This week I want to play a little game with you all – and hear what your 5 favorite sounds are, and why.

We take much for granted in our daily, busy lives. I find it helps to ground myself and soothe my soul if I take a few minutes to appreciate the things in life I love.

Here’s the rules – there is only one. You may not list the sound of a loved one saying “I love you”, because who wouldn’t want to hear that? I’ll go first.

1. The sound of a barn at night, with cows chewing their cud, and the gentle rustling of bedding. Nothing sound more like contentment to me than a happy animal settling down for the evening. Can’t take the farm girl out of me!

2. The sound of a cat purring – another contentment, happy sound. I grew up with lots of cats, and I am more of a “cat person” than a “dog person” even though I have made my living by caring for all kinds of pets. I love all animals, but a cat purring is the sound of happiness to me. Nothing better than a cat on my pillow purring right next to my ear (except it’s not a great thing for me because I’m actually allergic to cats).

3. Waking up early on a spring morning to the chorus of birds outside – the sound of hope, of a new day, and a new beginning every day. Robins and doves and even bluejays celebrate the dawn of the sun and another chance to live life to the fullest. Whether it’s a “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call or the lovely music of a wren, it makes me smile.

4. Thunderstorms & Rain on a Metal Roof – another sound from my childhood. Rain means renewal and growth. It seeps into the ground to nourish plants and restore moisture that has slowly been evaporating out of them. I love the pattering of raindrops hitting a barn or porch roof as it restores our water supply in surroundings lakes, ponds, streams and rivers.

5. Lastly, and I had to think about my last pick, the sounds of a forest … I choose this to encompass a number of sounds – the wind in the trees, the sound of a brook gurgling away, more birds, or the hooting of an owl at night. A little red squirrel “chrrrrrrr” because I’ve startle her up a tree. Even the times when the forest is almost totally silent.

My list clearly focuses on nature. Yours may be about children and family, or more urban sounds. Music or travel or perhaps animals, like me. Maybe a combination. Whatever it is, take a few minutes to really think about the sounds you love and what they represent.

And please, tell me what your favorites are – and were they easy to list, or did I really give you something to think about?