“I don’t have to take a trip around the world or be on a yacht in the Mediterranean to have happiness. I can find it in the little things, like looking out into my backyard and seeing deer in the fields.”
Queen Latifah
Peaceful living begins with the everyday small wonders. Happiness is not given to you, it’s something you have to create for yourself.
Micro-moments of joy is a term used to describe the taking in of simple pleasures to create one’s own happiness. Micro-moments of joy do not come with a price tag. We all have them, in abundance, if we look for them. It just takes a little bit of mindfulness. I have posted a few examples of my micro-moments of joy for you to use as a starting point for considering yours.
Social Interactions
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
Marcel Proust
You don’t need a large group of friends to experience the benefits of human interaction. We connect with people on multiple degrees of intimacy.
Leave the door open for the people who make you happy, even if they are strangers. Let them know you appreciate them and don’t pass up the opportunity to show them kindness.
We went shopping at Kohls last week and brought our miniature schnauzer, Loki, with us. It wasn’t busy and our cashier went crazy over Loki! It turns out she has three miniature schnauzers and we had a quick chat about them. We enjoyed the short, simple connection with her. See how easy that was?
Connecting With Mother Earth
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
Margaret Atwood
There’s something wonderful about the aroma of the newly exposed soil that has been covered by snow and ice all winter. As soon as the weather is warm enough, I will be experiencing the merits of grounding by placing my bare feet on the grass. It’s true, finding joy is as simple as this!
Getting dirt under one’s fingernails is a tiny part of potting plants and growing a garden. Last week I had plenty of dirt under my nails, and for some reason it made me feel happy, healthy and resourceful. It was as if there were answers in the dirt.
When I was young, I spent my fair share of helping out in the vegetable garden each summer. Now, what used to be a mundane childhood chore has become a fulfilling source of spiritual and healthful nourishment, with abundant returns in joy.
Weather
“I get my best ideas in a thunderstorm. I have the power and majesty of nature on my side.”
Ralph Steadman
My mom always used to say “whether it’s cold or whether it’s hot, we’re going to have weather, like it or not!”
I decided a long time ago to enjoy all types of weather. When you think about it, our daily weather is an immediate gift from the universe.
Sunny days, of course are my favorite. But we also need the dark and dreary days. The contrast keeps us healthy and balanced. I think of the Chinese concept of yin and yang, the essential balance of opposites that occur in nature. You can’t have one without the other.
I rejoice in the aftermath of a big thunderstorm. The air smells clean and the sun starts to peak out from the clouds. The small critters in the yard reappear. It’s so tranquil and quite the pop of joy.
A small breeze on a hot summer day is all one needs to appreciate a moment of peace. A single snowflake reminds us of Mother Nature’s intricate beauty.
Truthfully, though, there is nothing like sitting outside, sipping fresh brewed coffee and listening to the song birds, while basking in the warm morning sunshine! It’s a small wonder, that can completely fill the rest of your day with peace.
These are just a few examples taken from an infinite array of microbursts of joy. Take time each day to think about the small blessings that bring you peace and joy. A good time to do this is when you wake up or just before you fall asleep. Even better, practice feeling gratitude and awareness when you are actually experiencing those moments.
All the little things that bring you joy in life will add up to bring you happiness.
So please, savor all those little things that make your life amazing, and claim your happiness! Thank you for reading. – Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)
Feel free to reblog anything I post. I welcome all comments and discussion.
The River Blogger 
Loki, if you were here, you would be a constant moment of joy! And to let you know, it was Angel Lexi who was the actress in the family. I am the Freestyle Dance queen! I hope you still love me! XOXOX Xena Princess Warrior Schnauzer
Beautiful❤
What a beautiful post. I absolutely agree that we create our own happiness.
Thank you! 🌸
I truly need to practice this and this one is so inspirational
Thank you, Dana. Steve is my role model in this. He cherishes every breathing moment, and has taught me to do the same. 🕊
Great Title!
Thanks! 💕
Lovely piece on God’s good earth. Thank you. I think we can see a Rembrandt or a Vermeer in a museum and not need it hanging in our homes. We can see the power and beauty of the finest Teslas without owning one. Those things represent the permanency that is sought in the rat race. To me the only permanence I eagerly await is the eternal in the glimmering kingdom of God.
Thank you for these inspiring comments. 🕊
It really is the little things. When you enjoy the day to day life, that’s true success. ❤
You know it! 😉
Great thoughts
Thank you! 🌸
Beautiful as usual – right from the heart.
Thank you, guys! 💕