After years of procrastination, I finally had my wisdom teeth removed. If you have had oral surgery before, you are probably aware that there are a lot of rules regarding what you can eat after a procedure. I was initially disappointed by this, but I believe I have found the silver lining. I can eat all of the pumpkin pie I want…guilt free!

While eating my pie for breakfast, I started thinking about little things that make me happy. The items on this list are inexpensive, low effort, and never cease to make me smile.

1. My first cup of coffee or tea in the morning

I enjoy drinking English Breakfast tea, brewed coffee, or a latte in the morning. Regardless of what the beverage is, there is something almost magical about the first cup. Warm, peaceful, comforting, delicious…

2. Baking bread and watching it rise

I made homemade bread for the first time after my grandmother died. She made famous cardamom bread, and I wanted to try to make it for myself. I found so much peace in baking bread, and am still in awe every time bread rises.

3. Watching Tinky sleep

My dog Tinky loves to be comfortable. I find her in a strange sleeping position on a daily basis. Having a dog adds so much joy to my life.

4. Winning a game, especially cribbage

I am naturally a bit competitive. James and I like to play games at home, and I’ll admit that I like to win.

5. Getting (happy) snail mail

Checking the mail and finding a letter or unexpected magazine is almost always a source of happiness for me.

6. Cooking and baking for friends

I enjoy cooking and baking. So, I already find joy in the process, itself. However, I especially like baking and cooking for friends and family.

7. Cutting into a perfect watermelon

Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits. I try to carefully select my watermelon, and am always delighted when I cut into a great, juicy watermelon!

8. Reducing clutter

This may be a strange one, but I really enjoy reducing clutter my home. I like to sort through old clothing and overstuffed drawers in an effort to minimize my unnecessary possessions. It makes me feel happy.

9. Fresh clean sheets

Fresh sheets taken straight out of the dryer are heavenly.

10. And of course, pie for breakfast

Eating pie for breakfast always puts a smile on my face. Usually it is a guilty smile, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy to be eating it. 🙂

Thank you for reading through my list! Please share what brings you happiness in the comment section. I would love to read about how you find happiness in the small things. 🙂 – Kristin