*BEEEEP* your alarm clock abruptly rings at 6:00 am for the fifth time this week, the umpteenth time of your career. Begrudgingly, you maneuver off your mattress to make your coffee, commute to work, and whether it’s a good day or bad day at work, it doesn’t really matter. They’ve all started to fade together and you’ve realized the years have slipped through your fingertips. Welcome to your life.
Waiting for the weekends, waiting for the holidays, waiting for summer break, it can seem as if life is a series of waiting. Waiting for a raise, waiting to pay off your loan, waiting for good weather. It can all seem a bit, monotonous—you’ve been through this before. So if life is a continuous series of passing go and collecting $200 (monopoly ref), why can’t we seem to enjoy more of it?
For starters, we are constantly conditioned through social media and advertising to never be happy with what we have. If we could just have this new iPhone, headset, car, jacket, you name it, our lives would be *perfect.* Hopelessly, whenever we acquire that new thing, we go back to wanting the next new thing. With this in mind, how can we resolve what we truly desire while being happy with what we have?
The funny thing is, what if I told you that you already have everything you desire? It’s all right there in front of you. I’ll share a quote I came across on LinkedIn today:
“Your terrible job is the dream of the unemployed.
Your house is the dream of the homeless.
Your health is the dream of the ill.
Your lifestyle is the dream of somebody else.
Don’t let difficult times make you forget your blessings.”
Unknown source
Sunrises, that perfect sip of coffee, noticing someone’s genuine smile when you enter the room—there is so much beauty and opportunity in every day we can get used to taking it for granted. The goal is to enjoy each day you are given to the fullest, because you never know when it may be your last. There is no reason we can’t enjoy every day. Sure, there will be bad moments, but there is at least some good in every day. Simple pleasures are the key to enjoying the repetition of life. Don’t let your life slip away by waiting for something that may never even come. To experience joy and happiness in each day is a way to show gratitude for the gracious gift of a day you were given. Learn to love the repetition of life by enjoying small things that bring you joy every day.
With all my emphasis on simple pleasures, I am not negating hard work, which is paramount to achieve your goals. But try looking at hard work as a blessing, not as a chore. You owe it to yourself to work hard and achieve all your ambitions. I’ve realized that life is an elegant equanimity of pushing myself to be better with being content with where I am. In other words, work hard, play hard(er).
So what are some simple pleasures you do to enjoy every last ounce of life? Share them in the comments below and we can get ideas of what others do as well!
Here are some simple daily pleasures (minimum effort+minimum cost) I do throughout my week:
- Finding a new song I love
- Enjoying my favorite cup of peppermint tea
- Making a homemade dinner for my family
- Trying out new vegetarian recipes
- Meeting a new friend
- Eating dessert first
- Spending a couple hours writing in a quaint cafe
- Crushing a hard workout
- Rock climbing a new route
- Noticing something I’ve never noticed that I pass every day
- Re-reading passages of my favorite book (A Little Larger Than the Entire Universe by Fernando Pessoa)
- Finding a new book I can’t wait to read
- Homemade pancakes on the weekend (beet pancakes are the best!)
- Wearing my favorite outfit
- Wearing pajamas all day
- Daily morning vinyasa yoga practice
- Taking artistic photos
- Doing a face mask
- Taking a long, hot shower
- Going to bed early
- Watching a show of my favorite stand-up comedian
- Reading a book or watching a documentary about my favorite animal (wolves are the best)
- Going on a hike to relax in nature
- Spending quality time with my pet—a friend’s pet works too 😉
- Catching up with my best friend
- Watching a movie with friends and/or family
P.S. The featured photo is one of me as a little girl cerca 2000, a tribute to finding joy in the simple things, as children so naturally and so beautifully do. Namaste!
For ideas surrounding the struggles we face making decisions, read my blog called “The Paralysis of ‘I Don’t Know'” found at: https://wiseandshinezine.com/2020/03/10/the-paralysis-of-i-dont-know/
My personal blog can be found here: http://www.poemsandprose.travel.blog
I enjoyed reading your post
Thank you Zarah! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
So very true, but we can forget sometimes. I also find joy in a good book, writing, and my dog. Some that I could add are: singing in the car, dancing in the kitchen, and complimenting someone to make them smile.
I totally relate to all your simple pleasures, even dancing even though I’m no good but love it anyways! Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures and for reading 🙂 Ellen <3
It is easy to forget how fortunate we are when everything we have is readily available, but if we give a thought to the less fortune we will learn to appreciate what we have and live everyday with gratitude. Loved the article and the quote.
