Little Joys is the second post in my series “Little things that mean a lot”. This series chronicles little things that make a big difference to our lives. To read Part I of this series, click here.
Little things that mean a lot: Part II
Little joys are small inconsequential things that happen in our everyday lives. These trifling experiences usually cost nothing and do not make any real difference to our lives. Yet, upon reflection, it is these little joys that make life worth living.
Some of my personal favourites are:
A rainbow that appears after a storm
A walk in the park.
A steaming mug of coffee on a rainy winter evening.
An unexpected visit or call from a friend.
The chocolatey smell of old books.
The rustle of a glossy magazine.
The crackle of freshly minted currency.
Picking ripe fruit from bushes or trees.
Cutting flowers, or the urban equivalent: buying some as a treat.
The crunch of dead leaves underfoot in the fall.
In the classic movie The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews sings about her favourite things. Her favourite things are little joys that add meaning to life.
Here are the lyrics:
My Favorite Things
Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with string
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells
And schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad.
To watch the video of this song click here.
I think Julie Andrews’ character has discovered the purpose and importance of little joys. When we are upset or depressed, these trifles give us hope and happiness and see us safely through the rough patches in life.
Many years ago, when I was working as an intern, a senior colleague and I were sitting in a windowless room. I noticed a ventilator high up in the wall. I remarked to my senior that tree tops outside were visible up there and could be seen swaying with the breeze. She smiled and said,
”You will be happy in life, because you take pleasure in little things.”
Twenty five years hence, I have lost touch with that senior but her words still echo in my mind. Little things do mean a lot when they add up to form the fabric of life and they can bring you happiness.
You have read my list of little joys. I have also enumerated Julie Andrews’ little joys. How about enumerating some of the little trifles that bring a smile on your face?
I look forward to reading them in the comments section below.
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Salted Caramel 
Wonderful thoughts. Yes, it’s usually the little things in life that bring us joy. If we wait for the big things like a promotion or winning a lottery, we might wait in vain. Whereas these joys are scattered all around us , waiting to be discovered, to be marveled upon and to give us a smile. I also find that if we find reasons to amuse us in the humdrum life that add a twinkle to the ordinary. Even laughing at one’s own mistakes can do that. Great read. Thanks for sharing
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Great way to describe that old books smell, I could never pinpoint it. Great read!
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Thank you so much for the generous comment.
New books have their own smell as do glossy magazines. What do you think?
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I agree, new books have a smell but…not like seasoned books. Maybe because seasoned books have been around, adorning smells and experiences of each reader is why they smell like they do.🤔
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Yes it struck me too.
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You are so right. These little joys in life are the ones that make life interesting and bearable. If we wait around for big happy events like winning a lottery, getting the dream job or going on our dream vacation, we might have to wait very long or in vain. So lighten up the way with these twinkling lights, little joys. Also find joy in the absurdities of life. Learn to laugh at the things life throws at you. And also at your own follies and mistakes. Thanks for a great post.
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And thank YOU for such great comments.
I think what you have written here should form the concluding paragraph of my post.🎀
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You are welcome.
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Great post!
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Such a nostalgic post. Lovely depiction of joy.
I think ppl who find joy in any thing are funloving contented peacful creatures🤗
I love driving esp with my favorite songs
Sometimes sitting on my terrace swing just is soothing
A little post by a friend is rejuvenating
Whew the list is long and i will end up writing a big post.
So 🤗
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This is exactly the kind of thought process I wanted to spark when I wrote this post.
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Beautiful little reminders that tell us life is beautiful
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In the rat race we sometimes forget about them so a reminder can be helpful.
What are the trivial things that bring YOU great joy?
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Fragrance of rain falling on grass, a steaming well brewed cup of tea or coffee, music and long drive
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i agree with all your favourites.
You have made me think of another one that I love:
The fragrance of rain falling on dry earth or bricks; divine1
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Living in the Northwest we get a lot of rain. One of my favorites is a long walk in the rain followed by a nice warm house and a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
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That sounds like my kind of fun.
