“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.
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.
Gratitude Affirmations: A beginner’s guide to living a life of happiness and contentment.
lifeism.coEveryone’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:
- Waking up after a good night’s sleep
- Sleeping in on a weekend
- Climbing into bed with fresh sheets from the dryer
- A warm shower after a long day
- A bouquet of flowers from your loved one
- Holding hands with your partner
- A hug from your kids
- The aroma of fresh-baked cookies
- The first sip of coffee
- The smell of fresh-cut grass
- The look on someone’s face when they open a present from you
- Fresh berries
- Watching a sunrise
- Reading a good book
- Wind in your hair
- The smell of rain
- Watching a good movie
- Laughing out loud
- A good workout
- An organized desk
- Fairy lights
- Ice cream!
- The sound of the ocean
- Dancing
- Talking to your parents
- Crunchy leaves on a windy day
- Kissing someone you love
- Being understood
- Cooking your favorite meal
- Dark chocolate
- A good wine/beer after a long day
- Snuggles with your pet
- A long chat with your friend
- A good massage
- Finally purchasing something that you’ve been saving up for
- Completing your to-do list
- Listening to your favorite song
- Looking at your kids playing
- A clean home
- Birthday cake
- Full moon
- Sunlight on your face
- Finding time for your hobby
- Scented candles
- Tidying/ giving away things you don’t need
- Iced tea on a hot day
- Shopping
- Watching a sunset
- Popping bubble wrap
- Being appreciated
- Feeling safe and loved
- Listening to your heartbeat
- Watching the stars
- A family meal
- Helping someone
- Drawing/sketching
- Savoring mom’s cooking
- Watching fish swim
- A picnic
- Being rewarded for your hard work
- Swimming
- Finishing crossword without help
- Watching snowfall
- Playing a sport
- Hearing the pitter-patter of rain
- Cuddling and snuggling with your partner
- Talking to your grandparents
- Prepping for a festival
- A long walk
- Digging your toes in the warm sand at the beach
- DIY-ing something
- The feeling of accomplishment when you finish a task.
- Meditation
- Feeling healthy
- Making a new friend
- A drink of water when you’re thirsty
- Looking through old photos
- Receiving a package in the mail
- A greeting card
- Forehead kiss
- Learning a new skill
- Traveling to a new place
- A long drive
- Balloons
- Blowing bubbles
- Watching your loved ones progress
- Relaxing on a day off
- Unexpected gifts/ compliments
- Going on a hike
- New shoes
- Fireworks
- Celebrating a milestone
- Playing with a baby
- The smell of a new book
- Financial security
- Warm butter popcorn
- A comfy couch
- Reminiscing your childhood with a sibling
- Bedtime stories and tuck-ins
- Going on a date
- Finding unexpected money in your pocket
- Getting a paycheck
- Being alive
- People who donate
- Technology
- Access to clean water
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Autumn leaves
- Privilege of reading
- A daily routine you love
- Snowflakes
Comments
This is a very comprehensive list of simple pleasures. Thank you!