I’ve found myself in a funk the past week or so, allowing negative circumstances outside of my control the ability to bring me down. After a long day at work I found myself trying to just relax and clear my mind from the persistent melancholy mood that kept creeping upon me.
As I sat amidst the chaos of young children at play I heard one of the most wonderful sounds in this world. My toddler girl found something amusing and let out a bellowing baby laugh in her moment of merriment. It was welcome music to my ears, and I realized it was just what I needed. A simple pleasure to drag myself out of my despair.
I made the choice later to quickly compose a list of one hundred simple things in my life that I take for granted, little mundane things that make me happy. It took less than ten minutes to put them together, and here they are.
- A baby’s laughter.
- A hot bath.
- Clean sheets.
- The sun on your face.
- Quitting time/the end of your shift.
- Cherry Popsicles.
- Holding hands.
- Seeing a favorite movie again.
- Arms around you when you need a good cry.
- A good book.
- The sound of the ocean.
- Slow dancing.
- A child’s smile.
- First kisses.
- Goodnight kisses.
- Welcome home kisses.
- Kisses period.
- The smell of salty air.
- Snuggles.
- A joke that makes you belly laugh until you cry.
- Eating cake icing straight from the tub. With your fingers.
- The smell of chlorine and wet concrete.
- Bare feet on soft grass.
- Getting flowers for no reason.
- Chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven.
- The smell of a newborn baby’s head.
- Swinging.
- Hearing “I love you.”
- Saying “I love you.”
- Watching shooting stars.
- The smell of grilling out.
- Cheesecake.
- Picking out shapes/objects in the clouds.
- Feeling the sand between your toes.
- The feeling of being underwater or floating on the water.
- Jumping on a trampoline.
- Making a wish as you blow out the candles.
- A good ole back scratching.
- Getting a bouquet of handpicked flowers from someone you love.
- Date night.
- Bedtime.
- Ice cream.
- Picking up seashells.
- A good breeze on a hot day.
- Riding a bike.
- Seeing an old friend.
- Riding with the top down.
- Going to the movies.
- And eating popcorn there!
- Flannel pajamas.
- Christmas morning.
- Sitting in front of the fireplace.
- Roasting marshmallows.
- Listening to someone tell a good story.
- Watching your child sleep.
- Sitting in your Momma’s lap (at whatever age).
- A hug from your Daddy after someone hurt you.
- Answered prayers.
- Being at the top of the Ferris wheel.
- A compliment.
- A smile when you’re having a bad day.
- Going to the drive-in.
- Making out at the drive-in.
- A massage.
- Hearing your baby cry for the first time.
- A hot shower.
- Chocolate.
- Finding money in your pocket that you didn’t know was there.
- Building a snowman.
- Finishing a task.
- Doing absolutely nothing.
- A water gun fight.
- Reading a love letter.
- Naps.
- New shoes.
- Laying in a hammock.
- A strawberry shake.
- Walking on the beach.
- Helping a stranger.
- Knowing you changed someone’s life for the better.
- Receiving the impact of someone changing your life for the better.
- Hot McDonald’s french fries with just the right amount of salt.
- Going for a hike.
- Fishing. Even if you don’t catch anything.
- Opening a gift.
- Watching your child take their first steps.
- The sense of accomplishment over a job well done.
- Chocolate. (I am completely aware I’ve said this twice).
- Spooning.
- Getting an unexpected card/letter in the mail.
- Making a new friend.
- Taking a walk with your sweetheart.
- Birthday cake.
- Fireworks.
- Catching fireflies.
- Making cookies with your kids.
- Breakfast in bed.
- Singing at the top of your lungs in the car.
- Taking a picnic.
- Spending time with those you love.
And like that my list was done, a collection of a hundred simple pleasures you needed to enjoy as soon as possible. It was really that easy. Sure some of the things on the list couldn’t be done right away, or might not be applicable to everyone, but that wasn’t really the point.
You see, my list isn’t an exact map to happiness for all, but rather a suggestion to dwell on the little things that make you smile instead of the things that don’t.
Make your own list. The real purpose is to find what makes you happy and enjoy that. Focus on the little blessings hidden throughout each day. Give it a try. You might be surprised how quickly you can compose your own list.
Now share the happiness.
ruthiespage says
This is fun, Happy and enjoyable. Thanks!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Rachel Huwe says
101. Painting
102. Blowing bubbles with your kids
103. Having a water hose fight with your family
104. Going on a hike in the mountains
105. Going for a drive with someone you love
106. Singing at the top of your lungs while having a dance-a-thon with your family
107. Reading books with your kids
108. Playing in the rain
109. Having a draw off or paint off. Every one attempts drawing the same picture just to see how everyone else percieves the same image.
110. A good sword fight. Whether it’s sticks, broom handles, paper towels rolls, or whatever.
47 & 63 are the only ones I haven’t done yet.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Well you definitely have to make a point to do #63.
Jessica S says
I love how you put the items in 70 and 71 back-to-back. 🙂
#3 would be right up there on my list of favorite things, so I’m glad you added that.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. It’s funny how doing something extraordinary and/or doing nothing are equally satisfying. 🙂
Physics and Art says
Beautifully said.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.