A black and white sketch of clouds floating in the sky.

Floating on Cloud 9 (and Other Delicate States of Joy)

April 14, 2025

There’s a shirt we carry that reads: “Floating on Cloud Nine.” Simple phrase. Light-hearted. But every time I see it, I think—yeah, I’ve been there. Not every day, mind you. Cloud Nine’s not a permanent residence. It’s more of a layover. A passing drift you find yourself in when the world lines up just right.

Thing is, you don’t need fireworks or lottery wins to get to cloud nine. Most of the time, it’s the small stuff that sends you skyward. It might be something as everyday as your favorite song coming on just when you need it. Or a cup of coffee that hits the exact right temperature. Or hearing from someone you’ve been thinking about—out of the blue, like the universe tapped them on the shoulder and said, “Call.” Other times, it’s a twist you didn’t see coming. A good one, for once. Like the plans falling into place. Or a rainy day clearing up just in time for your walk.

It’s not dramatic. It’s not loud. It just lifts you.

The quiet climb up.

Floating on Cloud Nine isn’t always the result of some big achievement. More often, it’s the little things adding up until you look around and realize: I feel good.

The neighbor waves. You remember your keys. A bird lands nearby and doesn’t fly off when you look its way. You finish a chore that’s been nagging at you for weeks. Suddenly, the air feels lighter. You’re not exactly sure how you got there, but you’re glad you are.

And, the sudden drop

Now, I won’t pretend Cloud Nine doesn’t have a trapdoor. You can be floating one minute, and the next—thud. Back on solid ground. Sometimes, all it takes is one sharp word. A news headline. An unexpected bill. Or just your own thoughts sneaking in to poke holes in the balloon. But here’s what I’ve learned: that don’t make the floating any less real.

You might fall off the cloud, sure. But while you’re up there? Enjoy it. Take in the view. Laugh a little longer, hold the feeling a little tighter, and don’t waste time asking how long it’ll last. Let it lift you. Let it carry you. Wear the feeling while it lasts.

That’s what this week’s featured shirt is all about: “Floating on Cloud Nine.” It’s soft, simple, and exactly the kind of reminder you want on a day when things are going just right—or on a day when you need to remember that they can.

If you’re curious why small surprises and everyday joy can have such a big emotional impact, [this article on “small happiness”] is a worthwhile read. It turns out the little stuff really does make a difference.