I spent a good three hours yesterday laying in the grass and watching the clouds go by. I did a little reading and a bit of writing, but mostly I just observed the changing shapes of white fluff against the backdrop of blue skies. As I looked for patterns in the shifting clouds, I thought about life and I thought about death, I laughed some and I cried some, and before I knew it, I was pondering the age-old question: what is the meaning of life?
This question has been occupying my thoughts a lot lately. Sometimes I dismiss the swarm of ideas immediately, other times I allow the concepts to swirl around in my head, this time I simply clung to one word: happiness. As I felt the warmth of the sun come and go with the movement of the clouds, I couldn’t help but smile. I surveyed the living creatures all around me – a ladybug crawling on a blade of grass, a honey bee pollinating a flower, an ant carrying a giant leaf – and in that particular moment, I felt genuinely happy.
Discussing happiness is a daunting task, one that I’m going to have to save for a time when I feel more inspired to do so. Today I want to share one-hundred little things that make me smile, a list that was inspired by the sun, the clouds, and the curious creatures we share our earth with. I hope that reading my list will open your eyes to all the beautiful things in your own lives and maybe even encourage you to write your own lists. If nothing else, just remember that the little things are always worth smiling about.
1. Fluffy clouds
2. The sound of rain
3. Avocado toast
4. Random acts of kindness
5. Free books
6. Pour over coffee
7. The sunrise
8. Nice bus drivers
9. Campfires
10. Bubble baths
11. My family
12. Forest walks
13. Laughter
14. Apple orchards
15. Crochet bralettes
16. Grapefruits
17. Latte art
18. Stargazing
19. Scented candles
20. Puppies
21. Green juice
22. A full moon
23. Ladybugs
24. The mountains
25. Traveling
26. Mismatched socks
27. Summer picnics
28. Plants
29. High waisted shorts
30. Facetimes with my mom
31. Unexpected hugs
32. Shooting stars
33. Açaí bowls
34. The beach
35. Meditation
36. Farmers markets
37. The smell of popcorn
38. Rainbows
39. Quotes on tea bags
40. Oversized t-shirts
41. Handmade crafts
42. Sunflowers
43. Handwritten cards
44. Sourdough bread
45. Morning hikes
46. Funny flight attendants
47. Jean jackets
48. Conversations with strangers
49. Chirping birds
50. My friends
51. Remembering dreams
52. Cute cafés
53. Log cabins
54. Berry picking
55. Ocean swims
56. Crunchy almond butter
57. String lights
58. Fresh pineapple
59. Colored pencils
60. Farm to table restaurants
61. Spontaneous road trips
62. Barefoot adventures
63. Baby photos
64. Creative pickup lines
65. Baked sweet potatoes
66. The sunset
67. Libraries
68. Fearless squirrels
69. Sesame seed bagels
70. Dinner dates
71. Parsley
72. Finishing a book
73. Butterflies
74. Outdoor showers
75. Pine trees
76. Constellations
77. Card games
78. Vintage clothes
79. Ripe mangoes
80. Starfish
81. Night photography
82. Hot yoga
83. Pink himalayan salt
84. Bubble wrap
85. Baking
86. Medjool dates
87. Pumpkin farms
88. Sea shells
89. Wall tapestries
90. Daisies
91. Seedless grapes
92. Fireflies
93. Tree houses
94. Wild blueberries
95. Skipping rocks
96. Music festivals
97. Hammocks
98. Sand between my toes
99. 11:11 wishes
100. Writing lists
With ♡, Julia Elizabeth
Thanks. Tough times for me so I need to do that too. Just so many negatives but need to ignore those.
Author
Sorry to hear you are going through tough times. Sending you lots of positive vibes and a big virtual hug 🤗
Fresh pineapple haha! 👋💗
Author
Pineapple is just so yummy 😅
Thanks for reminding me …. running to fridge for some late night feasting here 😊🌷
Author
Yummy, enjoy it! 😋
I love this list! Mismatched socks! lol
Author
Haha thanks Clazz, glad you can relate!
I totally agree with number 12 . . . forest walks are so calming and peaceful! Especially during early fall when the leaves are just beginning to change!! Love this <3 xx
Author
The leaves changing is always such a magical time of the year 🍁 Thank you so very much Kaycee!
this is such a lovely post. seedless grapes definitely – I’m eating some right now!
Author
Thanks Rachael! Enjoy 😋
What a beautiful post! I love how uplifting and motivational it is <3
Author
Thank you Mia, so glad you found it uplifting and motivational!
I love your post so much! It’s super positive and upbeat, makes you appreciate the little things. I get so happy every time I see a lady bug!! hehe!🐞❤️ Also, the beach and fluffy clouds are the best!! xx
Author
Aw thanks for reading Nunzia and for your kind words!! There are so many reasons to smile, we just have to keep our eyes and our hearts open to all the beautiful things that surround us 🤗
Love this list. It’s always the little things that are so important.
Author
Thank you Tatjana, it truly is ❤️
A perfect list!
Author
Thanks for reading, Tammy!