How we choose to look at life has a major impact on how we go about living it. Through the ups and downs we all have a choice to either dwell on the things that are out of our control or take a moment to pause and look around... to admire the blessings in our life, to take a deep breath in and appreciate even the seemingly small things that can always make us smile despite circumstances. We live a life where happiness isn't promised but joy is always a possibility and if we're willing to enter an open-minded mindset to what the Lord has surrounded us with, that's when things can start to change. Taking in each moment with raised eyes and hopeful thoughts and enjoying the little joys He has placed in our life.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 15:13

25 little joys in day to day life:

1. The smell of freshly brewed coffee . . . anytime, anywhere.

2. Along with that, the sound of the Keurig making its magic juice.

3. God's beautiful masterpieces within the sky each morning and evening. Not one of the sunrises or sunsets He paints is ever the same and is something that always leaves me in complete awe.

4. Fuzzy socks. Enough said.

5. Getting the mail. Even if its just an ad with your name on it, its one of the most exciting things.

6. Watching the world out the window -- whether its people watching or changes of the day, it can all be so peaceful to watch and take it all in

7. Clean sheets -- after a long day there is nothing better than jumping into bed with the soothing feeling of those cool sheets on your skin.

8. Having a puppy fall asleep on your lap.

9. The sound of laughter -- isn't it so neat how without even looking you can know who's laugh is who's; that we were all created with this distinct and unique sound specific to each of us that can express joy and happiness

10. Popping bubble wrap. Admit it, you love it.

11. Getting into the car and your favorite song is playing!

12. Seeing small acts of kindness -- whether they know you saw them or not, it's such an uplifting thing to see others showing love and kindness to strangers.

13. Perfectly timed scripture. Isn't it just amazing when somehow a verse or part of scripture pops up in your face, and its EXACTLY what you needed to hear?!

14. A smile, such a simple thing reveals so much and is beyond contagious.

15. Dancing, despite the looks and whispers its something that is totally appropriate whenever and where ever.

16. Putting on a shirt straight out of the dryer. That warmth though!

17. A turkey sandwich from Subway. Don't know why and don't know how but Subway never fails to make a day better

18. Running into an old friend you haven't seen in years.

19. The warmth of the sun on your skin.

20. When a child randomly waves at you or runs up to you to say "hi." It literally melts my heart and leaves me smiling all day.

21. Night swims under the stars. Nothing better, especially on those hot summer nights.

22. The smell of rain, especially here in Arizona where this occasion happens so rarely.

23. Going to the gym and having a great sweat; even better, when no one is there and you get the whole place to yourself.

24. Receiving a handwritten note or letter. There's just something about getting to physically hold someones words in your hand that were meaningfully written out specifically for you.

25. Seemingly small 'coincidences' -- with God there is no such thing as coincidences, just merely His hand at work within your life, Him revealing Himself to us in the most unpredictable and unexpected ways. When He reveals this to me and others, I cant help but smile and feel overwhelmed by the joy He truly provides.

What are the little joys in your life? Even just taking a moment to think about this question can truly change your attitude and mindset towards your circumstances and outlook on life. Take it all in and enjoy those little things. Those moments that maybe some of us may over look yet hold so much value to you, those little joys that place a smile on your face and that are cherished in your heart.

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our life our lives, but has everything to do with the focus of our lives"- Russel M. Nelson