Life’s Simple Pleasures that Bring Joy – A List of 100+ Things

“Remember this, very little is need to make a happy life.”

- Marcus Aurelius

Life is a collection of happy memories. And even though we often attach happiness to only material things or big life events; it also lives in the simplest of things. Happiness does not require much, some say it requires nothing, and that is the beauty of it. Just a few moments of honest fulfillment and appreciation of simple things in the moment is enough.

Don't get us wrong, material things also brings happiness, but it is often fleeting. Also, if we keep buying new things to feel happy, at some point we will run out of money or, run out of things to buy (that make us happy).

However, it is difficult to appreciate simple pleasures - mostly because as humans, we tend to conclude things in our minds. Early in our lives, every new experience is exhilarating. A butterfly is fascinating, a roller coaster is (fearlessly) thrilling and even mud is playable. But as we grow up, we tend to lose this zeal. We attach feelings, both good and bad, to every experience and conclude them in our minds. Things that we once enjoyed, become juvenile /not worth the time and even boring.

Life is indeed very simple but we make it complicated. It's time to uncomplicate it.

As life gets tough and we become busier, it also becomes harder to find and appreciate the joy in the simple pleasures of life. Feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and constraints start gnawing within.

In challenging times like these, a simple practice of keeping a gratitude journal is a wonderful way to reflect on things to be happy about. Journaling, especially gratitude journaling, has proven to have many benefits. It is therapeutic, centering, and downright humbling to know that we enjoy many privileges.

Everyone’s gratitude journal is different. If you do not know where to start, we can help. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to write down five things that you are thankful for, every day. These do not have to be complicated things, they can be simple things like a hot meal, a walk in the park, smell of fresh flowers. Do this every day, either in the morning, right before you jump out of bed, or in the night, right before going to sleep. Many just do this on their phones, but we think it works wonders when done with a pen and a nice journal. Some people like to decorate their journals with stickers/ dried flowers, write quotes, thoughts, or songs they like, and more.

You do not have to come up with new things you are grateful for every day. You can add the same things every day too, just try to add one new thing. As you practice, it will become easier to think of things to be thankful for. And that is the essence of gratitude journaling – to stay grounded in the positive as we course through a sea of anxious, negative thoughts.

To help you get started, here is a list of our top 100 simple things to be grateful for. Leave us a comment and we will add your #simplething to our list:

1. Waking up after a good night’s sleep
2. Sleeping in on a weekend
3. Climbing into bed with fresh sheets from the dryer
4. A warm shower after a long day
5. A bouquet of flowers from your loved one

6. Holding hands with your partner
7. A hug from your kids
8. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies
9. The first sip of coffee
10. The smell of fresh-cut grass
11. The look on someone’s face when they open a present from you
12. Fresh berries
13. Watching a sunrise
14. Reading a good book

15. Wind in your hair
16. The smell of rain
17. Watching a good movie
18. Laughing out loud
19. A good workout
20. An organized desk

21. Fairy lights
22. Ice cream!
23. The sound of the ocean
24. Dancing
25. Talking to your parents
26. Crunchy leaves on a windy day
27. Kissing someone you love
28. Being understood
29. Cooking your favorite meal
30. Dark chocolate
31. A good wine/beer after a long day
32. Snuggles with your pet
33. A long chat with your friend
34. A good massage
35. Finally purchasing something that you’ve been saving up for

36. Completing your to-do list
37. Listening to your favorite song
38. Looking at your kids playing
39. A clean home
40. Birthday cake
41. Full moon
42. Sunlight on your face
43. Finding time for your hobby
44. Scented candles
45. Tidying/ giving away things you don’t need
46. Iced tea on a hot day
47. Shopping
48. Watching a sunset
49. Popping bubble wrap
50. Being appreciated

51. Feeling safe and loved
52. Listening to your heartbeat
53. Watching the stars
54. A family meal
55. Helping someone
56. Drawing/sketching
57. Savoring mom’s cooking
58. Watching fish swim
59. A picnic
60. Being rewarded for your hard work
61. Swimming
62. Finishing crossword without help
63. Watching snowfall
64. Playing a sport
65. Hearing the pitter-patter of rain

66. Cuddling and snuggling with your partner
67. Talking to your grandparents
68. Prepping for a festival
69. A long walk
70. Digging your toes in the warm sand at the beach
71. DIY-ing something
72. The feeling of accomplishment when you finish a task.
73. Meditation
74. Feeling healthy
75. Making a new friend
76. A drink of water when you’re thirsty
77. Looking through old photos
78. Receiving a package in the mail
79. A greeting card
80. Forehead kiss

81. Learning a new skill
82. Traveling to a new place
83. A long drive
84. Balloons
85. Blowing bubbles
86. Watching your loved ones progress
87. Relaxing on a day off
88. Unexpected gifts/ compliments
89. Going on a hike
90. New shoes
91. Fireworks
92. Celebrating a milestone
93. Playing with a baby
94. The smell of a new book
95. Financial security

96. Warm butter popcorn
97. A comfy couch
98. Reminiscing your childhood with a sibling
99. Bedtime stories and tuck-ins
100. Going on a date
101. Finding unexpected money in your pocket
102. Getting a paycheck
103. Being alive
104. People who donate
105. Technology
106. Access to clean water
107. Meditation
108. Yoga
109. Autumn leaves
110. Privilege of reading
111. A daily routine you love
112. Snowflakes

These are a few of the things we love the most. Things that bring us joy. This list of little things is a part of our gratitude journal. We hope you found this list of simple pleasures helpful. You can use this list to remind you of the multitude of things that can bring us joy.

We'd like to turn it over to you now. What are the little things in your life that you love? Think back to your daily routine. What are those little things that bring a smile to your face? What sparks joy within you? Let us know in the comments.