What is a small thing that makes you happy?
Hi!
I have found that throughout my life, the things that get me through the day are not big. In fact, they are rather small and insignificant to everyone but me. Reading a good book, cooking myself dinner, or playing my saxophone are all little things I look forward to throughout the day. Having something to look forward to can change the course of my whole day.
At the request of my friend, I started writing these little things down in my reminders app every day in a gratitude list of sorts that I titled "good things." In the beginning I wrote big things. "Going to college." and "Getting an apartment". Soon after a couple months, I began to find joy in my every day. I started writing things like "Colorful leaves" and "Hot chocolate" and "Feeding my neighbor's cat". I did this for 305 days straight.
I now have a list of over 500 things that make me happy. I can look back at these things at any time and realize that the world around me is surrounded in goodness. I think this list helped my mental health immensely. I no longer write things everyday. I try to write them weekly, but life sometimes gets the best of you. I have been reflecting on my experience and I think I might try again to remember what makes me happy and change my perspective. Perhaps this sort of accidental gratitude can help other people, I wondered to myself. I found myself writing a thread and wondering when exactly did 7 cups become another one of my good things?
My questions to you are, what are some little things that you look forward to? How do they help you get through the day? What can you do to help yourself find more little good things in your life?
@dandelionthoughts Hey, Dandelion this is such a wonderful post. Indeed, I completely agree with you. It’s the little things that matter as well, not only the big achievements. In addition to reading and cooking yourself dinner, I admire that you play the saxophone! I’ve always wanted to give that a try. You’re amazing. ⭐
I too have a gratitude list and try my best to take time to reflect on the amazing things I encounter daily. I can relate, it does get tough to keep it up consistently though. Having a list of over 500 things is an accomplishment in itself and praiseworthy! Congratulations, Dandelion. 🌟 I’ve found that focusing on what we’re thankful for provides a mindset shift, helping us to improve our outlook of life.
Some of the little things that I look forward to (that also help me get through the day) are the morning sunrise, meditation, jasmine tea, the birds happily chirping, being in my garden and the people on Cups like yourself. 💓 It brightens my day.
You also asked what can I do to help myself find more little good things in my life? This would be incorporating self-care into my routine. I find that when I take care of myself, it allows me to be rejuvenated and helps to increase productivity and focus. When we care for our body and mental wellbeing, I find that more good things are easily identifiable.
Thank you for taking the time to post and share this. 😊
I usually buy an iced latte because it makes me happy. Recently I am holding off on it since I realized how much I am spending on it. Not a small thing but praying to God makes me feel better. Also, showering always makes me happy. Cooking something also makes me happy 😊
I enjoyed reading your post. I recently have started to write 3 good things about my day every evening. It is the little things. Even though I just started, I believe it has started to help me. Focusing on something outside of myself and making me aware of the goodness that exist. I hope to continue and to end up with a book of memories I can look back on like you to uplift and inspire ✨️