101 Simple Pleasures in Life To Help You Savor the Joy In Each Day

What Brings You Joy?

Have you ever taken time to intentionally think about the simple pleasures in life that bring you joy?

You know…those little things that just make your day…that make you smile…that stay with you but you can’t really explain why…the things that you look forward to each day.

Those simple pleasures in life, they’re pure magic.

Simple Pleasures in Life Meaning

Enjoying the simple pleasures in life simply means becoming more aware of and being grateful for the good things around you. I was recently introduced to the mindfulness concept of savoring. By taking notice of the things around you that make you feel good, and taking a moment to pause and appreciate those things, one can reap big rewards.

You can apply the concept of savoring to things that have happened in the past, things happening now in the present, and anticipating things to savor in the future.

People who practice savoring can often feel more:

• joyful
• present
• mindful
• postive
• relaxed
• creative
• resilient
• and even happier!

I don’t know about you, but if savoring the simple pleasures in life can bring me more of that, I’m all in!!

How do you notice the simple pleasures in life?

Have you ever stopped to think about what brings you joy? The best way to practice savoring is to stop and think about some of the simple pleasures in life. Set aside ten minutes before bed, at lunch, or whenever is convenient to pause and think about the good things in life. Then take a moment to be grateful for those little things.

Still not sure how to notice the simple pleasures in life? Try using your five senses.

• What is something beautiful you’ve seen lately?
• Something you smell that brings you calm?
• Something you hear that brings a smile to your face?
• Something you feel that makes your heart happy?
• Something you’ve eaten that makes your mouth water just thinking about it?

One of the best ways to notice the little things in life is to SLOW DOWN.

Taking notice of the simple pleasures in life goes hand in hand with practicing gratitude. Grab my fun Thankful Thursday ideas or try out my 30 day gratitude challenge. Or simply get started with my best tips on how to cultivate a more grateful heart.

PIN THIS POST WHEN YOU NEED A REMINDER TO PAUSE AND SAVOR THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE!!

101 Simple Pleasures in Life

Of course the little things that bring me joy each day are going to be different than your list of simple pleasures in life. And I don’t actually believe that making a huge list like this is particularly effective. Instead, intentionally set aside a few minutes each day and take notice of a few specific things. Write them down in a journal, do a mini vlog or Instagram reel, or even make a note in your phone. Don’t overcomplicate it!

With all of that, here’s my list of simple pleasures in life:

1. Sunshine
2. The smell of freshly baked cookies
3. Exploring somewhere new
4. Puppy breath
5. Holding hands
6. Warm fluffy towels
7. Exclamation points
8. My favorite coffee creamer
9. Watching the sunset and sunrise
10. Baby smiles
11. Walking barefoot in the grass
12. A good book I can’t put down
13. A perfectly cooked steak
14. Self care Sundays
15. Catching fireflies in the summer
16. The sound of waves crashing at the beach
17. Watching fireworks
18. Clean sheets
19. Thunderstorms
20. Fields of wildflowers
21. Children giggling
22. Clothes that fit perfectly
23. Being on time
24. Free parking
25. The feeling of sand between my toes
26. Finding money in a pocket of washed clothes
27. An unexpected text from an old friend
28. Freshly picked fruit
29. That feeling of calm and contentment
30. A great big hug
31. Movie theater popcorn
32. A clean house
33. A fresh haircut
34. Pie straight out of the oven with ice cream!
35. The sound of rain outside my window
36. Really good pizza
37. The feeling of freshly shaved legs
38. Random acts of kindness- both giving and receiving!
39. Fresh squeezed juice
40. A perfectly sharpened pencil
41. Vacuum marks on carpet
42. Rainbows
43. A good night’s sleep
44. Videos of families reuniting
45. Looking back through old photos
46. Gratitude journaling
47. Always having some lip balm handy
48. Cute animals videos
49. Laughing so hard I cry
50. Hearing my favorite song
51. Having a good hair day
52. Butterflies
53. Date night
54. Funny memes
55. Snuggling in a super soft cozy blanket
56. Checking everything off my to-do list!
57. Remembering passwords
58. Popping bubble wrap
59. The excitement from my dogs when I get home
60. Motivational captions or quotes that really resonate with me
61. Binge watching my favorite show (Ahem… The Bachelor)
62. A full moon and a sky full of stars
63. Relaxing in a hot tub
64. Inhaling the aroma of coffee before that first sip
65. A new recipe that turns out to be delicious
66. One on one time with my kids
67. Acoustic guitar
68. Sledding down a hill
69. A clean desk
70. Crushing my monthly goals
71. Dad jokes
72. An old school jam that brings me back to my high school days
73. When I manage to keep a plant alive! 
74. Volunteering
75. Seeing my favorite band in concert
76. Sleeping in
77. An empty sink
78. Chips and salsa (and maybe a margarita too!)
79. Travel planning
80. That feeling after a major decluttering session
81. Inside jokes with old friends
82. New car smell
83. Heated seats
84. Losing a few pounds
85. Good wifi
86. Receiving snail mail
87. Spontaneous adventures
88. Quiet
89. When leave change color in the fall
90. Christmas lights
91. Real maple syrup
92. Hand lettering
93. Warmth from a real fire
94. Singing at the top of my lungs to Taylor Swift
95. My favorite pen
96. Finishing a blog post
97. Discovering a great podcast
98. Spending time with good friends
99. S’mores
100. Pedicures
101. Playing in the rain

Need more ideas? Check out these unique things to be grateful for!

Simple Pleasures in Life Quotes

“It is of the small joys and little pleasures that the greatest of our days are built.” –Mary Anne Radmacher

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” -Mother Teresa

“Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.” -Frank A. Clark

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” -John Wooden

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart find its morning and is refreshed.” – Khalil Gibran

“Sometimes it’s the little things that count most.” -Alexandra Adornetto

“Enjoy the satisfaction that comes from doing little things well.” –-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” -Paulo Coelho

Quotes are my jam. Want more? Check out my favorite gratitude quotes, inspiring quotes for teens, and quotes about intentional living too!

Why are simple pleasures important?

Noticing the simple pleasures in life is so important! Heck, I’d even go as far to say savoring the little things in life is a form of self care.

Stopping and recognizing the simple pleasures in our days is also one way to reduce overwhelm. When we focus on what’s going right, we have less time to dwell on what’s going wrong. And we can all use a more positive outlook on life, right?

It’s so easy to get caught up in the big picture that we can often forgot to take notice of the little things in life. When we slow down and really take a look at the small moments, we often can see how they aren’t so insignificant. As a matter of fact, you may find many of these little things turn out to be big things.

Want to dig a little deeper? Start your journey of intentional living with these self discovery journal prompts!

PIN THIS POST WHEN YOU NEED A REMINDER TO SAVOR THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE!!