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Appreciating the simple pleasures in life can enrich us and make our lives wholesome. Here is a list of over 100 of them that we think you will love.
100 of Life’s Simple Pleasures that Bring Joy
Simple pleasures of life, all summarized in a neat little post. Take some ideas from our list for your gratitude journal.
“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 appreciating simple things in the moment is enough.
However, it is difficult to appreciate happiness - 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 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.
And with the pandemic raging outside, we are confined within the four walls of our home. It is harder to find and appreciate happiness. Feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and constrains are 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 many privileges we enjoy.
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 journal 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 everyday 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 remember 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
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 with your partner
Talking to your grandparents
Prepping for a festival
A long walk
Digging your toes in warm sand on 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
Travelling 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
These are a few of the things we love the most. The little things that are a part of our gratitude journals. We hope this list sparks motivation and helps you start your gratitude journal, or even help you keep it going.