A clean kitchen with clear countertops and a scrubbed sink!
A sparkling clean bathroom with fresh towels and a new bar of soap!
A freshly made bed with fluffed up pillows!
A day off work to get all this done :)
I think it is the ability to have all the things I have listed on this thread most days of my life that bring me the most serenity. It's weird how all those decades I chased my idea of love and caring thinking that was what I needed, when all the while I just needed a clean house LOL

a clean house does tons for me too L2L! I just wish I was better at keeping it that way!

you are right from the feng shui....a messy house clutters the mind or indicates a cluttered mind.

I get serene when I play the "blinking" game with my parakeet PuffBirdy.

Laughter makes me serene when I throw "bobo" down the hall and watch my dachshund's little legs churning to go get it.

Watching "The Godfather" on Thanksgiving Day, after filling myself up with good stuff.

Learning from others how they do it, because god knows I need help there.

:ring

Also, my little men...two shih tzus, one is 16, blind and deaf, the other is 4 and has a hole in his pallet, both have special needs.

However, whatever i do for them, they return two fold!

LOL Beth. This makes me smile.

Anvil any tips on how to balance the need for cleanliness and order AND have a pet?

For me it's enjoying my time...doing the things I want to do without dealing with someone else. Cook a nice meal, watch tv, spend time with my cats, and relax any night of the week.

Going to work so i can look forward to coming home.

Getting a wage every week to buy myself nice things.

Sitting in bed reading a book with a galaxy bar and my kitten.

Music.

A prayer in the shower (don't ask me why I like to pray in the shower....maybe it's the whole cleanliness is next to Godliness or something?)

Sitting by a river in the mountains.

Snow.

Reading.

Exercise.

A walk on the beach at my "other" home.

Driving.

Laying in my husband's arms.

Just to name a few things.

What Brings Me Serenity?
I am serene when my two sons and I are watching a movie, with a bowl of hot buttered popcorn, in a darkened family room.
I am serene When I play fresbee with my border collies.
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I am serene sitting by a river, lake or ocean watching the Texan sunset.

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my kitties bring me serenity when they sit on my lap, or just sleep together on my bed with me. I also feel peaceful being able to see the ocean and watching the sunrise over the water each morning. My own little place all neat and tidy brings me serenity as well as music and a nice long hot bath.
Yoga is a powerful serenity giver and a tall sense of self love give me a great sense of peace for which I am working on and very grateful to be able to feel, little by little!!
what a great post...thanks for urging me to think of these things this morning. Did i mention my deliciously cozy and comfy bed? Ohhhh, i just love that cozy feeling of being in it with my two feline buds...
as far as fostering cats goes...you don't have to be home for that, you just have to clean the litter box daily, make sure they have clean water each day and good food and lost of love when you are home! it is very rewarding and you can help make a kitty a great, lovable companion for their new family, or even decide to make them your family if you find you fall head over heels for one!! it is worth trying and if you can't handle it, you just let them know and no harm done!! check it out and please let us know how you make out!! it's a great way to "test drive" and help kitties in need!

Having a bath, with aromatic crystals, even if I have to go to either daughters or grand-daughter's places to have one....as I only have a shower in my unit.

Lying back in my recliner with a lovely cup of tea, reading a good book and music in the background.

Looking at a totally weedless garden, even if I know there are new weeds waiting to pop up soon after I go inside. But just for that moment ....I HAVE WON.

Hearing my mum's voice saying, "Oh hello darling, I was just thinking about you."

Having my grand kids run up and hug me tightly. I just melt, so youngest daughter now calls me "Chocie Gran.

Watching the sun rise over the horizon especially at a beach, knowing I have a whole new day to enjoy, and thankful to still be here to do so.

Having my chats with God, and being still to hear His voice and feel His touch.

Not having to wait for, or listen to a roaring drunken ABF, and being stressed into angina attacks anymore.

Plenty more, but I hear a lovely clean comfy bed awaits me. Hey, that's another reason for serenity and peace of mind.

Bless all my American friends here, and may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I guess dogs are out then :( And masonry construction workers.
I am glad you have been able to have peace even with the mess and mud :)
Thanks for the feedback. Maybe I should just stick with stuffed animals LOL

:rotfxko