Joy: a state of happiness and a cause of delight.

The simplest things in life can cause somebody happiness and joy. Breathing fresh air, watching the sunrise, listening to running water (my personal favorite), or even planting your first small garden. Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Here are 36 things that bring me, my friends, and my family endless joy:

1. A handwritten note from somebody special.

2. Hearing a champagne bottle popping.

3. The fresh outdoors smell of a Christmas tree.

4. Receiving a handful of balloons for a birthday or celebration.

5. Eating a fortune cookie and receiving an uplifting fortune.

6. Turning on the radio and having a favorite song playing.

7. Rolling the top down in a convertible and having the sun shining above you.

8. Receiving a compliment from a stranger when you least expect it.

9. Putting fresh flowers such as roses or sunflowers in a vase.

10. Finding a penny and tossing it into a fountain to make a wish.

11. Making a snow angel and jumping in the snow for the first time.

12. Rainy afternoons that are good for nothing but relaxing.

13. Packing up the car and going on a long but needed road trip.

14. Enjoying the stars in the night sky while being outdoors.

15. Walking out onto the balcony in a hotel room and seeing a breathtaking view.

16. Seeing somebody else with a smile on their face.

17. Gazing at a full moon at night from the beach.

18. Snuggling up into a blanket that is fresh out of the dryer.

19. Opening all of the doors and windows because of a cool breeze.

20. Picking up and looking through photographs that were just developed.

21. Receiving a handwritten card through the mail.

22. Scratching a lottery ticket and thinking that it could possibly be a winning ticket.

23. Smushing a marshmallow and chocolate between a graham cracker while sitting by a bonfire.

24. Blowing bubbles and watching them float throughout the sky.

25. Walking on the sand and having the ocean wash onto your feet.

As I said before, this list was compiled of everything I thought of and what my family and friends told me. These experiences are unique, special, but also something that many can relate to.

People are so busy these days, they forget to smile at the little things. All of these little joys remind me of when you were a child and smiled at about everything because you didn’t worry about the big things.

When life gets crazy, don't forget to smile and appreciate the little pleasures.