Turn That Frown Upside Down: Twenty-Nine Simple Pleasures

Life is filled with simple pleasures, the little satisfying effects you never really anticipate, but always take great pleasure in. They are the gifts of life that we each subconsciously celebrate in our own unique way. Here, what we think are thirty of the most satisfying simple pleasures life has to offer.

1. Sleeping In on a Rainy Day: As the rain beats lightly against the window, you nestle your head deeper into your pillow. The sound is soothing and your bed feels like a sanctuary. There’s no place you would rather be.

2. Finding Money You Didn’t Know You Had: You reach into your pocket and find a twenty-dollar bill from the last time you wore these jeans. You aren’t rich, but you are richer than you were a second earlier.

3. Making Brief Eye Contact with Someone of the Opposite Sex: You pass her on the street or in the subway. She glances up at you momentarily, making direct eye contact in a way that seems to communicate a subtle curiosity. For a split second, it makes you think … and then it’s gone.

4. Skinny Dipping: There’s something mysteriously liberating about being naked in a body of water. You’re naked, but it feels natural, a sense of unrefined freedom.

5. Receiving a Real Letter or Package via Snail Mail: Email has become the primary source of written communication. Most snail mail these days is junk mail. When you check the mail and find a real letter or package from someone you know, excitement overtakes you as you tear into this rare gift.

6. Making the Yellow Light: It’s one of the most common simple pleasures, the act of beating the pack. As you blaze through the yellow light, you glance in your rearview to see all the cars behind you stopping at the red light. Yes! You made it!

7. Telling a Funny or Interesting, True Story: One of the most enticing roles you lead in life is that of the storyteller. You love to share stories, especially those that will captivate your audience with deep curiosity and humor. There are few things more satisfying than telling a true story that others enjoy listening to.

8. Hearing the Right Song at the Right Moment: It doesn’t matter what the setting is, hearing the right song in the right moment is one of those simple pleasures in life that instantly lifts your spirits. You could be driving home from work, hanging out at a bar with friends, or jogging. When the right song rattles your eardrums, the entire meaning of life seems crystal clear.

9. The First Sip of a Beverage When You’re Thirsty: You just finished mowing the lawn or taking a long jog. The only thing on your mind is an ice-cold glass of water. When you’re really, really thirsty, that first sip of any liquid beverage is sheer bliss.

47 readers liked this story.
From Around the Web:
05.27.2010
Donna Cavanagh
I love all these things. Made me smile just reading your list!!
I absolutely agree with aidel! Very delightful list, i do these things way too rarely!
05.05.2010
Patti
This is great ,print it out and will post ,to follow each day.....Thanks
05.04.2010
aidel
A very nice list. It's a pity you assume everybody is heterosexual. Also you left out one of the fundamental pleasures in life: giving someone you love a big hug.
04.29.2010
Sherri Obermark
That was great, and so true! Thanks!
It feels good to write.

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