Have you ever noticed how there some things have the ability to make you unexpectedly happy? They’re often incredibly tiny, like when the right song comes on shuffle, or you wear your favourite t-shirt. They’re such little things, but they’re surprisingly powerful at the same time. Sometimes, when I’m having a bit of a down day, I treat myself to one of these little delights and it can turn my whole mood around. There are so many tiny things that give me one of these sparks of joy, but today I thought I would share five of my favourites.
Using a fancy mug
There is no earthly reason why my cup of tea should taste any better when drunk out of a fancy mug rather than using just a plain white one. But the truth is it does, and I am always unreasonably pleased when my drink is made in just the right mug. I have a whole collection, from my massive mug covered in classic book spines, or my sleek black one, my NaNoWriMo mug I treated myself to last November, or my vibrantly pink 4thewords themed one. My collection has a mug for any drink or mood. Having just the right mug is such a small thing, but it makes me so happy.
Snuggling in a blanket
I really don’t enjoy winter all that much. Dark mornings and evenings, shivering every time I leave the house and never quite being able to get warm enough, none of that really appeals to me. But if there is one thing I love about the cooler weather it’s the fact that I can finally snuggle down in a soft, fleecy blanket. There’s something so comforting about wrapping a blanket tightly around me and burrowing down, feeling my whole body glow with warmth, even though the air around me is freezing. I am always so excited to reach blanket weather. Cuddling up in a warm blanket is one of my favourite feelings
Brewing a tea or coffee
Tea and coffee are, like any good, cliche writer, my two favourite drinks. Usually, I just chuck some instant coffee in a cup, or jiggle a tea bag and we’re good to go. But sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy and like treating myself, I’ll brew a tea with loose tea leaves in a special flavour. I’m especially fond of my sticky date flavoured tea, though a good green tea is also a welcome treat. Or I’ll brew coffee in a pot using fresh ground coffee. It takes a few minutes longer to be sure, but it feels like such a treat, and that little action of actually brewing a fresh drink is surprisingly special.
Sleepy dogs
The rule in my house is that if a dog is comfortable, cute, and/or sleeping, they get to keep whatever chair they’re currently sitting in, even if it’s the best seat in the house. Once they’re there, you’re just going to have to sit on the floor until they move. I don’t make the rules. I just enforce them. But sleepy dogs are one of my favourite things. They’re just so peaceful and soft, and their faces scrunch up in the most adorable way. One of my dogs is half shar-pei, and her whole face turns into wrinkles as she sleeps and it’s so cute. The sight of a sleeping dog always makes me smile.
Putting on lipstick
For a long time, lipstick felt like one of those things that you wore for a special occasion, but which was far too fancy for everyday use. But I love the feeling that wearing lipstick gives me. Add a bright colour, and suddenly I feel a lot more confident and positive and happy. I feel like I look good, and my mood changes to match it. It’s such a small thing, but taking the time to put some lipstick on sets me up for a really good day. Why save that feeling for fancy occasions, when I could feel this good all the time?
These are just five tiny things that have the power to bring a smile to my face and inject a little joy into my day. But I would love to hear from you. What little things have the power to make you unexpectedly happy? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Photo by Snezhana Hulak on Unsplash
