Life isn’t easy, it’s not a walk in the park nor does it smell like roses. It’s hard, and if you want to be successful you have to work hard, climb mountains, and fight battles where the odds are stacked against you.

In the midst of these trials and tribulations, you have to be thankful for the little things. It really is the little things in life that you keep smiling and remind you to enjoy life.

1. Nature

This world is full of beautiful things and we don’t take enough time to appreciate the beauty of this earth.

Grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and sit outside and take in the serenity that is given off by nature. I find inner contentment by looking at flowers, is that weird?

God put so many things on this earth for us to appreciate, the least we could do is look at the little things.

2. When someone surprises you with your favorite candy

I don’t know what else to say, name a better gesture, I’m waiting. You can’t find one because who doesn’t love getting their favorite candy? No one. Yes, peanut M&M's are my fav.

3. A warm smile

Scenario: you’re walking to class, and you look up and see a stranger. You make eye contact and that stranger smiles at you, teeth and all. This smile reminds you that there is still good in this world.

In a world full of hate, a warm smile is something rare. It’s little things as simple as a smile to make your day.

4. Silence

This is something that I enjoy too much, a room full of silence puts my soul at peace. Having a hectic life can often overwhelm people and all they really need is some peace and quiet.

Enjoy the small things and sit in a room of silence to regain your sanity. Sometimes it’s good to hear yourself think.

5. A phone call

Not just any phone call, a phone call from a grandparent. Everyone has that one grandparent that calls you to tell you that they’re praying for you.

Honestly, I couldn’t appreciate this more, not because I need lots of prayers (I do) but because someone is thinking of me and my well-being. This puts a smile on my face every time. It’s the little things.

6. A text message

An encouraging text as your day just begins can always set the stage for a good day, whether it be from your significant other or your best friend.

A text to tell you to have a good day and to remind you that you’re loved is always a good text.

7. Clean sheets

This is probably one of the simplest things in life but it’s so euphoric.

Especially if you’re a girl and have those “freshly shaved legs”, clean sheets are always a move.

They smell good, they feel good, I mean it’s like our brains are tricked into automatic happiness. Little things as small as clean sheets, enjoy it.

8. A new tube of mascara, or any new makeup

Opening up a new tube of your favorite mascara has to be one of the most satisfying things in the world.

Along with new blush, a new eyeshadow palette, a fresh tube of lipstick, oh and even a new bottle of hairspray. A new tube or bottle of anything is just satisfying.

9. Not having to press "skip" when your playlist is on shuffle

You’re working out or driving down the road and you’re in need of a good jam session, so you shuffle your playlist, and every song you hear is a banger.

What else can you ask for? I can’t think of anything. It’s the little things, I’m telling ya.

10. Sunsets

This should go under nature, but sunsets are so beautiful and unique that they deserve their own category.

God is a painter, he paints our evening skies with reds, oranges, pinks, and blues and it’s the most peaceful and most satisfying thing to witness. Ever.

It’s the little things in life that matter most, it’s the things that stick out to you and leave you with inner happiness.

After I began to appreciate the small things, I began to become happy from within. I challenge you to find the little things in life because, at the end of the day, all that matters is your happiness. So find it.