Lately, I’ve been thinking about something: what really makes us happy? Not the grand achievements or flashy victories—but those small moments that feel right, whether shared with someone or on your own.
I’m talking about quality time, and I wonder what it looks like for you.
Table of Contents
My Personal Sanctuary
For me, depending on my sleep, quality time often arrives before dawn—ideally around 4 a.m. on my days off from work. I rise while the world still sleeps, lace up my shoes, and walk to the neighborhood 7-Eleven.
It’s a short journey, just enough to wake the mind and muscles. I gather a few groceries for the day, a coffee, and something sweet—but not too heavy.
Back home, I start with a prayer for guidance, turn on the computer, and launch that first app to keep that day streak going. From then on, with an open mind and honestly hoping for divine inspiration, it’s just me with my computer, sipping slowly, letting thoughts flow onto the screen.
Unhurried, undisturbed, embracing a quiet that feels like home. This is my moment of happiness—simple, perhaps peculiar, but genuinely mine. Those quality moments become the building blocks of daily balance after 50.
The Changing Face of Happiness
It’s interesting how our definition of quality time evolves, isn’t it?
There was a time when it was a lot louder—evenings out, thumping music, riding motorbikes, or volunteer driving friends around.
Now, it’s this simple routine: a pre-sunrise walk, something sweet, and a screen that asks nothing of me. I’m not saying this change is better, simply that it’s what resonates now.
Actually, as I write this, I notice how alone time is a big part of quality time nowadays. Not always, but it definitely needs to be in the balance.
And therein lies the beauty: we each find our way to different sanctuaries. What makes one person happy might feel like obligation to another.
Have you noticed how some people light up when discussing their simple pleasures?
Different Rhythms, Similar Needs
It’s interesting to ask people about their quality time, hobbies, etc., and finding out what makes them tick.
One of my older students, with more years under his belt than I have, practically lives at the local library. He loves reading about history. If you think about it, his current way of enjoying the present moment is by trying to understand the past.
Then there’s a woman completely devoted to her plants—she grows them with real passion, sharing photos in our group English lesson at every opportunity, as if the plants are her kids. She’s good though, and she would probably win a prize or two if she entered a flower show.
Another lady regularly walks her dog, more so since her husband retired. Leash in hand, no destination in mind, letting curiosity guide their path.
Different expressions, same basic thing: these moments are theirs alone.
Finding Clarity Among Options
Today’s world bombards us with options—endless scrolling, streaming, notifications piling up like junk mail. It’s easy to lose sight of the small stuff that keeps us going beneath all that noise.
Quality time is different for everyone. It’s what remains meaningful when we get time to ourselves, time to balance the roles we play, getting back to basics, maybe thinking less or requiring no stress.
Perhaps it’s a solitary morning coffee ritual like mine, or losing yourself in a book, happy to be indoors while rain taps against your window. Maybe it’s sharing a drink with a friend, laughing about nothing in particular, or working in your garden until sunset.
Don’t we all have something—a particular experience—that grounds us and brings us back to center?
An Invitation to Share
I’m no expert on happiness. I’m simply someone who’s experienced enough ups and downs to wonder: how do we get back to being a child again? How can we play like a kid, instead of this demanding role of being the adult?
For me, that early morning walk serves as an anchor—starting the day quietly with more focus. It’s not elaborate, it’s not extravagant, and it’s nothing to brag about online. However, it belongs to me, keeps me balanced, and that’s what I need.
It makes me curious—how do you enjoy your time?
The Unspoken Moments
We rarely discuss these matters—perhaps too busy with everyday life.
Yet occasionally, you glimpse someone completely in their zone—a child with a kite or new bike, an elderly person fishing peacefully—and you recognize it immediately: that’s their quality time, unfolding before you. Whether it happens in company or solitude, with noise or in silence—it’s what they’d really miss if it was gone.
Life is too short to neglect these moments. All work and no play, right?
What does quality time actually look like for you these days?
Your Turn
So I’m asking you. What does quality time actually look like for you these days? Not big plans or life goals, just the everyday stuff that keeps you grounded.
Is it a conversation after midnight with someone who truly understands you? A solitary drive at night? Losing yourself in a video game? Perhaps it’s creating something delicious you keep entirely for yourself, or witnessing a sunrise when the world still sleeps.
Whatever form it takes, it belongs uniquely to you—and I’d like to hear about it. What moment makes your day feel more like yours?
Share your thoughts below. I respond to every comment, and your experience often helps others more than mine does.
