The final sense is smell. It’s one of the earliest ones and often has the greatest kick. What are smells that bring you joy? Please share. My husband was a professional artist who cut his oil paint with clove oil to slow drying. To me, that smells like heaven, even close to 10 years after his passing. The smell of the sea in any weather makes me feel grounded, wild and free. Cut grass, preferably with no poison ivy in it since I am incredibly allergic.

What things you can touch bring you joy? Please share one or more of yours. For me: The aubergine plush napping blanket a friend sent me after my husband, David, died. No notice, it just showed up in the mail. The soft fur comfort of Ash and Nash, when I catsit for my brother and sister-in-law, whenever they go on vacation. Feeling the rough-smooth texture of the big clear quartz crystal a friend got for me in South Africa, which I carried home in my backpack. I was there to do hands-on energy healing around Jo’burg and in KwaZulu Natal.

When someone is grieving, people understand when a special song sparks tears from a special memory. Other sound experiences make less sense, even to us. I invite you to share yours. When my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, I sang in 2 group cabaret shows before he died. It was my way to remember who I was, with and without him, and share it in a way that healed me and changed lives. It was bittersweet but also held joy. Drumming makes me happy on a cellular level. I live in Harlem and, in the summer, a group sets up a circle of drums and chairs on the street and anybody can sit down and just play. This date me but You'll Never Walk Alone reminds me of light in the darkness. Grief has often felt like a storm or a wasteland where it's hard to find a way through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV5_LQArLa0

Remember something you like to eat that makes you smile. Usually, it’s connected to a memory. Share yours. Mine are: Fluffernutter sandwiches from when I was a child Hot maple syrup dripped on snow until it hardens Homemade chicken soup when I’m sick

Today, notice one or more things you SEE that bring you joy. Here are 3 of mine: Gazing at the bee feeder in the backyard that, after 12 inches of snowflakes, became a tiny, beautiful, ivory tent, until the wind blew the snow off. Enjoying at the rich, purple hydrangea my tutoring client gave me on Saturday. Seeing the laundry washed and folded, ready to put away when home has been getting chaotic since my Mom died.