Happy is an overused, general term to describe a feeling that can’t possibly be put into words. Everyone perceives the emotion differently, and various things bring this so-called happiness into their lives. Many people view happiness as one big picture when it is actually more of a mosaic. Just like how the small pieces of a mosaic fit together to create the big picture, happiness is built up of seemingly insignificant pieces of happy that come from the special moments of everyday life. People are always searching for happiness, sometimes overlooking the small moments and pieces that create the big picture.

So, to show you how ordinary the pieces of happy can be, these are 10 of the little things in life that make me happy.

1. Cloudless, sunny days.
I’m talking about those days where the sky is the perfect hue of blue, the sun is shining, and there’s a perfect breeze that puts your mood somewhere on the broad spectrum between “Let’s lay in the grass, and do nothing all day” and “I want to run around like a child and never stop.”

2. Chipotle.
Ordering a burrito at Chipotle is comparable to raising a child — just like seeing your kid mature, you watch your burrito grow every step of the assembly line. Building your masterpiece and taking that first bite (the child metaphor obviously ends here) is honestly a religious experience. They say money can’t buy happiness, but it obviously buys Chipotle burritos, which is pretty damn close.

3. School spirit.
There is nothing like the overwhelming passion and love you feel when surrounded by thousands of people who all share a strong love for the school you proudly attend. From a simple school cheer to an arena filled with people screaming and rooting for your team, the sense of belonging to something big is indescribably good.

4. Dogs in cars.
Suns out, tongues out. There’s just something oddly satisfying about seeing a dog enjoying a car ride with the windows down and their mouth open, ears flopping in the wind.

5. My hometown.
Every time I see someone wearing a red shirt, I find myself weirdly optimistic that it's a STL Cardinals shirt, even though that's extremely unlikely. The sense of comfort you feel when reminded of your hometown is pretty unique to itself, and being away from home has made me realize how proud I am to say I’m a Saint Louisan. Whenever somebody asks me where I’m from, brings it up in a conversation or even asks “Umm, where is that?” my heart does a little happy dance and my interest level spikes up about 300 percent.

6. My bed.
At the end of the day, what is always there to welcome you regardless of how good or bad your day went? Your bed. Honestly, my bed is my best friend, comfort zone and safe haven all at the same time. Seriously rare to find an inanimate object with these qualities — definitely a keeper.

7. Nice views.
A nice view doesn't have to be a picture perfect sunset overlooking the beach or a view from the top of a majestic mountain. Every morning, I look out the window of my seventh floor dorm room and feel a rush satisfaction. Something about how the sunrise illuminates off of the buildings in the morning or the overlook of Providence makes getting up early for classes not half as bad.

8. Babies (!!!!!!).
And by that, I do not discriminate. Human babies, animal babies, I ain’t got no type. If a sleeping baby with their chubby cheeks and little tiny hands or a small pup who can’t walk without wobbling over doesn’t fill you with that warm fuzzy feeling, you’re seriously missing out. I mean, they can even make grown men make those weird “baby talk” noises. Impressive.

9. Hugs.
There is something special about a hug that is hard to explain, yet easy to understand. Regardless of the type (bear hug, tight hug, one shoulder hug, the extremely big height difference hug, awkward rigid hug, et cetera), they give off a warm, friendly vibe and brighten my day. Plus, apparently hugging is good for the heart, so I guess if you’re looking to be healthier but are too lazy to exercise, this seems like an equally efficient substitute.

10. True love.
From an old couple grocery shopping together, young lovers on a romantic date or a family of four happily picnicking at a park, the list of sweet moments that reflect true love could go on and on. Just watching families or lovebirds interact (that sounds creepy, but no worries. It’s not like I pull out my binoculars and watch them from a window) is heartwarmingly beautiful.

Whether it’s your pet hedgehog, a favorite pair of underwear, a strange guilty pleasure or a special place, happiness comes in all shapes and sizes. Pay attention and appreciate what makes you happy because even the smallest things that make you crack a smile contribute to your overall well being. The little things do matter, and when you begin to notice and cherish these moments, you might find yourself feeling a little less pessimistic and a little bit more like Pharrell.