Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Little Things = Big Happiness


I feel like sometimes, the idea of "being happy" is made out to be some gargantuan of a thing. When I've allowed myself to think of it this way, I am always left feeling intimidated. I know I need to be "happy" but it seems as if we are starting to make happy something that it is not.  Happy is not an all encompassing word for a perfect life.  Happy people have sad days, too.  This doesn't mean that they are unhappy.  They are just human.

So instead of thinking of happiness as a some big goal that I am reaching for, I am choosing to think of it as a large cumulation of all those little things that bring me joy.  Every little thing adds to my big happiness package.  This has really been a blessing in my life, thinking this way, so... here are some little things that bring me some big 'ole happiness.

Slow sunday mornings
A new West Elm catalog
fresh flowers
A fluffy white duvet
Being able to make N laugh
Getting that rush of inspiration
Sunshine
A freshly cleaned house
Coffee in a big mug
Seeing friendly faces on my fridge
My black and white buffalo check blanket (sometimes there is just one blanket that is cozier than the rest)
A pumpkin patch in the fall
Any kind of mexican food
Inspiring quotes
When Ellie jumps on the couch and buries herself in the blankets
Finding a cappuccino machine at work
When I hit that writing groove
Surprise hugs
A trip, of any kind
Reading a book that just gets me
My favorite shoes (really, you just look at them under your desk and you're like, 'man, those are awesome shoes')
Photo booth photos
Walking outside only to realize I actually need a coat
Being excited about the future

What little things make you happy?


20 comments:

  1. This is a GREAT post! I am the most of the time happy girl in my circle of people, but it seems like when I have a not happy day there must be something catastrophic happening in life, but I just want my friends to understand that sometimes I am human and things happen.... thanks for sharing this!



    Some things that are making me happy right now:


    Knowing that in one week and four days I will have been with the love of my life for one whole year!
    Fall (fall clothes, fall weather, fall treats)
    The Annual Corn Maze trip coming up on Friday
    Peaches and Cream Oatmeal :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. This post is wonderful! Thanks for sharing. I would add "having family and friends that love me" and "coming home to my excited doggy"

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this and totally agree. I am all about the small things and for me those add up to happiness also. Sometimes we have stop and be able to enjoy the small moments in order to be happy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love this list, Sarah! It's so important to focus on the little things- in fact, I wrote a post about it not too long ago! I love reading other people's lists :) it really just puts you in a great mood!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love making lists like this! It really does remind you that its the little things in life that mean so much!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I totally agree! I find that the little things make me way more happy, maybe because they're so simple in their joy. I have to strongly agree with a couple of yours - there's just nothing like fresh flowers or reading a book that really gets you.


    Some of my happiest things are chinese takeout and spending the afternoon on the beach with my dog. Silly, but true!


    http://oddlylovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ah, lovely things :)
    Reminds me a bit of the film Amelie - when she spots all of the little quirky things that make the people around her happy.
    Me? hmmm....i could probably write an enormous list too.
    the first sunny day of spring is always a winner. the book thing too...when you can't put it down. That moment when you're getting ready to go out, you're ready, all polished up and you have that 'breath' moment and pre-out drink with my hubby or girlfriends. My friend's children - my best friend's baby now he's learned to smile and giggle at me, and when my other friend's older children say 'auntie Sarah' and then usually ask me something cute.
    I could end up going on a long time here! Will have to write my own post I think :) x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Aw thanks for sharing! I am glad that you enjoyed it. I wish I could say that I am one of the happiest in my group, so that is really awesome. I am working on getting there!

    I love your picks. Fall and the love of my life are two of my most favorite things :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oooh yes, coming home to my pups is the best!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I totally agree! I find that when I focus on the small things, the bigger things start falling into place and I am generally happier.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you! Your list really inspired me so I thought I'd made one of my own :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I read yours :) I love having this to refer back to whenever I need a little boost.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Right?! Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in other things so it's nice to have this little reminder to ground me.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes! You hit the nail on the head. The little things are usually so simple and so, to me, they seem truly authentic. I agree with both of yours, chinese takeout and pretty much anything having to do with my dogs.


    Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, I'm glad you brought that up. I didn't think of that but I love that movie :)


    All those sound lovely! I adore other people's children. I definitely want some of my own in the future but for now I am enjoying the fact that my friends are starting to have kids and I can come play with them when I want :)


    Yay, you definitely should. Just writing it made me happy :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a nice list! Funny story: I was on Bloglovin' at work today (shh), and I couldn't read your post because it was blocked for "pornography/adult material." Say whaaaaat?? So weird.

    ReplyDelete