Finding Joy in the Everyday: 10 Simple Pleasures to Brighten Your Life
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the small, delightful moments that sprinkle happiness into our routines. Yet, sometimes, it’s these very simple pleasures – a pet’s comforting presence, a nostalgic treat, or the satisfaction of a well-organized space – that truly uplift our spirits. Join me as I share ten everyday joys that bring a smile to my face, often in the most unexpected ways, reminding us all to cherish the little things that make life brighter.
1. My Cat Max’s Pillow Raids
There’s a special kind of warmth that spreads through me when I discover my beloved cat, Max, utterly passed out on our bed pillows. It’s a sight that never fails to amuse and melt my heart. Occasionally, I’ve even woken up to find him nestled right behind my head, a furry, purring shadow sharing my sleep space. It’s incredibly cute, despite the inevitable consequence of leaving fur everywhere! Max, with his uncanny ability to find the coziest spot in the house, has truly mastered the art of relaxation. I can’t really blame him, though. Who among us wouldn’t jump at the chance to spend a lazy afternoon luxuriating on a large, soft, down-filled pillow? His serene contentment is a gentle reminder to embrace comfort and find peace in simple moments. That soft, rhythmic purr next to me is a symphony of calm, a small, daily blessing that makes our home feel so much warmer and more alive.
2. The Enduring Charm of Cheap Chocolate Advent Calendars
As the holiday season approaches, one of my absolute favorite traditions revolves around cheap chocolate advent calendars. The one pictured below, for instance, from Trader Joe’s, cost a mere 99 cents. While I genuinely appreciate the ingenuity and beauty of all the wonderful DIY creations out there, for me, nothing beats the classic, chocolate-filled ones. These calendars were a staple of my childhood, a daily dose of anticipation and sweetness, and I’m delighted to say I continue to buy them as an adult. There’s something so uniquely comforting about opening a tiny paper door to reveal a simple piece of chocolate. And, I’m not gonna lie, I totally used to “borrow” my sisters’ chocolates if they ever forgot a day or two during the festive season. All’s fair in love and chocolate advent calendars, right? The pure, unadulterated joy these simple calendars bring, year after year, is a testament to the power of nostalgia and small, daily treats. Actually, I’m pretty sure I once ate an entire neglected advent calendar in one delightful sitting, a moment of pure, guilt-free bliss!
Actually, I’m pretty sure I once ate an entire advent calendar (that had been neglected—much to my delight!) in one sitting.
3. Cherished Holiday Decorations from Abroad
In the spirit of other holiday items that spark joy, I absolutely adore this charming little wooden tree and reindeer set. My parents got them for me last year while they were living abroad, making them all the more special. It’s a delightful, minimalist decoration that you can put together in just a few minutes, and it comes with tiny little ornaments that can be hooked onto the tree in any arrangement you wish. The act of decorating itself becomes a lovely ritual. The other day, Connor and I had a wonderful time “trimming” this miniature tree, listening to Pandora’s Carol of the Bells station playing softly in the background. It was a moment of pure, simple holiday cheer. Of course, given its modest size—it’s about a foot tall—the actual “trimming” lasted all of a minute and a half, but it was incredibly fun nonetheless! These small, thoughtful gifts carry a story and a connection to loved ones, reminding me that the most beautiful decorations aren’t always the largest or most elaborate, but those imbued with personal meaning and a touch of shared happiness.
4. The Adventure of Trying a New Food
One of life’s simple pleasures, and sometimes a surprising one, is the adventure of trying a new food. The other day, I decided to be adventurous and buy a bunch of beautiful mustard greens at the grocery store. My intrigue stemmed from the fact that we actually serve them at the restaurant where I’ve been working, and I wanted to experience them on my own terms. Visually, they were stunning – vibrant green and crisp, promising a fresh culinary experience. However, as it turns out, if you’re not a big fan of mustard (and that would be me!), then you probably won’t end up liking mustard greens all that much. It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? I had a feeling that they might be similar in taste to actual mustard, but the flavor was much stronger and more pungent than I had anticipated! Despite my personal preference, the experience was still valuable. It’s a good reminder that trying new things, even if they don’t become a new favorite, expands your palate and understanding. But if you’re a big fan of mustard or anything in the wasabi-like family, I highly recommend checking them out! You can easily sauté them, just like any other leafy green vegetable, for a potent and flavorful side dish.
5. The Simple Appeal of Farmer’s Market Eggs
Farmer’s market eggs are another small joy that brightens my week. I’m not going to try to convince you that farm eggs taste dramatically different from those bought at a regular grocery store, because honestly, my taste buds can’t reliably tell the difference. However, their appeal goes far beyond just flavor. They make me happy because I feel good about where they came from – supporting local farmers and knowing the chickens likely had a better quality of life. This conscious choice to support sustainable practices adds a layer of satisfaction to my cooking. Beyond the ethical considerations, these eggs have the added bonus of coming in a beautiful range of colors, shapes, and sizes! From rich browns and blues to speckled whites, each carton is a little artistic display. Cracking open an egg with a deeply colored yolk, perhaps from a heritage breed, feels like a tiny celebration of nature’s diversity. They bring a rustic charm to my kitchen and a subtle reminder of the simple connection to the land and local communities. It’s a simple pleasure that feels good on so many levels.