Stay blessed
Thanks for your inspiring comment, I can completely relate. Volunteering always helps me gain perspective, feel connected to my purpose, and appreciate life. Thanks for reading! Ellen
I really enjoyed your post, my simple pleasures are eating sweets, blogging, and reading!
Thank you so much for your support and sharing your simple pleasures! I can agree I love those simple pleasures as well, I always have room for dessert! haha
Some of my simple pleasures: Finishing a book, putting the laundry away, watching a corny Hallmark movie, and being an encouragement to someone. I enjoyed your perspective!
Lorie, totally relate to your simple pleasures! For some reason I am always starting more books than I am finishing, but the effort is there! Also love being an encouragement to someone. Spreading light simply brings more light back into your life as well!
My daughter shouting “Daddy” when I walk in the door from work.
My other daughter shouting “Daddy” when I walk in the door from work too. 😊
I can imagine the joy it brings to you hearing that. I remember anxiously awaiting my parents to get home from work too and being so excited when I heard the garage door open. I try to never lose those pure, yet simple, bursts of joys kids are so great at having. Keep us young!
I actually live the monotony of life. I’ve said many times that the best days are uneventful. There’s just so MUCH now. It’s exhausting. I take comfort and refuge in our routine. Routine is becoming a lost commodity. Reading the news in the morning. Our power walk around the lake on Sundays. Watching Big Bang Theory episodes for the 100th time (knowing all the dialogue and yet it’s still hilarious), my cup of chamomile tea with honey and lemon every night … too many to enumerate. All things to fall into every day and night that wash all that other STUFF away.
I completely relate to you in the aspect of so much stuff nowadays too. I feel like we are completely inundated with so much nowadays it can be hard to focus on what matters. The past 4 years of my life were filled with so many new experiences, excursions, and once-in-a-life-time opportunities I really missed the stability of a routine. Now, I feel more grounded and connected to myself after finding and thriving in a routine. I love the “monotony” of life as well! Thanks for sharing I couldn’t agree more.
Great post. We take so much for granted sometimes. all I need to do is watch any of my grandchildren smile or hear them giggle intensely to make me feel alive and well. I will never tire of the love my family has bestowed upon me. Thanks for stopping by Poemattic. I appreciate your posts.
The way children value the simple things in life is truly beautiful and something we shouldn’t let leave us with age. And reminiscing in the love of your family the greatest gift of them all. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your comment. I love to hear what others are thinking.
There are so many things we can fo to make our days fuller, a lot are even free. I really like finding a new song each day. Face masks are nice and relaxing. I tend to keep several different masks at home. I also wore my pajamas all day yesterday.
Great post!
Hi Kristin, I totally relate with you! New music, face masks, and relaxing all day in pajamas are great ways to relax and enjoy the sweet stuff in life. Thanks for sharing some of your simple pleasures and I wish you the best! Ellen
So true. If you don’t appreciate what you have, you’ll never be satified with what you acquire. Most of us are so lucky and blessed compared to many others.
Hi Parker, I love that mindset and it’s what I can attribute a lot of my gratitude and appreciation of life to, which results in a happier me. Thanks for sharing and best wishes! Ellen
All it takes is acceptance and a courage to quit and change everything and start over again if the first one i.e acceptance does not work..
It’s only my view though
Thanks for your support and for sharing your views!
I love your line “elegant equanimity.” Great word play!
Thank you so much Tanya! I truly put so much into my writing and it pays off to have someone else appreciate the little things I incorporate into my writings 🙂 Thank you!! Ellen <3
i am new in this app and trying to write something but your post was amazing and i really enjoy and felt what you wrote😍
Thanks so much for your support and for reading. I am glad I could inspire you a bit and am excited to see what you write! Ellen
I have noticed that my the quality of my life has improved greatly since I decided years ago to live life in the present moment savoring each moment.
Liliane
Hi Liliane, this is wonderful and I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve been trying to focus on living in the present too, but I find it difficult at times. What have you found that helps you live in the present moment? Best, Ellen
I practice yoga and meditation regularly and am mindful during the day without stressing about it.
I practice yoga and meditation too but some days I still get caught up either living in the future or the past…
Love your simple pleasures list. I think as humans we; we forget how lucky we are and who we have around us in our lives and what they mean to us. I have recently started to try and really ‘see’ people and ‘listen’ to them too.
