Life seems to go by quick once you get older, doesn’t it? With the world coming to a halt, there doesn’t seem to be anything better than a slow, calm morning these days. Life seems to be all about slowly down and my days start with a cup of tea and puppy cuddles. No tv on, just him and I with the curtains drawn and the door open to welcome the morning air.
There’s constant talk about the world right now. What’s currently happening, what will happen – it’s everywhere. For the time being, I’ve chosen to stop tuning in to it all and just embrace being at home with my husband and puppy. I’ve been pouring my energy into this blog and my side gig, Bath Buddies and really am enjoying it all.
Sitting on the couch in the mornings and filling out my 5 Minute Journal has given me the chance to reflect about life and practice gratitude. It’s something I never did before but I’m enjoying it. We’re all refocusing on the little things that bring us joy at the moment and it’s made me so happy to read about what gives other people happiness in a time like this. I decided to share 10 things that make me incredibly happy that might give you a spark of happiness, too.
That First Sip in the Morning
That first sip of coffee or tea in the morning. Bonus when you sip it right before you begin to dig into the daily grind. It’s like it gives you the little jolt you needed to begin your day. It’s such a great feeling that even Starbucks has the saying, “that first sip” on the sides on their cups. With us drinking a little more coffee these days from being home so much, I really do hope that those first sips hit you in the feels like they have been for me.
Listening to the Rain
We’ve had a lot of rain these last few days and it can really put a damper on your mood. It can make you feel sluggish and want to curl up into a ball and watch movies all day. But sometimes with the morning rain, I love to sit on the couch with the door open and listen to the rain drops. One of life’s natural beauty’s and mother nature’s way of telling us to pause. It really is such a wonderful thing to listen to.
Fresh Hair Cuts
With most of us beginning to look a little shaggy lately not being able to go for our regular cuts, it’s made me think about just how much I love getting my hair done. Speaking from a woman’s point of view, don’t you feel like you can take on the world after walking out of the salon? No more split ends, a colour refresh, and the best blow out leaves you feeling like the best version of yourself. Tell me I’m wrong.
The Sunshine
This has always, always been one of my favourite things in life. The peak of sunshine coming in through the windows in the morning. Or that late afternoon light you get as you begin to prepare dinner. It’s perfect for the soul and these days. It looks like the weather is finally getting a little brighter over here for the next week or so and boy are we ready for it.
A Great Playlist
There is nothing that can put you in an instant feel-good mood like a great playlist can. Whatever your musical taste is, put a playlist on and try not to wiggle in your seat. Music is so special and gives us the ability to feel so many different emotions. Whether you’re listening through earphones or a standalone speaker, music breathes a little life into the everyday. The ability for music to transport you into a different moment surely is something special. Do you have a certain playlist or song that makes you feel good? My “dance like no one is watching” type of music is a house mix or old school euro tunes. Or Backstreet Boys – they always do the trick too. What’s yours?
Laughing
Don’t you just love a good belly aching laugh? Like those ones that make you cry tears and can’t breathe? The laughs that make you think after the moment has passed, this is what life is all about. Enjoying time with others and creating those funny, feel good memories really is true happiness. Being home now, we’ve had so many extra laughs that have really made me sit back and realize that there isn’t anything better than enjoying a good laugh with someone you love.
The Smell of Baking
With all of us home now, it seems as though everyone has taken on a new love for baking. Banana Bread through and through and exactly what I’ll be making today. Aside from the deliciousness that comes from baking, I’m referring to the sweet smell of good for the soul food that fills your home while its baking away in the oven. I love tiding the kitchen after I’ve made something while breathing in the smell of goodness. I also love baking treats for my husband, I can say that, too. There really is a feel-good emotion that comes with providing some yummy treats for your loved ones.
Extra Kisses During the Day
Again, with being home right now, it’s safe to say we can all use some extra love. How amazing is it that even if you’re still working from home right now, you can go into the other room and give your partner a kiss in the middle of the day, simply just because you can. I’m fully taking advantage that I can get some mid-day kisses and hugs from my husband because we’re both off right now. Something I will truly miss when this is all over. Affection really is something.
Fresh Bed Sheets
Spending a little extra time in bed lately? It’s okay, us too. Don’t you just love climbing into bed with sheets that have just been washed and dried, and may still be a little warm from the dryer? I swear, that’s what dreams are made of. Laying in bed after a long day – what a pleasure it is to be snuggled up like a toasty cinnamon bun ready for a good nights sleep.
The Smell of Freshly Cut Grass
With the weather getting warmer in the next few days, I’m sure lots of people will be out cutting their grass and working on their lawns. I can’t be the only one who loves that fresh-cut smell, though. On a warm, sunny day, freshly cut grass gives you all the summer feels and ready to drink all the cold tasty drinks, too. Fresh cut grass = summer time in my opinion. Plus, don’t you love looking back on your hard work with such satisfaction of a fresh lawn? I used to love cutting the grass for my dad when he’d give up the mower.
In a time where our worlds have been rocked right off their course, it’s important to look for those little joys in your everyday. Life isn’t about actual, physical things, but rather moments you collect and keep close to you. What are some simple things that have brought you joy over the last few weeks? Are they new things you’ve discovered or things you’ve always loved but can enjoy a little more now that you’re home?
Under Flowery Sky says
Wow I don’t like listening to the rain
but I love fresh hair cuts. Lovely pictures..
Alexandra Filippelli says
That’s so interesting, I always feel like I hear people say how calming the rain is for them! I do love a great haircut, it’s the best feeling. And thank you for the comment on the pictures! They’re from a rose garden down the road from us <3
Hannah says
I really love this post and think it’s so important to share this type of thing, especially in the current climate! You can’t beat the first sip of tea on a morning and there is literally nothing that beats fresh bedding! Fab post, really refreshing xxx
Alexandra Filippelli says
Thanks, Hannah! I couldn’t help but reflect on the smaller things that have been bringing happiness these days. That first sip and fresh bed sheets are probably among my top 3 favs!
Shy says
All these ideas such a great list . Listening to the rain is my fav !
Shy. https://www.shyyshianne.com
Alexandra Filippelli says
Thank you! And I just sat on our balcony yesterday listening to the rain! It’s such a calming and rejuvenating sound!
Alf says
I had some of this today. . New haircut, listening to rain and fresh bed sheet. Great post.
Alexandra Filippelli says
That sounds like a lovely day!! I sat outside the other day and listened to the rain, it’s such a relaxing thing to do. Thank you for the kind words on the post 🙂