Don’t you think it’s easier than you might think?

The smell of freshly mown grass. Or lilacs, roses, or freesia. Or my favorite — star-gazer lilies. Their powerful scent is intoxicating and fills a room for several days.

The aroma of bread baking or a spice cake filled with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Or rich chocolate brownies, warm and gooey, just out of the oven.

A slice of lemon — oh, and eating the whole thing like an orange… yummmm… I know, it’s not for everyone but my mouth waters every time I think of it. I love sour but am not keen on sweet except in small doses now and then.

Crisp, just-barely-ripe Macintosh or Granny Smith apples — oh, my… how I love them and their delightfully fresh scent.

The crackling of a fire, quietly glowing and warming those near enough to enjoy its hypnotic dance. The silent drifting of huge, fat, fluffy flakes of snow, falling softly against a moonlit backdrop of winter.

The soft and sweet warmth of a little scrap of life in the form of a kitty, curled up and sleeping on my lap or nestled against my chest as I lie on my side… I miss this more than many things.

Being curled up under a thick duvet in a darkened room, early in the morning and listening to the soft, steady sound of a summer rain lullaby. Pulling the duvet up a little higher, snuggling down a little deeper, knowing I can lie there as long as I want and listen to Mother Nature’s sweet music.

Gazing at water, a lake with swans and geese gliding across its surface like tiny feathered sailboats. Watch them long enough, and you become transfixed. Or an ocean, with beautiful waves gently rolling toward the shore, one after another, their rhythmic splashing against the sand the sweetest music you’ve ever heard.

Oftentimes, the magic is sitting right in front of you

The feel of your sleeping child’s even breath kissing your neck as you hold that little person close, stroking silky soft hair and so filled with love you think you’ll burst. Mine are all grown up and living thousands of miles away, but my heart will never forget those precious moments, no matter how many years pass.

Warm sun on my skin, gentle, like a hug from the universe. Cheery little birds, going about their bird business as they chat and sing amongst themselves, decorating the air with pretty notes that drift and float.

The sounds of certain words, mainly Italian or Spanish words. They can make even the nastiest words sound romantic, erotic, sensual.

Music. Sweet, sweet music…. found in words of love or the most tender caresses. Laughter, blissful smiles, a joyful heart singing a crystal clear, sparkling melody.

Hugs. Wonderful, squooshy, celebratory, passionate, warm, consoling, excited, I hurt more than I can stand it, I love you more than you know, I’m so happy to meet you, delicious hugs, hugs for every occasion, create an occasion to have a hug, have several and enjoy every perfect moment and let them heal your wounded soul.

Berries. Mmm, berries. Big, juicy strawberries, so sweet, and raspberries, or plump and perky little blueberries, bursting in your mouth with a splendiferous explosion of flavor.

Water. Fresh, beautiful clear water, icy cold, life-giving, rejuvenating as it slides down your parched throat on a busy day, a dry day, a hot day — just any day.

Water. Hot, steaming, bubbling, and scented as you slide your weary body into a huge tub and soak away all your troubles, stresses, aches, and pains. Thinking only of how wonderful it feels to lie there, in quiet candlelight as you rest a while.

Waking up and having been given another day. A glorious gift. Too precious for words. And the best way to acknowledge that gift is to spend as much of it in enjoyment and awareness of life’s beauty and magic as you can manage.

They’re everywhere. All you have to do is notice.

This article has been reprinted with permission from Angel Ribo’s LinkedIn page.