Here are some simple joys that make me happy

List 30 things that make you happy.

These are no doubt completely dull and boring to others. However, they serve as a potent reminder to myself all of the various humble pleasures of a simple and joyful life. For the dark times when I can’t see a positive world or can’t see a way through a situation – this list is an emissaryto my future self. If you have some of your own then would love to hear about them. My list:

Sharp pencils and a lot of puzzles to complete.

Speaking to friends either in person or on the phone.  🤗

Having cuddles with my partner.🫂

Cold but sunny days and walking along the beach. ⛱️

The first blooms of spring poking their heads through after a long and cold winter. 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹 🏵 🌼

A tsundoku or a pile of intriguing books not yet read. ✨️ 📚

Listening to music that makes me feel energised and want to dance. 🎶 🎵 💃

Making healthy food easily and quickly using my air fryer. 🙌  😋 😍

Stretching in the morning after spending the previous day walking. 🚶‍♀️ 🚶‍♂️

Getting out of bed on a sunny day on the weekend and realising I can do whatever the hell I want, including just staying in my dressing gown.  😴 💤

Making and then eating cookies of cakes when they are warm and straight out of the oven. 🍪 🥮 🥞

Going to my favourite restaurant and having a delicious vegan meal with a close friend. 🥦 🥕 🍕

Seeing and petting dogs and cats on the street 🐕  🐈

Feeding local wildlife from my balcony and seeing them all excited in anticipation of food 😍

Jumping into the ice cold ocean on a hot day. 🌊

Doing online animal advocacy.  🐘   🐒 🦜

Recalling excellent times in my youth of going out to raves and dancing all night while listening to acid techno and trance with a friend who was there with me and remembers too. 🎶 🎵 💿

Cycling along the beach and seeing a fiery sunset along the way. ⛱️ 🏖 

Reading about ancient history.

Smelling flowers in bloom in the park and in florist shops. 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹 🏵

Engaging in forest bathing of Shinrinyoku in botanical gardens. 🪴 🌱 🌿 🌾 🌵

Finding second hand books and curios in op-shops. 📚 🤓

Visiting craft markets and buying art by the original makers 🎨 ✨️

Becoming immersed into a documentary series or bingeable TV show. 📺 🖥

Making sweet potato fries in my air fryer as an accompaniment to the TV show. 🍠

Finding and mixing aromatic essential oils and burning them to release the good vibes into a room. Fire 🎆 🔥

Creating my own face masks, skin cleansers and moisturisers from pantry ingredients. 🧼

Reading tarot and affirmation cards