I have been a firm believer in how powerful the small things are. I kept repeating that there is beauty in the ordinary, mundane, and simplicity.

These little things are what comprise the bigger picture which we may not be aware of but they are the multiple chunks that bring the most joy to us.

To keep track of these simple things, I considered creating a joy list (inspired by Aileen Xu!) This is somewhat similar to the list of 5 greats wherein you list at least 5 great things that happened to you for the day. The joy list, on the other hand, is the list of things you can repeatedly do to bring you joy and uplift your mood.

List of Little Things That Can (Also) Make You Happy:

1. Going to the bookstore.

The bookstore is what I consider my haven. It instantly puts me in a good mood. I feel pure joy just being surrounded by books.

2. Drinking coffee.

Sipping a good quality coffee on a slow morning where I do not have to rush to any meetings or do any task but to reflect on life gives me so much tranquility.

3. Completing my skincare routine.

This does not mean soap and cream, this is the complete 10-steps that I try so hard to follow. Lol. You know the things that feel so tiring when you think of doing but feel so fulfilling when you finally bust your ass off and do it? That’s how I feel with doing my full skincare routine.

4. Lighting a candle

I love scents and everything that smells good instantly relaxes me.

5. Doing my make-up

I have so much fun playing with make-up. I like experimenting with different colors. Make-up gives me more confidence and to me, it is an artistic expression of myself.

6. Watching funny Youtube videos

When I feel so stressed, I like scrolling through Youtube and binge-watching funny vlogs. This kind of videos makes me laugh until my stomach hurts.

7. Laughing with friends

A simple chit-chat with my good friends and just laughing at ourselves is one of my pure joys. Having a good talk with a side of humor is what I enjoy the most. Humor and jokes are contagious and naturally bring the joy that when you see your friends laughing, it feels like you are attracted to their vibe and it can instantly make you laugh too.

8. Eating a really good but cheap food

Finding delicious foods that do not break the bank is a gem. Street foods? Pastry in a kiosk? I’m in!

9. Watching the sunset

Sunsets are so dear to me. They calm me every time. I just love looking up and watching the majestic palette that nature has. It never fails to left me at awe at its beauty. It’s my favorite thing in this entire world and I mean it. <3

10. Going to the beach

My year wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beach. Sunset on a beach? That’s the ultimate combo for pure joy to me!

I have a lot more to list but this is just some of them to let you peek in. Always remember that joy can be found anywhere, even in the littlest of things, most especially in the littlest. I encourage you to list down the things that make you feel most alive and find time to do it more often. It doesn’t matter how small or petty it is, as long as it makes you happy, do it.

I hope this sparks some inspiration in you to find joy in your lives. What is your list of little things that can make you happy? Share them with me in the comments below!