What little things in your day to day life bring you joy?

[Thejewellershands]

I have been feeling extremely down and low over the past few months and kind of focusing on the negative parts of my life/things that may be going wrong or not working out. I’m sick of feeling sad all of the time and have decided to try and focus on the things that bring me happiness each day, even little things like getting comfy in bed at night and reading a good book.

I wanted to create this post because I’m interested in what other people get enjoyment out of in their average day and also I kind of find it comforting to hear.

edited to correct spelling

Making my DD laugh and cuddles with her.
Sitting in a country pub garden in summer
Stroking my cats.
Making my DM smile and her trust in me.
Big strong hugs from dad.
Chilling by myself when everyone else is in bed.
ASMR.

I'm ill with cancer so really taking pleasure in the small things atm:

Sharing a joke with teen ds, he's very funny. Apple of our eye.

Enjoying a cup of tea made by my lovely dh

Losing myself in a good book

Enjoying an audio book

Lighting my candles, fairy lights and salt lamp

My cuddly cat

Feeding the birds

Feeling well enough for a stroll around our local area, which although urban is nice with a big park at the top of the road.

A text from friends and family

Speaking daily to mum

Thankful for all of my wonderful family

Walking into my home after work.

I love my job but my home is a complete contrast to it and my commute from one end of London to the other. It’s quiet, calm, clean, smells lovely. As soon as I open my door my cat will either be sitting by the door or if she’s just woken up, drowsily walk up and give me little head bumps and chirrups. I have relaxing a bath, put on my pj’s and have a glass of wine/tea/hot chocolate and think what to have for dinner.....while the cat is acting as a feet warmer. Bliss!

I'm out in the countryside every day and the blue skies are wonderful accompanies by the wonderful birdsong.

Walking along a little whie ago, a woman a little distance off was staring at me and smiling. I immediatley started scowling (consentrating) as I could not figure out how I knew her. She did not break eye contact, and came straight at me. Very disconcerting! Anyway, she took my hand in both hers, looked me bang in the eyes and said " don't worry, it is just what I do. I smile and say hello." It has stayed with me. The most idiosyncratic encounter of my life, goofy as hell and bloody wonderful! She made a change in me.

I have a walk every day (sometimes short, sometimes long) with the agreement that I will find something lovely on every walk. Not amazing, not insightful, not world changing, just lovely.

Read poetry.

And listen to this:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fslvd1

Biggest thing: my dogs. Ear kisses in the morning (aka tongue in ear) just brightens up my day. Ditto at night when they rest their heads on my chest. It reminds me that I am their whole world; and no matter what else happens, I will always have their love!

Smaller thing: a good coffee at an independent coffee shop. The combined benefit of supporting an independent business and coffee. Even if the coffee is bad, I have done something good by supporting independent!

I am sensing a common theme amongst posts though: PETS!

Off the top of my head....First cup of tea in the morning
cuddles with my cat 🙂
snuggling under blanket to watch latest drama/documentary I'm hooked on
podcasts
music
looking at the changes outside whether it be in garden or just when out and about.

What a lovely thread. Really enjoying reading everyone's responses to OP

Oh and getting into bed at night with our new fleecy sheet

List writing I find it frees my mind. Even if its boring like

• post office - kids hair wash day- wash bedding etc

Chocolate

@Thejewellershands Thank you, I needed this thread.

Getting into bed with a new duvet someone just gave me.
First cup of coffee.
A vodka and tonic and something good on iplayer.
Chatting to teen DD. She is wonderful.
My black cat.
Searching for recipes and cooking. Good cooking programmes!

Number 1 - a well fitting bra.
Morning coffee and journaling in a cafe before work (no crazy early starts any more)
Fresh daffodils in January and February
Walk commute
Sensuality of handwriting
Contact with the wider world through social media

Of course don’t take the big things for granted:
I am safe in my bed
I have excellent health
I am financially secure
I am literate

The small things are a luxury in this context

Thank you op, I'm feeling down myself so it is nice to think of some positives. This is mine:

Early morning before the world wakes up. (This is rare as dcs usually wake up if they hear one creek on thr stairs!!)

Morning coffee. Sweet treat to go with said coffee on special occasions.

Having an afternoon cup of tea and a biscuit.

Being curled up on the sofa watching a good movie/series with takeaway. I always cook so these rare occasions feel like such a treat.

Having a relaxing bath with "posh" bubble bath/salts.

Cosy candles and lights on in the evening, wearing comfortable pjs/dressing gown.

Seeing my dcs smile, and hearing them laugh.

DC1'S hugs & dc2's kisses.

DC1 telling me he loves me (he is SEN so this means the world to me). He wasn't affectionate as a baby.

Getting into clean just changed bed.

.

Buying cut flowers every now and then cheers me up

Using a nice body lotion after bathing

Youtube relaxation/guided meditation videos - sometimes they help me get to sleep, sometimes I just like to listen to them as a treat

Thanks so much for this podcast recommendation, sounds right up my street!

Great thread OP and I hope you feel better soon.

I was also getting overwhelmed with problems with my dd and I also started to notice pleasure in simple things -

No matter how bad the day has been, I spend every night in a warm cosy bed next to my husband who I love very much.

Comedy - me and Dh laugh a lot. We watch one episode of a comedy most nights before bed. We like going to stand up comedy too.

Food - coffee and cake on my own in a nice cafe

Stroking my cat and listening to her purr.

New clothes!

Reminding myself that even though my youngest dd has problems currently (that will pass), my older daughters are happy and healthy and lovely people

Oh yes podcasts! I love the Wittering Whitehalls and also Mel Robbins for her fantastic advice

I have fruit, granola and then good coffee in the morning. But best of all, I allow myself some good dark chocolate with the coffee. Before this I do a YouTube yoga session. First thing after getting up, then the breakfast is my treat. I don't think about the yoga - just get on and do it, and it's paid dividends in my posture, etc.

@Mrsflood
Could l private message you?
(Sorry OP for jumping on your thread).
7 months ago l got this teeny tiny kitten .. thought was a Queen.. he's a Tom..
Though normal moggy.. he's absolutely huge.. big furry tale.. furry ears.. Black n white cat.
Would you beable tell if l sent a photo if he's got main coon in him?
My Grandson who is a cat expert on all things cat .. says he has.

Yes that's fine Moier though I don't think you can PM photos. He's our first Maine Coon and only 1, one sign is the ear tufts and another is the trilling noise as well as the huge fluffy tail and paws. .

If you want some mindfulness, just stepping outside, listening to the birds, watching the spring bulbs grow, looking at the birds or even an aeroplane in the sky.

Other things for me, my cats, my morning coffee with a biscuit, a walk (say hello to someone if you don't see many people in the day), favourite meal and as you say, getting cosy with a book. Trying to be grateful for what I've got, whether it's my home, family member or friend, job.

Hope you feel better in yourself soon, OP.

Ear tufts

Going to the library and choosing a book. All free!

Tea, my cat, chat on the phone with my mum/a friend, decluttering or getting rid of stuff, sunshine, a walk, nature, birds, the sky, fresh air, getting little jobs done that feel good to have ticked off the list, a smile from a stranger...and most of all my son's smile or a hug

This video of a MC has the noises they make and they are very chatty, it's half the day.