Image source: Merlina McGovern. Photo mask source: Photo by Peter de Vink on Pexels.
In the never-ending search for writing prompts, I discovered the Proust Questionnaire. In the Vanity Fair article on this questionnaire, the magazine notes that Proust came up with the list of questions as an entertaining parlor game. The short story book I’m reading asks that you use it as a jumping off point for a story. I also like Stephen Colbert’s version of this question list, “The Colbert Questionnert,” which he asked the surprisingly game Keanu Reeves to answer (I definitely recommend watching the video if you’re feeling down).
The question I’m most interested in from Monsieur Proust on this fine Friday evening is: “What or where were you happiest?” I really couldn’t limit my answer to one place or moment in time, so here are things and events that have made me feel happy.
Fridays. I always get the urge to yell “Yippee!” when it’s Friday.
Crisp fall days. Of course, these must be in New England, when I’m walking and feeling a breeze kiss my cheek — just cool enough to leave a bit of a nip. Winter is just around the corner, but not yet here, and that breath-holding moment of a season is just wonderful.
Hearing my daughter singing when she doesn’t think anyone’s listening.
Flopping into bed and feeling my spine uncurl after a long day hunched over a computer.
Walking past my backyard and noticing a flutter out of the corner of my eye. Turning and seeing so… many… butterflies fluttering around my butterfly bush. Flaps of black and orange dipping and swooping above fluffy purple flowers.
In the summer, holding my partner’s hand as we sit on white rocking chairs and watch the sunset spill yellow, orange, and pink rays over a mountain lake.
Holding my daughter’s hand as we first begin to lift off in a plane — a tradition we keep to on every plane ride.
That first sip of a perfect cocktail. Sharp and sweet. Cool and refreshing.
This was a lovely writing prompt that has left me with a humongous smile on my face.
The world can feel like it’s on fire lately, filled with pain and tragedy. Take a moment. Stop and close your eyes. Try to remember when you are most happy. Really visualize that time. What do you see, hear, smell? Write that all down, and you’ll be surprised at how happy these memories will make you feel.
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