This is a list of all the things I consider to be “simple” and “joyful”. Items will be added continuously as I think of them. There are many lists like this out there; this idea is no way original, but nonetheless, I hope some of the items cause you to smile. Feel free to leave your own “simple joys”.
Note: I refrained from calling the list “simple pleasures”, because the word “pleasure” isn’t necessarily appropriate in this case in my opinion.
- The radio playing one of your favourite songs.
- Getting a ‘green arrow’ while driving.
- Brushing your teeth after you take a shower.
- Going to bed with clean sheets.
- Using a new eraser.
- Being the first to make footprints after a recent snowfall.
- Folding a piece of paper in half so the ends meet exactly.
- Paying for something with exact change.
- Making finger-drawings on fogged glass.
- Clean socks.
- Exchanging looks with a friend and knowing exactly what they’re thinking.
- Sharing a genuine smile with a stranger.
- Using a new bar of soap.
- Staying in hotel rooms.
- Writing on a clean sheet of loose-leaf.
- Foam soap.
- Pretending you own one of the displays in IKEA.
- 25 cent candies.
- Hoarfrost on trees.
- Being able to slip on shoes without untying them.
- Stationary aisles/stores.
- Getting mail.
- Rain.
- Talking into a fan.
- Black-and-white photographs.
- Ancient, ratty-looking books.
- Cool restaurant faucets.
- Walking on tiled floor so that your feet stay perfectly inside the tiles.
- Coiled notebooks.
- Unexpected compliments from unexpected people.
- Finding the perfect word to express what you’re feeling.
- Looking up at the clock right when it hits the hour.
- Blowing out candles.
- Doodling in the margin of your paper.
- The first sunny day after a long week of gloomy grey.
