Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

This week I thought I would write about small things that make me happy. I think life is all about making the most of everything, no matter how small. I’ve also found that a lot of the ‘small’ things in my life have the biggest impact on my overall happiness.

Before I write this I just want to mention that not all of these are necessarily small. What I mean by small are things that I feel are generally overlooked but can create a lot of happiness. From experience I used to think that happiness was in the big moments in life. But, I’ve realised that it is actually in the small moments. This list is just me showing gratitude to the small things that make me more happy than I give them credit for.

I hope you enjoy this post!

1. When a song brings back memories.

Music has the power to bring you back in time to a fond memory. I have songs that when re-played I can picture the time when it was my favourite song and the memories associated with them. For example, when I went on holiday last summer I played ‘need you right here’ by Chris brown and Bryson Tiller non-stop. Now when I listen to it I can picture the beach and the feelings associated with that memory. I also love songs that remind me of old books that I’ve read.

2. sunsets and sunrises

I love watching both the sunset and sunrise. They’re both so beautiful and start and end my day on such a positive note. I particularly love photographing them.

3. The sound of rain and thunder

I am definitely not the only one who loves the sound of rain. I especially love the sound of heavy rain and thunder. It creates such a cosy atmosphere, perfect for reading and just chilling. I also love the sound of cars passing through the rain, something about that is just really calming.

4. Chilling with your pets

Chilling with your furry friends is honestly the best thing ever. When my cat was still alive I used to love coming home after school and laying down with him, watching tv. It was something, looking back at now, I took for granted. Animals create a safe and relaxing space. Even though I no longer have a cat, I have befriended my neighbours cat who is extremely affectionate and we chill outside in the garden.

5. Randomly remembering a joke

Have you ever just sat there and started laughing about a joke that was said ages ago? If so, same here. honestly, these memories come at the worst possible times; when I’m around other people who think that its weird to laugh by yourself. Whenever this happens it makes me so happy and they usually happen when I’m bored or need cheering up.

6. Watching your favourite childhood movie

There is nothing more nostalgic than watching your favourite childhood movie. I have quiet a few like the princess and the frog, enchanted, bolt and free willy.

7. Watching my plants grow

I love gardening, especially when I see my plants are growing. Even though it takes time and can be a long and tedious process, it is extremely satisfying to see them grow. It reminds me that growth takes time and even though it feels like you may not be going anywhere, you actually are.

8. Watching the clouds go past

Ever since I was a little kid I would love finding random shapes in the clouds. I would see the most absurd things ever but somehow they made sense.

9. When people greet you

Even though I am quiet shy, I love it when people acknowledge you and greet you. Even if it as simple as a ‘hey’.

My neighbours at home are really sweet and always greet us. I think this comes down to the fact that I live in a quiet a small neighbourhood where we see each other often. This being said it makes my day when I am greeted by my neighbours.

10. Going over old photos

People always advise me to take pictures of everything. And I understand why. Being able to look back on photos and extract all of these different memories from them is extremely satisfying. Whenever I feel low or miss someone who is sadly no longer here I love looking over my camera roll and finding photos and videos. I especially love it when you find an old camera with old photos on it that you forgot you had taken.

11. The birds

Back at home we have so many different birds. Even though the majority are all pest birds I still love them nonetheless. We usually get the same two pigeons, a few magpies and a whole flock of sparrows who swarm the sky. We also get parakeets, which is strange because our neighbourhood isn’t very green. I actually used to feed them until my neighbours cat decided to start attacking them.

I especially love geese and the way they fly in that triangular pattern. Its also really cool when you can hear them flying at midnight, when everything else is quiet.

12. Stars and planets

There is something so special about looking up towards the sky and trying to spot stars and planets. Even though I cannot see many stars with all of the light pollution, I still enjoy spotting different constellations and moon phases. The one thing I would love to see one day would be the milky way.

I also love looking out at the sky during meteor showers. Last summer I went Eastbourne to watch the Perseids meteor shower and spotted two big meteors. it was so beautiful!

13. Talking to myself

I am definitely not the only one who pretends they are a youtuber and starts narrating their life. It is actually something I find really fun. I used to do it a lot as a kid, pretending I was filming all of these room tours and craft projects. I also find that talking to myself about problems in my life really helps me understand myself better.

14. Napping

There is nothing as great as having the time to take a nap. I used to hate napping as a kid and would sneakily try to slide out of bed trying not to wake my mum up. I usually failed. But at university whenever I have time to take a break I will use it to nap. I usually only nap for 30 mins otherwise I end up napping for 4 hours which isn’t fun.

15. The ocean

Now the ocean definitely isn’t small by any means. But growing up I never really appreciated the beauty of the ocean. Now, whenever I am stressed I close my eyes and picture the ocean, its breeze and the smell of the salt water. Even the memories I have of the ocean calms me down.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this weeks blog post. I would love to hear about small things that make you happy too and any thoughts on the one’s mentioned above.

To see some of my other posts click here.