I knew exactly what I wanted to write about for today. But it involved my daughter, so I called her to ask permission. Her response, “Mom, I’m a person. I’m not content.”
Well, so then I didn’t know what to write about. So, I looked back on old posts and found this one from 2017 when we lived in Palm Springs. I find many of these little things in life make me happy –even though my views may have changed.
The view from our pool makes me happy.
I’m proud of myself today, because I started off the week with 5:30 a.m. practice. I’ve been trying to get up, half-heartedly I’ll admit, for the past month but the comfort of bed is just too much for me at 5 a.m. An extra hour of sleep usually wins out. But, today I did it. I made it to practice on time, began my workout in the dark and found joy in watching the views of the sunrise and pink-hued mountain change color during my workout.
I find a lot of happiness and excitement in the little things in my days. Our lives are made of small moments strung together and if we spend too much time worrying or focusing on the past or future, we miss the little bits of joy in the present. 
Happiness is my daughter with her puppy.
Here’s a list of moments that make me truly happy:
Hearing the birds sing early in the morning.
My fourth flip turn during my second 200 at practice this morning. I nailed it.
Having lunch yesterday with a good friend and spending a few hours catching up with our lives.
Noticing that a family member got their dish off the table, into the sink and miracle of miracles—into the dishwasher.
Olive the cat honoring me with her presence and stretching out for a cat nap while I’m laying on my side. I have to be careful not to move, so she doesn’t fall off.
Olive the cat in our back yard.
My kids calling just to talk. They aren’t asking for anything and there’s nothing big going on.
Sitting under an orange tree in my back yard reading a really good book.
Walking with my husband and marveling at the beauty surrounding us on a weekend morning.
Reading a positive comment on one of my articles.
Checking things off my to-do list and feeling productive.
Beautiful views of bougainvillea.
What little things in your life make you happy? What little things in your life make your day?
Thank you for sharing your gratitude list! It sparks the desire to write my own.
Thanks. I am trying to write a gratitude list daily!
I love lists like this. Thank you!
Thank you!
A good night sleep, all that I wanted to do- done and getting my steps in.
Perfect!
Thanks Elizabeth
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Every night before I fall asleep I remind myself of three things for which I’m grateful. More nights than not it’s the small things I list. Like red wine, soap for sensitive skin, comfortable chairs. Hardly earth-shattering but so appreciated. I like Olive, btw.
I love Olive. She keeps me entertained and now runs the household. Everything revolves around Olive. Yes, it is the little things that count.
I’m not one to make notes or lists or even be consciously aware of these things yet when I realize moments like the birds not singing quite so early in the morning, or my feet snagging on my socks before a walk reminding me to moisturize more…I am reminded to be grateful that I woke up and get another day.
So true. I’m thankful for another day, each morning, too.
Delightful. Like you, I’m smitten with nature and animals, both of which always bring me joy. I also love the rain, especially summer monsoon storms with copious amount of lightning, and I’m hoping we see some soon.
Me too! I love watching lightening. We got a little rain last night.
That bougainvillea is gorgeous! The image makes me smile. Today I had a quick visit with me sister that made me happy and a quick call with my son! My plants are all hydrated. Great post. Hugs, C
Thanks! I do miss bougainvillea and may plant some against our fence in the backyard.
We just planted a bougainvillea in the hopes it will grow up along our fireplace in the back yard. I love the color of the flowers!
They are so beautiful!
The bougainvillea is wonderful! Mike planted one in our front yard slowly blooming. Simple things make me smile, also!
We had some in our Palm Springs backyard, but it didn’t get enough son and never did much. I think I’ll plant some in my Arizona backyard.
It was a great post, and good for you in getting up earlier. I am trying to do the same but I am a night owl, which makes it hard.
Thankful for playing cards with my son today.
For caring friends who had words of encouragement for me today
And the list goes on.
For my Lily girl, my Yorkie. Love her cuddles. ❤️
Thanks! I think your gratitude list is wonderful, too!
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What a beautiful list of wonderful things. The fact that your kids call just to talk — wow, that speaks volumes!! Love this, Elizabeth!
Thank you, Wynne. I’m sure your kids will call to talk in your future years.
Well brewed tea, my pets, a book I can’t wait to read, funny texts from friends
All good things!
That’s a gorgeous cat! What book are you reading? It’s important to remain aware of the small (and big) things that we enjoy and appreciate.
Thank you. We nicknamed our cat the “Pretty Kitty.” I’m reading a book by Lisa See called “The Interior.” It’s in her Red Princess Mystery series.