Such a beautiful reminder! Unfortunately it’s very easy to take the people we love and who are important to us for granted in our lives. Thank you for the inspiration 🙂 Ellen
I agree. But, I wonder if people have always felt like this, before social media. I’m almost sure they have.
I’m sure they have as social media isn’t the sole cause of this epidemic. The good thing remains that the cure lies within yourself! Thanks for commenting, ~EJ
Isn’t it wonderful how the quote you found on LinkedIn by an unknown source helped you express your inspiring thoughts and put out a great article.. Keep up the good work and share with all of us.
Hi Barb, yes I do love how that quote inspired me to share something positive with my wordpress community and am forever grateful to the ears open to hearing what I have to say. Thanks for reading and for your support 🙂 ~Ellen
People need to read stuff like this every day. It’s very practical, so true.
And I Love this statement ——-> “I’ve realized that life is an elegant equanimity of pushing myself to be better with being content with where I am. In other words, work hard, play hard(er).”
Thank you so much for your comment. To be able to positively impact my readers’s lives and hopefully bring some inspiration to them fulfills me beyond what I can put into words. Thank you for your support <3 Ellen
I love to wake up in the morning and just Smile and Breathe in that sweet air of Love, as though there were not a single worry in the world, then I pray and then I am ready for the day!
I love your routine! Truly inspirational and beautifully put, breathing as if there’s not a single worry in the world. I love to see this positivity and hope you never lose it!
As humans, we do tend to forget the blessings in life and I feel like this has caused more people depression. I enjoyed your reading! Nice work!
Sadly that is the case we can find ourselves in more often than necessary, but the good news is that the cure lies within ourselves. To remember to live in the moment by accepting things as they are and practice gratitude everyday help us combat the second nature of always wanting more and never being content. Thank you for your comment and support ! <3 Ellen
I really can relate to your thoughts. Seems quite unique , Even though older than you or we are at different times in our lives, the reflections are quite similar .
Thanks for reading my blog- https://keepitschool.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/apple-seeds-thoughts-for-teachers-and-friends-march-6/.
I hope you’ll follow or share.
I believe we have similar views on mindfulness which should never be taken for granted no matter how easily it may be at times. And age has little to do with the ability to want to open your mind and stretch your thoughts 🙂 Thank you for your support, I followed your blog and am excited to read more of your posts. ~Ellen
Beautiful post.
These are such lovely things. Thanks for sharing.
–
Love Alexa,
https://AlexaJade.co.uk
Hi Alexa, thanks so much for your support and most importantly for reading! Wishing you the best, Ellen <3
Thank you for the like. So appreciate it. Have a blessed day
Thank you for reading and for your support! Hope you have an amazing day and live it to its fullest potential! ~<3E
Love the little things you do every day 🥰 Also your writing style is amazing!
Would be glad if you check my blog and share your feedback
https://mahimajalan.wordpress.com/2019/12/22/22-lessons-from-2019/
Hi Mahima, thanks for reading and I really appreciate your comment! I also checked out your blog and love the 22 lessons you shared from 2019- especially your lessons #1 and #14. Last year was a huge year in self development for me where I made the biggest strides in loving myself more and becoming who I want to be! I’m interested in reading more of your blogs and will be leaving comments/feedback as well! Best, El
Means a lot! 🥰
I read somewhere, we are loyal to our suffering that we tend to forget the beauty that life offers.
Wow, this quote hit me like a wave of ice water. It resonates with me because sometimes I feel like I can get so caught up in my own “suffering” that I forget perspective and to enjoy life as it is… no matter how much I realize this, putting it into practice is still hard. Do you have any tips on how you set aside your suffering to enjoy life? ~E
There are many steps you can pick in daily life, however, it requires discipline, in past I used this step- I plan my day every day for three months and each night I used to develop and write activities I would do next day. I imagine I have a awareness ball for each work and I start working, if that awareness ball wonder here and there, I will brink it back to the work.
It helped to subside a painful event of life.
Let me know, if this works for you or I am always available to assist you, I can tell various ways that has helped me always.
