To really revel in small joys?

[LovelyTheresa]

This is a gratitude thread, to counteract all the doom and gloom and depressing news stories. My small joys are as follows

Spring Flowers, daffs in particular
That beautiful grey blue shade that the sky turns after it has been raining
My wood fire, bliss
Cats
Easter eggs
Superga trainers: the most stylish and comfortable
Netflix
Cracking open a really satisfying novel, especially a crime novel
Fresh bedlinen
Home baking
The smell of coffee brewing
Anticipation of summer holidays
Nail polish
Making a really good playlist (I am very very good at that, my playlists are always highly in demand at parties)
Real tea, made with leaves not bags, in a teapot
Spicy pasta
Coffee eclairs
Good perfume
Long walks in the park
Bay windows with stained glass
Cashmere jumpers in pastel colours

Magnolia trees right now

The perfume of blue hyacinths.

The sound of a bottle of wine opening after a really long day.

Hearing kids playing outside in summer

Smell of rain on grass

just off the top of my head but this post has really made me think of the small day to day joys that can be missed in total chaos so thank you for the reminder to keep an eye for them:)

The stars on a clear, crisp night.

Cuddling up with my kids on the sofa watching a film.

( Actually that’s a big joy! 🙂)

Warm breezy days, pottering about listening to the chickens chirping in the garden and home made cake bath and clean pjs

A new bar of soap.

Laying Places at the table for those who have been away (I understand and am there with people for whom the missing places will be forever absent, but I also find pleasure in laying a place for DD2 when she returns from uni)

Getting into fresh bed linens with a new book to read.

The smell of lily of the valley as I come home from a walk

Sight of the first bluebells.

Easter egg hunts.

Baking Simnel cake with the children

Blossom

The smell of the woods at the moment, and the sound of the birds.

Spring on its way
Light skies when I finish work at 6pm
cuddles from my pets

The moon - so bright tonight

This, and the forsythia too.
Good friends.
Elasticated waistbands.
My darling loved ones.
Marks and Spencer's marzipan balls and the fact I can afford them.

Hot tea and dunkable biscuits.
A blanket on my lap.

I'm finding this thread such a balm when I'm struggling with awful pregnancy sickness!

Sound of the birds when I let the dog out first thing in the morning.
Feeling of fresh sheets when you first slip into bed.
Not yet - but soon, the taste of properly ripe, in-season strawberries.
Starting a fresh tube of toothpaste.
Having an excuse to use my favourite, extra-special French cheese plates, which were gifted to me by a dear friend.

The birds singing.
The smell of freshly cut grass.
A really good cup of tea.
Fresh bread.
Mature cheddar.

Love this thread and love every single thing on your initial list OP.

I love:

the smell and feel of the early morning air when I go out to fill the bird feeders first thing. Whether it's frosty or rainy or mild, it's lovely to get that first feel for the day ahead.

brewing fresh coffee in the morning with frothy milk, sprinkled with cinnamon

watching the birds on the feeders from the robins and great tits to the red-tailed woodpecker and goldfinches

all the blossom in the streets - magnolias and cherry, camellias and quince

a beautifully decorated new notebook

watching dogs look overjoyed at finding a stick or catching a ball or seeing another dog

the feeling you get after a tough weight training class

a deep hot bath, with a good book and rose oil bubbles

I am so glad to have found like minded people! I love all of your small joys. It is when I look at those tiny little things that I am reminded that it is a beautiful world which we were put on to enjoy.

Oh, I hope you feel better soon! I have never been pregnant but I am prone to nasuea and it is the absolute worst.

Blossom.
Magnolias.
Those weird fronds thrown up by ferns.
Seedlings.
Walking the dog without wearing a duvet coat.

Yes! - followed by the realisation I've been missing them for months

I often take joy from the little things.

You can train yourself into it, or remind yourself to when you’re a bit low. It gives a positive mindset and optimists live longer

I completely agree. I wasn't aware of the stat that optimists live longer, but it makes sense, when you think about it. If you are always down and miserable, that wears out the body as well as the spirit.

Seeing a rainbow, when I'm driving, always cheers me up. Hearing kids in the school yard. Seeing dogs racing around playing. Walking in the woods - if I see a squirrel or a deer, I'm made up for the day.

Beautiful thread.
My puppy playing with her toys.
Watching the rescue hens enjoying free ranging.
The spectacular bird song at this time of year.
My scented candles
My handcream
Cosy fire each evening
The daffodils replacing the amazing crocuses and snowdrops.

Watching the joy on my dogs face when I call her and she runs towards me on a walk
Settling down for the night and hearing rain
Laying on the sofa and dozing off
The smell of horses
Hearing a song I love
Hugs from my daughter

Those first few Friday evenings when spring has spring, coming home from work and enjoying a glass of something lovely in the garden.

The first bite of a roast beef dinner.

Those rare days off with no small people when I can please myself for a few hours.

Pottering in the garden, readying for summer.