Sometimes life can get us down. Circumstances, the stress of day-to-day life, and depressing news headlines can take a mental toll on us. I’ve learned that if we take the time to look for bright spots filled with joy, we are more likely to find them. Some have noted the positive impact of taking time to make a gratitude list. According to an article from UCLA Health, people who cultivate gratitude are more likely to pursue goals that enhance their well-being. This positive mindset encourages healthy habits like regular exercise and good nutrition, supporting better sleep. Gratitude also reduces the likelihood of stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can negatively impact sleep quality and duration.
Where can you look for your silver linings? Below is a list of things that have made me happy. Hopefully, you can draw inspiration from it.
- The sparkle of the morning dew on the grass
- That first hot sip of coffee after you wake up
- Slaying a workout
- A hug from a friend you haven’t seen in a long time
- A handwritten note/card you received
- Seeing the flowers starting to bloom in spring
- Watching a child play
- Playing with your dog
- A surprise rainbow after a shower
- A book you’re reading with an awesome ending
- Treating yourself to your favorite restaurant
- Biting into a piece of freshly baked bread
- Offering a kind word to a neighbor
- Catching the microwave one second before it beeps incessantly
- Sharing a belly laugh with a loved one
- Your favorite soup is the soup of the day
- A compliment from your boss
- The crisp crack of a brand-new book
- Finding a comfy pair of shoes for the wedding you’re going to that match perfectly
- Being a part of a pass-it-on gratitude challenge
- Winning employee of the month
- Finding out your favorite artist is releasing a new album
- Cuddling with your animal and smelling their fur
- Lighting a new candle
- Waking up from a restful night’s sleep
- Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets
- Listening to birds sing in the trees
- Seeing a family picnic together
- Feeling sand on your feet
- Floating in a body of water
- Walking barefoot in the grass
- Completing a puzzle
- Catching the bus, you almost missed
- Your dog mastering a new trick
- A freshly sharpened pencil
- Finding a new favorite pen that doesn’t bleed!
- Receiving an invitation to your best friend’s wedding
- Mastering a new recipe
These are just a few places you can find joy.
Everyone is different in what makes them happy. Also, sometimes, just telling yourself to look for positive energy can make you see it more frequently. You may have heard of the term “glimmers” as well. Glimmers are those tiny moments of joy that arise from appreciating the mundane things in life, such as the rainbow colors, flower scents, or rain sounds. So, be on the lookout for these as well.
What small pleasures bring you joy? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image via Rachel Claire on Pexels
You don’t have to feel inspired to move your body. A slow walk, stretching, or even standing outside for a few minutes can shift your nervous system. Often, movement creates the spark—rather than the other way around.