Life can be pretty demanding sometimes. There is always so much to do, and we often search for the next best thing. We get lost in the ideas of how our lives can be better instead of appreciating the simple joys of everyday life.
My life will be better when I…
- Lose 10 pounds
- Make more money
- Buy a new house
- Get a new job
- Find my soulmate
- Have time by myself
We focus on what we don’t have and continue through life, always looking ahead.
But then, something will stop you in your tracks and remind you that the only thing we truly need is the simple joys of each moment. We need to stop and smell the roses now.
This week, my family moved my dad to a nursing home.
He is 87 years old and has been diagnosed with Dementia. Little by little, his life is changing. He forgets how to take care of the basic necessities of life. Things like eating, bathing, taking medications, cleaning, and minding his money.
It is one of the hardest things a child can watch with their parents. Suddenly, the one who has helped you through life needs your help. There is much to learn about this change that will take my dad’s and my siblings’ time. But one of the biggest immediate lessons I’m learning is how much the material things and chasing the next best thing do not matter.
My dad moved with a couple of weeks’ worth of clothes and a few keepsakes and pictures. That’s all. He doesn’t need the latest kitchen gadgets or the mug or clown collections displayed in his apartment. He brought one pair of shoes, his favorite blanket, his iPad and knew that a bed and TV would be provided. Just enough to make his new place a home.
What he truly needs now to enjoy life is human connection and simple joys.
Simple Joys for my Dad
Playing cards with his friends
Eating breakfast
Hot coffee
Playing solitaire on his iPad
Laying on his tummy and watching westerns on TV
Seeing or talking to his children and grandchildren
Going for a drive
Ice Cream Sundaes
Notice that few of those things require a lot of time or money. Instead of searching for what can be better in your life, focus on the simple joys of what you already have. All that other extra stuff will be useless later in life.
I am so much more grateful for my health right now. I am thankful for all of the beautiful people in my life and grateful that I still have the chance to make a difference in others’ lives.
Take time every day to notice the simple things that bring you joy.
40 Simple Joys in Everyday Life
Your dog greeting you when you get home
A phone call from your child
Watching a sunrise or sunset
Connecting with a character in a book
Watching someone win on Price is Right and go crazy
An excellent glass of wine
Making someone laugh
Hitting 10,000 steps
Finishing a project
Noticing signs from God or the Universe
Hearing someone tell you that you touched their life
Reading your child/grandchild a book
Experiencing forgiveness
Facing a fear
Listening to a great podcast and having an aha moment
Putting an outfit on and feeling great
Jumping in a pile of leaves
Telling someone you love them
Someone telling you they love you
Laughing until your stomach hurts
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The first sip of coffee
Warm towel out of the dryer
Receiving a handwritten letter or thank you
Freshly baked cookies
A cool breeze when you are having a hot flash
Finding a parking spot in front of your favorite store
Fresh sheets
The smell of a candle
A quiet night with your spouse
Fresh bouquet of flowers
A long walk in nature
Snuggling in front of a fire on a cold night
Hearing your favorite song on the radio and singing along loudly
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New episode of your favorite show
Listening to the waves crash on the shore
Warm sun on your face
Having a beer and burger on date night
Hearing a baby giggle
Having the perfect lighting for a picture
Hitting all green lights
I could go on and on. It just shows you that if you take notice and appreciate the present moment, life can be pretty joyful.
So far, my dad seems pretty happy. He has plenty of people to talk to, and he got his ice cream sundae yesterday. The present moment is one of the only things he has.
So, instead of searching for a better life, be aware of the simple joys in your everyday life today. Don’t let those moments slip by.
Make your list of simple joys and see how marvelous your life already is!
“The essence of life is not in the great victories and grand failures, but in the simple joys.” Jonathan Lockwood Huie
“Love the simple joys of life that put a smile upon your face, a light in your eyes, and happiness in your heart.”
Check out my book The 5 Ls of Living Marvelously for more ways to create a life you love!
The 5 L's of Living Marvelously Book
Hi Laurie, i know how hard dementia is and it really changes the person almost that they are little kids. Tom’s mom has been in the nursing home for 2 years now and before that she was in assisted living. She no longer knows any of us. It is just really hard how it takes over the person. I am pretty sure Bob will like being there.
Thank you for sharing that Missy. I totally agree that they turn into little kids again. That breaks my heart about Tom’s mom, but I know its just the horrible disease. We need to be grateful for every day.