125 Things That Make Me Happy & Can Brighten Your Day Too!

Lately, the world feels heavier than ever, and it’s easy to get lost in fear and uncertainty. But dwelling on it won’t help us—or anyone else. That’s why I’m sharing the little things that make me happy—because joy isn’t just in big milestones but in the everyday moments that make life feel lighter.

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If we want to bring more kindness and hope into the world, we have to start by lifting our spirits. 

Creating a list of things that make you happy is a simple yet powerful way to shift your mindset. It also boosts gratitude and helps you remember that happiness still exists—even in tough times. 

Trying self-care activities like making a gratitude list is worthwhile because when we fill our cup, we have more energy to give—whether volunteering, donating, or simply being there for someone in need.

So today, I’m sharing 125 everyday things that bring me joy—not to ignore life’s struggles but to celebrate the good around us and hopefully inspire you to do the same!

Benefits of Enjoying the Little Things in Life

Not only does it make your day brighter and reduce stress, but having appreciation for things has also been shown in studies to increase your life satisfaction. (1)

Soaking up the little things that make you happy isn’t just good for your mood—it might also be good for your health. Taking time to enjoy life’s small joys can (2):

• Keep your heart healthy ❤️
• Give your immune system a boost 💪
• Lower stress and help ease pain 😌
• Even help you live longer! 🎉

So, let’s dive into my list of all the little joys that make me happy!

125 Things That Make Me Happy & Can Brighten Your Day, Too!

I’m breaking this list down using the five senses because joy isn’t just a thought—it’s something we experience.  The scent of fresh coffee, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of laughter—these simple moments are everywhere. 

When we start paying attention and appreciating all of these things, we realize how much they brighten our lives, bring a smile to our faces, and even help turn a bad day around.

Sight 👁️

1. Cherry blossoms (This is last May at a local park)
2. Pretty snowfalls
3. Sunset
4. Rainbows
5. The ocean
6. Birds in my backyard (cardinals, bluejays, terns and on occasion, herons!)
7. A friendly smile
8. Paintings in an art gallery
9. All the beauty of nature walks
10. A lake, river or pond (any body of water, even a little stream)
11. Butterflies
12. Puppies 
13. A sunny day with clear blue skies
14. Sunrise
15. Well-maintained green grass (like on a golf course)
16. Mountains
17. Ladybugs
18. Pictures of tropical beaches (since I’m nowhere near one)
19. Gemstones in a museum
20. The views when driving in the country
21. Snowflakes on my black mittens (the intricate details are amazing!)
22. Horses
23. Fireworks
24. Christmas trees
25. Changing colours in the fall

Sound 👂

26. Concerts (Coldplay concert in Toronto)
27. A baby’s laughter
28. Raindrops on a window 
29. A great movie soundtrack
30. Listening to someone tell a good story
31. Church choirs
32. Bubble wrap popping 
33. Calming waves (so serene and peaceful)
34. Birds chirping 
35. Andrea Boccelli’s voice
36. Kittens purring
37. Clapping
38. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande singing “Defying Gravity” (they’re perfection together!)
39. A crackling open fire on a winter day
40. My favourite song playing on the radio
41. Snow crunching on a walk
42. People saying thank you (courtesy is always refreshing)
43. Wind chimes
44. A perfectly executed smack of a high-five
45. Wind in the trees
46. Laughing with friends
47. The sound of a vibrant city (now that I’m in a small town, I sometimes miss the bustling city)
48. Relaxing spa music
49. Pebbles thrown in water
50. Nostalgic music from my teen years

