What are your life basics?

[imperfect_cupcake]

That's pretty cool. I can survive just about anywhere, but to be happy, relaxed, content and at my best I've learned I'm not as simple as I thought I was. For example, I've learned:

I can't live in the booneys or suburbs and not get depressed.

I definitely can't live with more than two other people and I really do need my own room, not share a house with others *and* share a bedroom with a partner.

I can't live so far from green space that I can't take a break...

I have learned that I'm OK with not living near my family, but I do need to be near friends

Surely people have learned other life basics for happiness?

[Uli]

I think the things I need for happiness can vary greatly based on life circumstance, but here's what I've got off the top of my head:

-good coffee (and this is not a random order list) - I use coffee to manage my mental health, at times. I find peace in my coffee making rituals. The first sip of hot coffee in the morning makes me happy to be awake and alive. I am unhappy and actively using coping skills if I am financially in a position to have to drink pre-ground coffee rather than whole bean.

-furry friends - i'm sure i would be sad and bored all the time without at least one pet to babble at and snuggle with

-a functional kitchen with enough counter space on which to knead bread dough by hand - making bread is my version of prayer or meditation

-quiet time away from other human for at least a little while everyday

-someone smart and interesting to talk to for at least a little while almost every day

-meaningful physical contact - i can cope without this for lengths of time, but i find i'm much more emotionally stable if i can,at least, melt fully into a good hug relatively often

[flapdoodle]

I can go on and on about the word "need" yada yada, but will go with it instead.

I need my own life, aside from my friends and J (my hubby), this includes thoughts, interests, spiritual/religious beliefs, hobbies, and so on

I need art supplies and all of my own forms of expression.

I need to be me, I cannot live in a closet or in an area where i feel I must hide.

I need to feel understood even if you disagree.
I need a king size bed, I need pictures of the past, I need the love of friends and family.
I need to learn as often and as much as I can.
I need to be kind, understanding and everything I want in return.
I need my morals and ethics.
I need my Past.
I need my animals
I need my "J"

[MsTinkerbelly]

I need to feel secure; Secure in my home, my marriage...Secure in my role as mother, sister, wife, friend.
Losing the ability to do meaningful work nearly made me lose my mind, but I've been able to substitute Church activities, housework, and e-bay sales for my need to be productive and not a burden.
I need quiet time alone every day
I need the mountains around me
I need good books to stimulate my mind
I need to be listened to, and not have my problems solved
I need laughter...big heaping doses of laughter.
I need to be silly, crazy, loving, nurturing, needed, wanted, loved.... I need to be first in someone's life.

[Martina]

My friends
My cats
Books, TV, Art, Music
A sense of purpose -- that I am making a difference
Occasional opportunities for fun
Some physical pleasure of some kind
Being near the ocean
Being around people with progressive politics -- really important
Quiet time and my own space
Bacon

[Shystonefem]

Wow, great question.

I need my animals and to always have animals around.

I need to live in a place that is semi-rural yet close to water and a city... preferably a place on the water that is fairly close to a city.

I need time to myself for meditation, etc.

If I am coupled, I need that person to respect me and I would do the same.

I need to read, write and learn.

I need to live in a peaceful environment, without stress inside the home.

I need to have close friends that I trust.

[princessbelle]

I also believe "need" and "want" are way different, but i'll join in and think of it more in a "want" way.

Love. Unconditional, from family, friends.
Security. Feeling safe and out of harms way.
To feel needed. Helping people that reach out or those that can't but should.
Laughter. A day without laughing is a day wasted.
Sunshine. It warms my bones and my spirit.
Acceptance. To be who i am from my friends without judgement or prejudice.
Independence. Some of the time.
Quiet time. To think thoughts through, especially early in the day or when something is on my mind.
Understanding. That i goof up. I make mistakes. But, hey, we all do.

Last, but certainly not least, and something that has been on my mind more and more the past few months.....

Community. Without community i feel isolated, alone and strange in a foreign land where no one really understands my heart. (thank you planet)