Having more of the simple pleasures in your life

Having more of the simple pleasures in your life

Do you have any silly little things that just make you happy in a simple way that nearly touches your soul? Okay, I will confess I’m one of those people who cry when I hear a beautiful piece of music or at a sad movie ending, but feeling things deeply can have its pluses when it comes to appreciating life.

People give me this odd look when I tell them that going to the park and having a sausage sizzle with onion and tomato sauce just makes me happy in a way that affects me deeply. I think it must be related to some childhood memories that I have forgotten, but I really think these sorts of things are important to keep in our lives.

Taking time to stop and really think about what little things make you happy can benefit us in a simple but profound way.

Taking time every day for you

A lot of women like a nice hot tea and a good book at night. Something about it is just this little piece of heaven. We all need that time out away from the kids and housework and everything else that piles on.

We seem to be taught that stopping is lazy, but it’s not even close. I do find it hard to sit still sometimes, so another weird pleasure of mine is ironing in front of a dvd.

I know some people hate the ironing, but when you find it hard to relax it’s good to be doing something to keep your hands busy. You could knit or try one of those adult coloring in books too. Whatever works best for you.

Engulf your senses

This one really draws out and deepens the feeling. When I sit down with my herbal tea and book, especially if it’s a chilly night, I like to light candles and get a nice fluffy blanket. I stop and take a moment to breathe in the smell of the candles and the tea, I wiggle a little to feel the softness of the blanket and the warmth and I pull it up so it’s like having a big cuddle.

I’ll then sip and savour the flavour of the tea and then I settle into my book. Allowing myself to stop and notice the textures, tastes, smells and sounds I find really deepens the experience. The sense of smell is hugely linked to memory.

Certain colognes might remind you of your father or the smell of something cooking might remind you of a favourite childhood meal. I went to Mt Tambourine last year with my partner and we went on a bush walk and the smell of the forest, the wetness and freshness, was just beautiful.

Soooo….

What makes you happy? Don’t be embarrassed about it, you don’t have to tell anyone. It could be the softness of wool, the feeling of grass beneath your feet, or the smell of a kind of flower. I guess taking time to feel things, not just see or hear them, can be another version of “stopping to smell the roses” as they say.

Another one I love is going to my daughter’s swimming lessons. There are no negative memories associated with it and I can just relax and have a coffee either alone or with my partner.

It’s just…. Nice. So what does make you happy? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear :)

Take care,

Kathryn.

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