What do you do while you sip your hot chocolate?
Do you watch TV or read a book or maybe write?
I would love to now.
And thanks for the comment.
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Sit by the window and watch the rain. 🙂
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Good idea.
Watching the rain is kind of hypnotic isn’t it?
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Sure is.
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Aaaah – what a lovely list! I can certainly relate to everything you and the others have mentioned. I do have to add one that I absolutely love – the feel of my silky smooth bed sheets every night before I fall asleep. Its the most delicious feeling – one that never fails to make me feel pampered and comfy at the same time. Add a good book to that and am I am in heaven!!!!
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Thank you.
Glad you liked the post and I am really grateful to people who are contributing their Little Joys.
I feel that the blog post is just an ice breaker or conversation starter.
The comments that follow ate the real deal.
I really enjoy those.
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The beautiful clear crescent moon and all the stars we saw on my nightly walk with my little grandaughter and the story I had to tell her about the moon and the sun and how they moved around and that our night was someones day….Little children ask some great questions and that always brings me pleasure 🙂
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That is so sweet.
And now do your grandchildren tell you stories?
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Of course their imagination knows no bounds and I always have encouraged them it is how they learn and learn to ask questions …They teach me things sometimes age is not a barrier to learning or knowing I believe 🙂
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As long as one remembers that age is not a barrier to learning one never grows old.
This is a philosophy I keep trying to apply to my life.
Hope you’re having a great Sunday.
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A great reminder that the beauty found in life is more often than not found in the little things. If we keep waiting for the “big” things to happen or to fall in our laps, we’ll miss much of the joy in life. Thanks again for posting.
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And thank YOU for such a nice comment.
You have grasped exactly what I wanted to convey.
And now I would love to read some of your “Little Joys”.
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Thanks. You post inspired me to write a short bit of Thanksgiving in Canada and what I’m thankful for.
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I am so flattered.
Thankyou.
🎁
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No, thank you.
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Ah, this is a lovely post. Sometimes it’s all too easy to get bogged down and lose sight of what’s really important. Little things that bring me joy are my cats snuggling up to me and my daughter leaving little notes or drawings for me to find. And my husband bringing me a glass of wine, haha. Thank you for sharing your little joys 🙂
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
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You got it in one, Lisa.
These little joys help us to keep things in perspective.
They help us to face big and little problems.
Thanks for sharing your own Little Joys.
I look forward to reading more from you.
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MashaAllah, good to see more and more comments. Your blogs themselves are one of life’s little joys. 💖💖
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Thank you Dr Ambereen.
That is such a sweet thing to say.
Such comments are my Little Joys too.
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It is the little joys of life that give us the big ropes to hang on to when I footing slips.
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Absolutely.
You have put that so well.
Thanks for stopping by.
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Oh yeah. I’ll take ‘trifles’ any day of the week. Just the mention of the word “Joy” makes me yearn to investigate how I can get me some. In my opinion, the key to finding joy [s] in your life is remembering to look!
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I like this sentence so much that I just have to write it again
“The key to finding joy in your life is remembering to look”
I think this forms the essence of my post.
Thanks so much for this insightful comment.
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Oh so happy you liked it. When I read a dandy post such as yours, I quickly reply with my 1st thought. Bingo!💥
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I am flattered. Thank you so much. 🎁
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💥
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I so love this post. I’ve found in my long life that those little things, those often surprising little things bring the most happiness than any long-awaited achievement. Thank you.
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Thank you so much for agreeing with my post
Your ommnt is exactly what I meant to convey.
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It can be easy to forget to stop and enjoy those little things that make life just a bit more happy. Thank you for the reminder. 🙂
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And thank YOU for such a nice comment.
I always find that little unexpected things bring more joy than the big anticipated events.
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The little joys that catch us off guard can make a good day amazing! It is all about gratitude and being in the flow.
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you have an infinite sense of joy, really loved your list, heartwarming read
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