20 Of My Favorite (Free) Things

I remember that Oprah used to do an annual giveaway of her “favorite” things. Audience members would scream in delight as they were rained down on with the latest cars, gadgets, and gizmos.

As the craze of Christmas got into full swing last year while I was in Somalia and Burundi, I thought about what my favorite free things are that contribute to my happiness. None of them directly cost money, but some require a lifetime of investment of time, energy, and sacrifice.

In no particular order:

1. Elderly couples still madly in love with each other
2. Making someone smile
3. Altruistic giving
4. High fives
5. Kisses for no reason
6. Meals with friends and family
7. The beauty of nature
8. Learning new things (about life, myself, science, humanity, etc.)
9. Hugs
10. Kids who dance like no one is watching
11. Teaching something to someone and seeing that light go off in their brain
12. Animals, especially this guy
13. Conveying thoughts and experiences via the written word
14. Reading
15. Meeting people from different parts of the country/world
16. Couchsurfing
17. When you hear a song on the radio and it triggers a memory of something wonderful
18. Exercise
19. Sunshine
20. Love

What are your favorite free things? Share them in the comments below!