Our senses often influence how we feel, whether it’s the smell of a cake baking, the sight of a friend we haven’t seen in ages, or the sound of a favourite song. We asked Tracy to share the senses that prompt feelings of happiness in her. Here’s what she had to say:

Hear:

The Alicia Keys CD, The Element of Freedom. While it would be hard to categorize the songs as "happy" (there are lots about heartbreak and lost love), there’s something about the strength in Keys’s voice combined with her beautiful work with the piano that melts my heart every time I listen to this CD. And by every time I mean once a day while I wash the dishes. It’s happy at first listen every time. (Buy on iTunes)

Touch:

Is there anything more scrumptious than baby feet? Giving Sidney a massage after his evening bath is a fun time for both of us. Sometimes he’s rambunctious, but other times he just lays back and enjoys having his feet rubbed. Total heaven for mommy and toddler.

Smell:

I’m torn on this one. I love the smell of vanilla and can find happiness in vanilla-scented body lotion, perfume and candles at any given time. But there’s something about waking up to the smell of bacon that just tells me it’s going to be a VERY good day! It’s one of those smells that is only rivaled by the taste.

Taste:

Do I even need to type this? CHOCOLATE. Nothing will ever make me feel happier than something dipped, smothered or covered in chocolate. Could be a pastry, a cookie or just a plain piece of chocolate all on its own. In fact, chocolate makes me so happy if I know there’s a piece waiting for me at home in the fridge it will be the thing that motivates me all day long. Wow I really have a problem.

Sight:

I’m not sure I can describe the deep, down overwhelming happiness I feel when I see this scene: Lio and Sidney fast asleep – together. There is nothing sweeter and nothing more calming. It’s like I can sit back and see my whole life right in front of me…and it’s good. Oh and I like pretty shoes. Damn I just couldn’t avoid getting shallow.

What sights, sounds, and smells make you happy? Share by commenting below.