All too often, the little things in life can go overlooked. Life is so full of distractions nowadays, and it seems like an overwhelming majority of Americans have their eyes constantly glued to a screen. This is why I started my Little Things list. Loosely based off of the book "14,000 Things to Be Happy About", my list features over 300 (and counting) things to be joyful about in life. Here are a few of my favorites to keep you smiling throughout the day ahead:
1. The view from an airplane window
2. Oddly shaped clouds
3. Unconventionally colored Christmas lights
4. Keeping something to yourself
5. Tearing the wrapping paper off of a gift
6. Steam rising from a pot and warming your face
7. Book dedications
8. Friends gathered around a fire
9. The overwhelming urge to write
10. Comfortable silence
11. Beach sunsets
12. Discovering a shared interest with someone unexpected
13. Getting a math problem correct on the first try
14. The smell of old books
15. Watching reunited couples at an airport
16. Purring cats
17. The smell of a coffee shop
18. Cluttered antique stores
19. Reading a book by a cold windowsill
20. The lingering moment between dreaming and coherence
21. Old childhood videos
22. Complimenting yourself in the mirror
23. Watching life pass by through a window
24. The smell of winter in the air
25. Sleeping in your own bed after a long trip
26. Family bonding over a game of cards
27. A completed puzzle
28. Being woken up by the sun
29. Unexpected run-ins
30. The smell of the ocean in your hair
31. A perfect fit
32. Finding a good bargain while shopping
33. An armful of warm laundry
34. A dog discovering snow
35. Fireworks
36. Trying out a new recipe
37. The first fireflies of the summer
38. Perfect climbing trees
39. The endless possibilities of a new year
40. Bubble wrap
41. Finding a book’s excerpt in context
42. A good, heated debate over something you are passionate about
43. Smiley faces on fogged up window panes
44. Writing down an idea so you don’t forget it in the morning
45. Saying “I love you” and meaning it
46. Familiarity
47. Younger children that look up to you
48. Finding a message left in the sand
49. A lucky guess
50. The first star of the evening
Life is full of little things that can bring happiness. Open your eyes and look for them.