6. The Organizational Bliss of My New Label Maker
My new label maker, an unexpected but utterly delightful addition to my kitchen, is a prime example of a simple tool that brings immense satisfaction. This was totally an impulse purchase – one of those items you randomly grab but secretly have longed for forever! I know, it sounds a bit “Martha Stewart” of me, but let me tell you, it has been a game-changer. Before, identifying my spice jars was a sensory guessing game, relying on sight and smell, or an occasional sad piece of masking tape on the bottom. Now, after meticulously labeling all my spice jars with crisp, clear text, things are so much easier! Not to mention, incredibly organized and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a small detail, but the visual order brings a surprising amount of calm. Funnily enough, Connor appreciates the new level of organization just as much as I do. Plus, it only cost me $10 during a Thanksgiving week sale, making it an incredibly worthwhile investment for such a significant boost in home efficiency and joy. The only downside? Now I’m constantly looking for more things in my apartment that I can justify creating a label for – the possibilities for organized bliss feel endless!
7. Our Beautiful Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table
Investing in our new coffee table, which we purchased recently on Etsy, has brought a profound sense of satisfaction to our living space. For years, we lived with a perfectly acceptable, functional IKEA coffee table, but we finally decided it was time to invest in a real, handcrafted wood piece that would truly elevate our home. This table is not just beautiful; it tells a story. It’s crafted from reclaimed barn wood, giving it a unique character, warmth, and a touch of rustic elegance that modern pieces often lack. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, and it has quickly become a focal point in our living room. Since every table from the artisan is made to order, we were able to choose a custom size, ensuring it fit just right for our specific living room layout. Beyond its primary function, it has already proven to be a handy and aesthetically pleasing background for many of my photo shoots, as evidenced by two photos in this very post! This purchase wasn’t just about furniture; it was about investing in quality, sustainability, and a piece of art that we will cherish for years to come, reflecting our evolving taste and commitment to a more thoughtfully curated home.
8. The Anticipation of Culinary School Graduation
One of the most thrilling thoughts currently bringing me immense joy is the realization that I will be graduating from culinary school in just over two short weeks! Time has absolutely flown by over the last year, a whirlwind of learning, tasting, and perfecting skills. It feels like just yesterday I was starting this incredible journey, and now the culmination is almost here. I can hardly believe that I will soon be attending the massive reception, an event where we, as students, get to savor all the incredible food that we created during our last intensive week at school! (Remember that?). This milestone represents not just the end of a chapter, but the exciting beginning of a new one, filled with culinary possibilities. The anticipation of walking across that stage, reflecting on the hard work and passion poured into this education, fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment and eager expectation for the future. It’s a joy born of dedication and the exciting promise of a new career path.
9. The Irresistible Charm of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. For many food lovers, this exquisite cheese requires absolutely no explanation. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece. Its granular texture, complex nutty flavor, and savory aroma elevate almost any dish it graces. Whether grated generously over a bowl of pasta, shaved onto a fresh salad, or simply enjoyed in a small, delicious chunk on its own, it’s a culinary staple that consistently delivers pure delight. I would, however, like to take this moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to Costco for making this little (okay, maybe not-so-little) habit of mine a much more affordable one. Their generous wedges of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano mean I can indulge in this luxury without breaking the bank, ensuring my pantry is always stocked with this golden, flavorful treasure. It’s more than just cheese; it’s a reliable source of culinary happiness, a staple that instantly enhances flavors and brings a touch of gourmet to everyday meals. The sheer depth of flavor in every bite is a testament to traditional cheesemaking, making it an undeniable source of simple, yet profound, joy.
10. The Therapeutic Art of Making Lists
Finally, among the myriad of small things that bring me joy, the simple act of making lists stands out. It might seem mundane to some, but for me, it’s a profoundly satisfying and therapeutic practice. Lists, in all their forms – whether they’re daily to-do lists, grocery lists, long-term goals, or even gratitude lists – provide a sense of order and control in an often chaotic world. There’s an undeniable clarity that comes with committing thoughts and tasks to paper, freeing up mental space and reducing stress. The physical act of writing things down, prioritizing, and then, most satisfyingly, checking off completed items, provides a powerful sense of accomplishment. It’s a tangible record of progress, no matter how small. Beyond productivity, lists can also be a creative outlet, a way to visualize dreams, or simply a method to organize thoughts before they become overwhelming. From carefully planning out my day to jotting down ideas for future projects, making lists helps me navigate my life with greater intention and less anxiety. It’s a testament to how even the most basic organizational tools can contribute significantly to our overall well-being and happiness.