32 Simple Joys

I'm sure everyone can relate to having a more difficult season of life. You know it's not permanent, but still for the moment everything seems to be going wrong and it's hard to find joy in your every day. To the core my message will always be choose joy. Forever. That is the conviction on my heart to share and I will practice what I preach. Maybe you're not in a difficult season, but if you are (and even if your aren't) I encourage you to turn to your journal or a sticky note or any paper surface and write out some simple joys to remind yourself when you're forgetting.

1. The smell of summer nights. Sounds weird, but betcha you know what I'm talking about. 
2. Cookie dough. Not the actual cookie once it's been cooked I'm talking the raw cookie dough. I don't care if its "bad" for you, you can't argue with me- it's kinda the best thing ever.
3. Fireplaces. Real ones. None of those gas ones, that doesn't achieve the same glory. 
4. Warm rain. If you live on the east coast you might not get this, but on the west coast when it rains its always cold and wet. Nothing like humid rain when its 90 degrees outside.
5. Country music in the summer. I personally like Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood year round, but for those who don't choose it as their favorite genre, you have to admit it's pretty great to blast in the car, windows down, in the summer.
6. Having warm feet. I like my foot temperature to be nice and cozy and I always take it for granted until it comes winter and my toes turn into icicles. 
7. Sea spray. The breeze by the ocean that gives you that lovely splash of salt water (usually in your face- in your mouth).
8. Getting mail. Actual handwritten mail (when it's not your birthday or a holiday). It's so touching to have someone take the time to think of you and send something actually physical.
9. Hiking in the woods after it's rained. Think of the smell of the forest and the dewy look of the plants.
10. Getting off an airplane. Whether you've been in a seat for 2 or 12 hours, there is so much anticipation and excitement to walk off the runway ramp.
11. Laughing so hard your cheeks hurt. When you're grinning so wide it uses your whole face and after it feels like your face muscles will never be able to relax.
12. The feeling after you organize/clean a space in your house you use all the time. Personally, for me it's when I finally deep clean and organize the cabinets and my bathroom and I feel like it's Christmas discovering all the things I didn't know were in there!
13. Watching the one movie you will absolutely never get tired of. If you need some suggestions Legally Blonde, Cheaper by the Dozen, and The Princess Diaries  are my favorites.
14. Touching sand. It's just an overall very pleasant feeling.
15. Buy new pajamas. Nothing like slipping on some new cozy pajamas that haven't been overly washed or smell permanently weird. Don't waste your money on nice shoes, I say spend it on ten pairs of jammie pants.
16. Sit out in the sun. I don't care if its sunny and 100 degrees or sunny and 10 degrees go sit outside in the sun (if it's 10 degrees outside may I suggest a blanket and some layers?).
17. Spend time with a baby. Babies always lighten the mood and make everything better.
18. Eat some ice cream. Any flavor, endless toppings, any season, just eat some.
19. Laundry right out of the dryer. So warm, so soft, so wonderful...
20. Drive around to see Christmas lights. Blast some Christmas music in your car and blast the heat and just drive to see some sparkle in the darkness of winter.
21. Hugs. Big bear hugs. 
22. Long showers. Don't do this often (don't waste water) but play some music and take a piping hot shower and give the best shower concert of your life. 
23. The smell of fresh bread. Enough said.
24. Fresh flowers. Hint, hint to any guys reading this- flowers are always a good idea. I swear they have magical powers to lighten up your life for a moment.
25. College football. Support you team and scream at your TV.
26. Swinging on a swing. Be a kid again! There is something so fun about just going back and forth and feeling the wind in your hair. I swear some of the best conversations I've ever had happened on my swing set with friends.
27. Super sweet berries. You know that blackberry that actually just tastes like heaven.
28. Game night. Board games and card games are my favorite! When my extended family gets together we'll stay up really late just playing round after round. 
29. Jumping into water. Lake, pool, ocean doesn't matter. Just jump in!
30. Eat your favorite meal. Even better if you've been craving it all week. 
31. Get a houseplant. For me I need succulents cause I can't keep anything else alive, but really there is something so satisfying of watching something grow. 
32. Dance. Dance like no one is watching and just let yourself be free. 

These are my simple joys and the things that make me happy. Make your own list so you can remember when it seems like life isn't giving you a lot of joy. There is true joy in everyday.