You can tie happiness to the things you like, but I feel this kind of happiness has become very fleeting for me. I feel happy one moment and then feel the sadness coming back. I think this has to do with the fact that, in my head, I feel I’m behind in my life and been stuck without any breakthroughs that I find my peers are getting.
Yeah, I like watching sports and anime. Used to like playing video games but not anymore.
This is so specific but I love permissive licenses for software and other things.
Mostly spending time with my boyfriend. My life currently revolves mostly around the weekends because that is the time we can meet more often.
Substance abuse and PC gaming
Peace and harmony.
Not in the hippie way, but just calm and mostly quiet, no chaos.
Yeah the world isn’t for me.
Nature, the sea. dogs, cats, some family. Some friends. That eureka moment when you grasp a new concept, that’s my drug of choice.
Someone else’s genitals on my face.
Being able to paint when I have time and can be alone
I moved from the equator to an area it snows occasionally. I used to use 3 electric space heaters to keep my place habitable. This year, one and it’s comfortable.
Taking a drive when it’s sunny and traffic is light.
Cooking from a new recipe and having it come out good.
Sliding into bed on new sheet night.
You could do all 3 at the same time in a camper van.
I sure hope I never encounter you on the road while you’re sleep cooking in your camper van.
Being loved and respected by the people in my life.
I found it by reflecting on the things that truly gave me fulfillment in life. Once you strip away the noise the only thing is left is the people in your life.
My nephew
I’d say probably dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.
oxytocin
Unless you trauma-bonded with an abuser
You know it’s a naturally produced hormone, right?
Yes, very natural.
Natural for mothers to yell at their kids, tell them they’re worthless, then next day go “I love you”.
(sorry I’m not in a good mood, anger isn’t directed at you)
Apologies if this stirred up some shit.
Interestingly, oxytocin also augments in-group bias
There’s certainly a lot of that around here!
I genuinely don’t know. I only know what makes me momentarily forget about the lack of happines but I don’t think that’s the same thing.
Anhedonia perhaps?
I would normally say thats strange, but after covid, I can only say its normal.
I want to go back to the 1990s but have to be here in 2025.
Bird photography. I’m a person who tends toward depression. It was honestly very surprising the first time I noticed that when I’m photographing birds I have a huge smile on my face the whole time.
I’ve been learning the ins and outs of my camera gear for the last year and making small improvements is really satisfying. But really it’s just being out in nature, looking at adorable birds and capturing those moments for later.
