Pressed for time, inundated with tasks, and perhaps faced with multiple responsibilities, it’s no wonder many of us feel overwhelmed. Add to that the constant barrage of information, data, and news coming at us from all of our devices. And, depending upon your stage in life, you may also be caring for children, grandchildren, even aging parents. It’s a lot to deal with on a daily basis. Given our modern lives, it’s more important than ever that we sprinkle a few brief, positive, undemanding moments into our waking hours. They can be anything…anything that brings a little joy, a sense of calm, and a smile to your face.
From my journal: July 14, 1985, Redondo Beach, California
“The flowers outside our front door are so pretty! I can’t help but smile when I see them…”
From my journal: November 18, 1991, Hillsboro, Oregon
“Clear, cool, blue gray Monday…it’s beautiful outside looking out over the orchard and valley. The fog rolls in and out. The sun is peeking through the clouds…the sky is an apricot color…gorgeous!”
From my journal: March 31, 2012, Newbury Park, California
“A cool, wet, quiet morning…I heard a few birds singing…it’s very still. Relaxing in my favorite spot on the couch in the front room…love it here!”
From my journal: December 11, 2023, Newbury Park, California
“Just hearing my mom’s voice on the phone today made me so happy…short, but sweet…”
Though small, simple pleasures can have a big impact on our state of being. Little or no cost, their value is in how they make us feel. And with all that we are surrounded by, finding ones that resonate with us is easy to do. Doing the LA Times crossword puzzle, opening the shades to welcome in the morning, and peeking into our garden are a few simple acts I take pleasure in each day.
Previously, I used to love getting up two hours before work so that I could sit in peace, write, and sip coffee. During the day, I’d find a few moments to listen to music when my students were at recess or take a short walk across campus to stretch my legs. And when the last school bell rang, it was a pleasure to simply erase the whiteboard. So satisfying! Once home, I’d sit in the backyard and just breathe, brew a cup of tea and unwind, or flip through the pages of a favorite magazine.
Hiking in the warm afternoon sun, taking a long hot shower, and baking chocolate chips cookies may appeal to some. Others may enjoy grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend, dabbling in art with a child, or watching the sunset with a partner. Or perhaps taking an afternoon nap, petting your dog or cat, or texting a loved one may be more to your liking. Simple pleasures are personal. Whatever little indulgence speaks to you, engage in it!
Because they are ordinary, often times simple pleasures are overlooked. And maybe because they aren’t on our To Do Lists they seem a bit frivolous and not worthy of our time and attention. However, taking a few minutes to savor a bowl of fresh strawberries, put freshly laundered sheets on your bed, or read a poem by a favorite writer may be just the pick-me-up that is needed. Enjoying short breaks throughout each day can reenergize us, shift our perspective, and give us a lift that keeps us going. Ultimately helping us excel at handling our daily responsibilities, obligations, and commitments.
I’d love to hear about your simple pleasures. What do you do? Why? And how do they make you feel?
Living in our hectic world today, making room to delight in simple pleasures is essential. A cool breeze on a warm day, an ice cold glass of lemonade, the smell of freshly cut grass. It’s these little things we engage in and experience that enrich our lives so much. Small as they are, they truly can do wonders. Little things mean a lot.
A Journal Journey 