Touch ✋

51. Walking barefoot on the sand (This was a walk with one of my girls many years ago)
52. Warm towels straight out of the dryer
53. Hugs! Especially from my hubby and daughters
54. A soothing massage
55. My duvet
56. Mist on a hot day
57. Bubble wrap (so fun popping it) 
58. Flour when I bake
59. A light breeze on my skin
60. Soft throw blankets
61. Feeling the sun on my face (with sunscreen, of course!)
62. Cuddling with my daughters on the sofa
63. Laughing so hard it hurts
64. Squishmellow’s or any stuffed toys
65. A pedicure
66. Petting a fluffy dog
67. A hot shower on a cold day
68. Holding my husband’s hand
69. Pockets on a dress: comfy and cute!
70. My water pillow 
71. Walking in the shallow water on the beach
72. Sitting on a comfy lounger
73. Soft kisses
74. Weighted blankets
75. Fresh bedsheets

More Little Things That Make Me Happy…

Taste 😋

76. Mini Nutella cheesecakes (I bake these every Christmas)
77. Fresh watermelon on a summer day
78. Tacos
79. Strawberry & banana smoothie
80. Mini doughnuts with icing sugar (Tiny Tom’s at the Toronto CNE are my fave!)
81. Tapioca in bubble tea 
82. Sweet potato fries
83. Strawberry shortcake
84. Avocados
85. Hot chocolate in the winter
86. Ice cream in the summer 
87. My husband’s homemade guacamole and salsa
88. Velvety Greek yogurt
89. Cold water on a hot day
90. Chocolate!
91. Penne alla vodka
92. Homemade chocolate chip cookies out of the oven
93. Good quality pizza
94. Mangoes in the summer
95. Poutine (what can I say, I’m Canadian ☺️)
96. Movie theater popcorn
97. French toast 
98. Lasagna (my mom’s was the best)
99. Chocolate almond croissants
100. Chamomile tea before bed (I like this Twinnings one)

Smell 👃

101. Beautiful spring evenings (View from our balcony)
102. Cinnamon anything!
103. Freshly baked bread
104. Essential oils (especially peppermint and eucalyptus)
105. Fruity lipgloss
106. The smell when you walk into a spa
107. A cake or pie baking
108. Fresh lemons or anything lemon scented
109. A nice hand cream
110. Walking into a bakery
111. Coffee (I don’t even drink coffee, but love the smell!)
112. Roses
113. Barbeques in the summer
114. Baby out of the bath
115. Vanilla!
116. Freshly washed hair
117. Scented markers
118. Bacon cooking in the morning 
119. Fresh clothes out of the dryer
120. Crisp winter breeze
121. Scented candles
122. Fresh potpourri
123. Oranges
124. Fall rain
125. Coconut anything!

Why Gratitude Is Key to Happiness and Lasting Joy

I hope reading this brought you some smiles and got you thinking about the little joys in your life! Making a list of things that make you happy is about gratitude and appreciation for your life.

It’s an easy and fun emotional self-care idea when you need some downtime, so take some time to write your own and keep adding to it as you notice things. It’s like a living document and a little support when you need to be lifted up or are struggling. 

Simple gratitude habits can help shift your focus to what’s good, even on tough days. 

Easy ways to incorporate gratitude into your day:

• Express appreciation – Send a quick thank-you text or tell someone how much they mean to you.
• Start a gratitude jar – Write down one thing you’re grateful for each day, and watch your collection grow.
• Use gratitude affirmations – Say or write affirmations like “I am thankful for the small joys in my life.”
• Keep a gratitude journal – Jot down three things you’re grateful for every morning or night.
• Pause and savour the moment—whether it’s a cup of tea or a beautiful sunset, take a second to soak it in.

These habits make a difference in shifting your mindset and creating daily joy.

Related post: 170 Gratitude Affirmations For More Joy In the Moment

Things That Make Me Happy Final Thoughts

The little things that make you happy aren’t little at all—they’re the building blocks of a more joyful life. By reflecting on what brings you happiness, you’re making a powerful mindset shift toward gratitude, presence, and peace. 

It’s not about having a perfect life; it’s about recognizing the good that’s already here!

Always remember to be kind to yourself and take life one small step at a time. ❤️

References:

1. 8 Ways to Truly Enjoy the Little Things
2 same as above