There are so many little ways you can create happiness, but I think there is also something to be said about enjoying the simple pleasures in life that already exist in your day. When I take the time to really relish these moments as they present themselves, I find that the simple pleasures are what bring great happiness to my life.
“It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.” – Paulo Coelho
When I think of simple pleasures, I think of all the little things I enjoy that either don’t cost a thing or are very inexpensive. They are the most unassuming moments, but things I truly find immense pleasure in. I thought it would be fun to share some simple pleasures that come to mind for me, and hopefully this will inspire you to reflect on the little things that bring pleasure to you as well!
40 Simple Pleasures in Life:
- Climbing into a bed with freshly washed sheets
- Receiving snail mail that isn’t a bill
- Driving with your windows down
- The first bite of a decadent dessert
- Laying down on a blanket and watching the stars
- Popping bubble wrap
- Running through a sprinkler
- The feeling after a great workout
- Stepping on that crunchy looking leaf
- Holding hands with a loved one
- Flowers beginning to bloom on a spring day
- Dining by candlelight
- A relaxing shower after a long day
- The feeling of accomplishment after finishing a big project
- Enjoying a home cooked meal around a table with your family
- Watching squirrels or birds chase each other
- A stunning sunset
- Freshly basked cookies right out of the oven
- Reading a book that resonates with you
- That first glorious sip of coffee or tea in the morning
- Blowing bubbles with little kids
- Doing a cannon ball into a pool
- When your favorite song comes on the radio
- Bringing a smile to someone’s face
- Hot towels right out of the dryer
- A long walk in beautiful weather
- Watching children giggle and play
- An impromptu back rub from your significant other
- Sleeping in on a rainy day
- Dancing without a care in the world
- Receiving an unexpected compliment
- A long, hot bubble bath
- The smell of your favorite candle permeating the house
- Making the yellow light at an intersection
- Feeling refreshed after an afternoon nap
- The perfect ratio of peanut butter to jelly on a PB&J sandwich
- Lemon slices in your water or iced tea
- A sunny day
- Having a good laugh
- The smell of freshly cut grass
What are the simple pleasures in life that you enjoy most?
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Good stuff! Mr. Maroon and I talk about how the best part of life isn’t the big stuff – vacations, holidays, birthdays, etc. It’s all about making the every day goings on fun and enjoyable. By appreciating those moments, we can find so much satisfaction in each day. From your list, I have to say that hot towels out of the dryer might be my favorite. Likely just because it’s so hard to get all of the stars to align to make it happen!
Absolutely agreed! 🙂
My entire day can be brightened by combining several things from your list: driving with the sunroof open (#3) on a sunny day (#38) with my favorite song on the radio (#23). The happiness in that moment lasts for hours! 🙂
Heck yes! That combination is one of my favorites too, pure bliss! 🙂
Love this. Last week was surprising pretty warm and I enjoyed opening the sunroof and driving with the windows down as I headed home from work. I also love that feeling when you first hit your bed and a cool pillow after a long day.
That’s a good one too!
Love your list!! I agree with everything on it! My simple pleasures in life also include that moment I know both my girls are sleeping (lol! nothing like quiet time!), driving through neighborhoods with Starbucks in hand, hot showers and jumping into my cozy bed after a long day!
Thanks Sarah! Ooo…. the moment Little Miss is finally sleeping should have been on my list too. Good ones!
ah, Chritina, this list is like a breath of fresh air. I was reading it thinking how those tiny moments are so wonderful, and then we quickly forget them when something not-so-nice happens. Just that simple lemon wedge reference made me so happy. I’ve been so tightly wound lately. I think I’ll print this list out and put it on the fridge so I remember to remember these wonderful moments more often. 🙂
Thanks Kay! 🙂
ChriStina. Seriously, I didn’t mean to change your name on ya! 😛
Haha it’s all good!
Oh gosh, I love this, and YES to all of them. I´m trying to think of more, but you´ve covered all my favorites! I´ll add: getting an unexpected phone call from a friend or family member, just to say hello or chat; and… okay, go with me on this one… I really love arriving at my destination just when the song on the radio is ending. So I don´t have to cut off the song or sit in my car and wait for it to end. Hahaha! 🙂
Haha love it, Chela!
