Most people tend to think that joy comes from the big things in life, like holidays, big purchases, major milestones, and so on. And sometimes it does, but a lot of the time you’ll find your life isn’t made up of milestones – it’s made up of normal moments and routines, and when you look at it that way, you’ll realise it’s often the small things that bring the most joy. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Big Things Are Rare, Small Things Are Daily
The fact is, big things don’t happen very often (even though they might feel like they do because they stick in your memory more easily). In fact, most of your actual life is lived between those big things, and that’s where you’ll find small joys, which could include all kinds of things, like a good cup of coffee, a quiet evening at home, finishing work earlier than expected, and so on.
It’s true that these things might not seem all that interesting or exciting on their own, but they’re actually very important when it comes to making you feel good, and because they happen more often, they give you many more chances to improve your mood.
Small Joys Don’t Come With Pressure
The problem with big plans is that they usually come with quite a bit of expectation because you want them to go really well and you don’t want to be disappointed. The problem is that although that’s a perfectly normal and natural feeling to have, that pressure can take some of the enjoyment out of them.
The great thing about small joys is that they don’t work like that because there’s no build-up and no big emotional investment. If they’re good, that’s great, and if they’re not, you just move on and it doesn’t really matter. And that lack of pressure is really a big part of what makes them enjoyable.
Little Treats Have Their Place
People can often downplay little treats, but they definitely do have their place and serve a purpose because they break up routine and give you something to look forward to. That might mean a favourite snack, a weekly hobby, or maybe something you only do now and then because you enjoy it, for example.
Something simple like ordering online pick ‘n’ mix for a night in is a perfect example of something small but fun that really adds to the excitement of an otherwise ordinary evening – and that’s something that can matter a lot more than we might realise or want to admit.
You Notice Them More When You Slow Down
A lot of the time, the problem isn’t that small joys aren’t there, it’s the fact that we’re always rushing past them so we don’t notice them. However, when you pay a bit more attention to the things you’re doing and what’s happening around you, you’ll start to notice, and that’s when you see the things that can make your day better. In other words, slowing down makes sense for all kinds of reasons, and it can help you enjoy your life in many different ways.
