind of people. -Bean the cat deciding I’m worthy of affection: Especially sweet since I didn’t even want the little hairball at first.

The smell of a new iPhone and a fresh update #TechNerd and proud.

-Creating content that actually sounds like ME: Not some sanitized AI robot clone.

-A beach day with zero expectations: Give me sand, a salty breeze, and a drink in hand.

-Killer travel tips that actually help folks: Like “don’t forget to check re-entry requirements,” because YES—it still matters.

-Wine that pairs well with literally anything: Cheese, charcuterie, or just me and a true crime documentary.

-Starting posts with “Hello Lovelies”: Bermuda may have given me the phrase, but it’s mine now.

-Solving complicated itineraries like a Tetris champion: Give me all the jigsaw pieces, and I’ll still make it cute.

-Laughing until I wheeze with Brenda & Mary on Taco Tuesday: But our group texts deserve a sitcom.

-Knowing I’m stronger than the hell I walked through: And still able to laugh about it. That’s the flex.

-Nostalgic drives through Adairsville: Windows down, playlist on full blast, and my teenage spirit riding shotgun.

-Waking up to a dense fog around my cabin: My version of a spiritual awakening.

-Road trips with no real plan: Just snacks, stories, and somewhere between here and nowhere.

-The smell of biscuits in a Southern kitchen: Calories don’t count when the biscuits are homemade.

-A porch swing, a light breeze, and no cell service: That’s not just joy—it’s peace.

-A beautiful, color-coded spreadsheet: Nerd alert. But hey, pretty + productive = JOY. -Watching a client’s dream trip come to life: Especially if they started the convo with “I’m not sure this is even possible…”

Being truly known and loved anyway: That kind of grace is rare—and I don’t take it for granted.

Having a voice, and using it my way: Southern charm. Northern edge. Zero fluff.

Your Turn

If you haven’t made a list like this lately, I highly recommend it. Life is hard, weird, and occasionally downright rude—but there’s joy tucked into every corner. You just have to look for it.

And hey—if your list includes “taking a solo trip,” “a girls’ getaway,” or “finally seeing those castles in Upstate New York,” you know who to call.

XOXO, Jani