Love the positive post, Christina. I admit I don’t always think about the “simple” things in life and oftentimes take them for granted. I would add: a hot shower when you are cold and sleeping in on Saturday and/or Sunday after a long week of getting up WAY too early.
Thanks DC!
Hi! I just found my way here from Be More With Less. Some pleasures I enjoy: the smell of the sea, a cool breeze on a hot day, perfect weather where we can have the door and all the windows open!
Welcome Bethany! Glad to have you, thanks for stopping by 🙂
The smell of the sea…..ah, I love that too! I would love to live near the ocean to experience that more often.
Watching my kids play, sitting in the backyard, being at the beach with my kids. Oh, and I really do love clean sheets.
Those are great ones, Holly!
Hot coffee on a cold Saturday, the smell of freshly cut grass and a perfectly fried egg!
Hot coffee on a cold morning….YES! Although these days with a baby that wakes up 6-8 times at night, coffee anytime is something I relish. Hah!
Blowing bubbles… YES!! I love this list Christina!
Thanks Daisy!
These are great! I love the feeling after a good run & laughing with my husband in bed.
Thanks Sara!
Your list brought a smile to me. So good to be mindful of these things that we so often let pass without recognition.
Aw thank you Prudence!
i want to work with you
I LOVE freshly washed sheets! Especially fresh out of the dryer in the winter! What a luxury!
Absolutely agreed Kelly!
Just found this list and I have to agree with you. My favorite is fresh sheets on the bed…after they have hung out to dry!
Absolutely Lisa! Nothing like freshly washed sheets as you go to sleep 🙂
Some of the things on this list made me giggle because they are so true! Some things are just simple pleasures! 🙂
My 3 year old niece wanting to be near me.
Spending time with a friend.
Neither of those are simple though as they don’t even happen monthly.
Something more simple,
getting a new book (NOT an e-book)
translating a word I’ve been struggling with right (I’m learning Norwegian)
my bed being made
getting something I ordered that’s either not a need or a new book (for me, books are a need when it comes to mental health)
Something I forgot, getting a vital record in the mail (birth, death, or marriage record)
Watching the sunset over the lake, hearing/watching the birds at the birdfeeder. Watching my two sister puppies chase each other around, When my boyfriend reaches for my hand to hold. And like everyone else my favorite is getting in the bed with fresh sheets out of the dryer. My favorite smell☮️❤️?
Seeing a full rainbow.
A blue sky after a string of cloudy days.
Perfectly skipping a rock on a calm lake.
Throwing a football with my daughter.
Getting a genuine smile from an attractive stranger.
Having a dog enthusiastically lick your face.
A good snuggle session with your significant other when nobody else is home.
Having a beautiful butterfly land on your hand.
Going for a hike on a quiet trail during peak foliage.
Falling asleep in a comfy beach chair to the sound of the surf on an uncrowded beach.
spending time with your pet
a big hug from a loved one
A good Cry
That good news you have been waiting for so long!
swimming in the Oceans (shark free if possible)
A jar of flowers at home
A glass of water when you are REALLY thirsty
A parking place when you are desperate
Picking up a loved one at the airport
A loved one coming a long way to see you for christmass
Running in the forests
when my husband cooks & I can smell it 2 blocks away
Gardening
being able to finally do that YOGA pose
Cream on a dry skin
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this content together.
I once again find myself spending a significant amount
of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
The sun on your face; a bike ride with the wind in your face; a fat cat sitting on your lap and being hugged by you; Buddhist sayings which
center you and lift your spirit; writing a letter to a friend; smiling just because; sitting in a quiet library and many more; using your humor just to enjoy a laugh; saying Good Morning to strangers who become a friend on the sidewalk; finding that cool blouse which looks fab on you; having your nails and hair done; going to mass daily which is so nice to get God first thing in the morning; smelling marigolds; and love.
In love with life, also
There are so many nice things that make us happy. It’s just that often we are too busy or tired to notice it.
I try to appreciate every moment that I have, but you know, I can’t always focus on the present. I have to think about it more often.
Sleeping in on a rainy day is what I like to do nowadays. The rainy season has come, I work from home on a flexible schedule. And when on a cloudy day I can lie in bed for a long time and not rush anywhere, this real bliss.
Thank you! I enjoyed the reading.