We all need a little spark of a reminder sometimes. A little confetti in the air. A little whipped cream on top. A little something-something. Here are ten small and simple ways to be happy in any given day. When all else fails- champagne for breakfast and doughnuts for dessert.
1 • Do a chore that you’ve been putting off and immediately TREAT YOURSELF. Maybe a door needs replacing or a floor needs deep cleaning or all the laundry needs putting away. If this is the case, your house is exactly like my house and let’s take care of business and treat ourselves to watermelon and margaritas and chocolate bars. (amen amen amen)
2 • Give yourself a pep talk. It could start as simple as this and then evolve into watching some of the best clips from The Office, here… before you remind yourself that you’re great and everything is going to be damn fine because you’re going to make it so.
3 • Exercise until you’re out of breath and exhausted. This might take you seven minutes or thirty seven- but get to the third or fourth time your mind is trying to talk yourself out of doing what you’re doing before you stop because these bodies are stronger than our brains would have us think.
4 • Don’t hold on too tight anything. See: mistakes, victories, loves, not-loves, insecurities, surety. Go easy and keep it loose. Yoga helps. Yoga breathing helps, if you’re not down with the triangle poses and down dogs.
5 • Have a sandwich for dinner. Making a good sandwich for yourself is a meditation and a belly-satisfaction. You might consider this: The Best BLT Sandwich.
6 • Use a new soap in the shower. It’s incredible how a new fragrance can liven the mind.
7 • I dream it / I work hard/ I grind till I own it. Don’t forget your inherent slaying in just doing your dang thing everyday, OK!?
8 • Write down why you’re grateful for a few folks in your life- call and tell them what you think without any expectations. It feels good to make people feel good and very often we don’t say the things we mean to say to one another. Our girl Tracy taught us how to make a gratitude journal just last week.
9 • Remember that Sheryl Crow had it super right when she said ‘everyday is a winding road‘ and that was even before she met Lance Armstrong so really she must know a lot.
10 • Try banana bread. The smell alone will help, plus you made something from scratch, plus you’re not wasting old, well-intentioned bananas.
You’re a precious gem and thank goodness we’re in this together.
Enjoy this day, ok?
xo Joy
Ali-k
I love this. Thank you. Even just reading it makes me feel happier.
Anne
Perfect! Thanks…I needed this :)
Luna
Haha I thought I’m the only one who can feel an immediate elevation in the mood every time I try a new milk bath!
Andrea C
Few things make me happier than eating with friends. Preferably a potluck meal, where everyone brings something to share.
Project Potluck (https://www.projectpotluck.net ) was created over the last few days by food blogger Julie van Rosendaal of Dinner With Julie and her friend Brooke in response to the recent wash of horrible events in places from Charlottesville to Barcelona. Here’s some catchphrases they came up with: “Don’t build a higher wall…build a longer table.” And, “Love Wins…And Brings Pie” .
Look, when we eat together, the differences between us can’t help but start to get smaller.
So, maybe have a potluck and invite your neighbours…preferably some with a different background than yourself. Bring pie. Or, whatever you can. Take a few pictures & post with these hashtags: #projectpotluck #comeasyouare
We are all in this together. Right?!
Flanneljammies
Thank you, Joy. I totally needed this list. ?
Julie
Get a dog ! Foster a cat! Volunteer at an animal shelter! STAND OUTSIDE OF A DOG PARK AND STARE AT THE DOGS DOING DOG STUFF. Because they’ll do something charming, and you’ll be outside in the fresh air!
Andi
Love you. Reaching out to tell you that.
xoxo,
Andi
caitlin
Thank you for this, Joy! I’m also going to be buying myself some flowers, signing up to volunteer at my local animal rescue, and making some donations to them, too! Help yourself, help the world <3
dessertfortwo
Needed this! You know this. <3
Sorrel
Great list and great timing. Thanks
Tamara
It’s been a while since I’ve commented on your blog, but I had to say thank you for this post! xoxo
Amber
Joy; you got it lady! Awesome thoughts, I love them all. Thanks for the reminder ;)
Regi
Thank you!! Looks like all many of us needed this..
I like to take turn on loud dancing music and make too many waffles. Breakfast lunch and dinner waffles. Potato cheese waffles, oatmeal and brown sugar waffles, yup…singing and dancing and waffles.
Pooja Mittal
Thank you. I needed this. Here is mine: https://threesweetpeas.blog/2017/08/16/chocolate-cake/
Amy
I am making a lovely blueberry peach pie!! It will be going in the oven sooooon! I looked your recipe up and then realized I had printed it a long time ago!! Thank you!!