I very seldom have bad days. That’s not to say that bad things don’t happen to me (on the contrary friends!), but I’ve always had an optimistic, glass half full outlook on life, so my days are rarely completely ruined. I know that everything happens for a reason (even if I don’t understand why when I’m mad or balling my eyes out), and that while things may seem hard at that moment, with some work, prayer, and a friend or two to lean on when I need it, I can get through it. I also have an uncanny ability to find a bit of humor in even the most crazy, off the wall moments, and that’s honestly been a saving grace for me.
This type of mindset has also helped me find beauty in the simple things. Life’s little wins, if you will:
- Getting fresh flowers weekly for my home is so simple but something that brings joy.
- Being able to sit outside with my face turned up to the sun and my toes in the grass while listening to nature.
- Craving my favorite cupcake and getting that satisfying first bite.
- Getting up the day after a deep cleaning of my apartment and admiring its cleanliness.
- The smell of fresh laundry.
- My favorite song coming on while I’m driving (and singing like I’m in concert).
- Having a deep belly laugh on the phone with my friends.
- My dad telling me to “be good” every time we get off of the phone or I leave their home.
The list of simple things that I enjoy could go on and on, but my point is, these small delights in my day are what help keep me going. We experience so many microaggressions just living our lives day to day, and if we only wait for those big, expensive moments to bring us joy, we will miss out on so much of the beauty around us (and most likely suffer much more with stress and anger). I challenge you, if you haven’t been doing this already, take some time out today to highlight the simple things that you enjoy and that make you smile. Doesn’t have to be some deep, internal review, just the really simple, small things that you like. Whether you have a gratitude journal or make a note in your phone, create a list of those simple things that bring you joy. Once it’s complete, try to push yourself to add more of those things into your day to day life.
If you’ve been feeling stressed or under pressure, this will hopefully help you release some of the tension you experience and get more out of your day. As with coins, little things can add up, so remember that the next time you find yourself needing a little extra joy. There’s beauty all around us, if we just allow ourselves to see it.
What are some simple things that you enjoy?