Discipline is something I also struggle with… Too easily I let myself give up for short term pleasure rather than long term. But if I try to bring awareness around it and really set my mind to a goal I know I can achieve it. Thanks for this inspiration!
great to hear that Ellieejay, I believe we all are meant for greatness, it’s just we have to rise above and hold it. Hope you are doing well, as there is so much crisis due to covid19
I believe that too! Thank you for sharing your point of view with me, I love connecting to my readers and seeing how we share many of the same views. Take care out there! <3E
Great list! I think we get caught up with negative thinking, almost addictive like we’re supposed to be miserable like you wrote we’ve been conditioned. But, if we’ve been conditioned I say we can re program for more positive thinking ! I enjoyed reading. thanks for sharing !!
Hey Christina, thank you for reading and for your insightful comment. Yeah negative thinking can be almost addicting and although I try so hard to be positive most of the time, that negativity always sneaks up on me. Accepting that negative thoughts are part of healthy mental balance is what I’m currently working on. Thanks for sharing and best wishes! <3E
This is so exactly right, I am cheering. The way to contentment is through letting go wants.
🙂
Bob
Hey Dr. Bob! Thank you for reading and for cheering! I love that your blog talks about self-therapy, it’s a common trend in my writing as well and I look forward to reading more on your blog. Best, Ellen
Wow this just brought so much ease into my life I have to share this with my family. Thank you🌹
Hi Asante, thank you for reading and I am honored you felt what I wrote was worthy enough to share with your family. It’s a topic that’s so close to my heart and really means the world to me when I can positively impact someone else’s day, and gain more insight on how to enjoy their life the best they can. Thank you and I am interested to hear your family’s thoughts! Best, Ellen
Why do you think we been so gripped with increased anxiety, fears, paranoia, and worry over the COVID-19 virus?
If you take this poll: Are you afraid of the COVID-19 Virus? what would be your answer? https://humanperformancepsychology.com/2020/03/are-you-afraid-of-coronavirus-covid-19/
During this period of sheltering at home, I’ve had time to consider more of the simple pleasures of life…. some that I’ve maybe taken for granted in the past. We all have to redirect our time now. We can choose to take positive actions. Here are some things I have a renewed appreciation for:
Cool clean pillowcases
Clean carpets
Time to dry my hair
Clean mirrors
Writing letters
Phone calls with friends
Re-reading favorite books written by authors I have met
Hand lotion
Sage
Long yoga classes at home
Blue light therapy
Blue lights outside
Blueberries
Blue fine point pens
Photos and sharing them with friends
Kindness
Fresh fruit
Clean tack
Clean closet
Clean desk
Memories of travels taken and dreams of more to come
Namaste 🧡🧡🧡
Wow, I love love love your list! It paints such a clear picture in my head of some of these simple pleasures you’ve renewed your appreciation for. Sometimes a different point of view is really all we need, and that’s one positive aspect we can take from our current situation. Thanks for sharing!! <3
Still good thoughts in our current crisis. Be well and blessed!
Hey Nora, thank you so much for your support! I feel blessed to add some light and positivity during these difficult times. Take care! <3E
I have been loving your blog, always coming for ideas!
I’m so honored! Thank you so much for your support, it’s a privilege to positively influence my readers 🙂 <3E
OOO did you find my to-do list?? 🙂 We share lots of the same interests. What is you beet pancake recipe? I presume you mean beetroot? The bright red ones?
Haha sounds like we have a lot in common! And here is the recipe I follow for my beet pancakes 🙂 ~ https://www.delscookingtwist.com/vegan-pink-beet-pancakes-for-pink-october/
Great thanks I’ll try them today. I have some beetroot in the freezer. Thank you!
I hope you enjoy! That recipie is that one I tried because I wanted to make vegan pancakes, but there are plenty others online if you don’t want vegan pancakes! Good luck and send me a photo of the final product if you can! ~El
Great post!
Thank you 🙂
Thank you for the reminder to be in the now with gratitude for what we are and have. It is about the small things, it always has been about the small things. About noticing and appreciating them.
Yes, the small things cannot be overlooked! Our life would be so much less fulfilling if we only looked forward to the weekend, celebrations, a night out,etc. Thank you for commenting!
thank you for sharing the quote! i’ve been thinking lately what if today is the best it’ll ever be? I related it to what you say about how we sometimes spend time waiting & wanting. Also, I love the quote you share, beautiful reminder today
Thank you, I’ve recently been hunting for information about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have found so far.
What people call the “meh” of life, the mundane, the bricks and mortar of our lives is where an eternal beauty rests. It is in the moment of a deep breath that this magic appears. Thank you for blog.