As the days go by, my mind grows more attuned to the simple, little, beautiful sources of my pleasure and I would like to share them with you. These things don’t cost much if they cost anything at all.
Maybe because I’ve had to live life on a shoe string budget for quite some time – due to cutting back on full-time work to take care of my children – yes, some sacrifices are worth it at the end.
I must tell you that it’s tough, tough, tough, not having a steady income, but I’ve also learnt to literally become a minimalist and my sense of deep appreciation for the small things have deepened beyond measure.
I digress. Now to the 50 shades of things that make my heart glad. They are in no particular order.
- The cuddle and warmth of a new baby.
- The wonderful smell of a new book.
- The outlay of books in the library or bookstore.
- Office supplies and notepads.
- The frisky frolic of a happy puppy, baby animals excluding snakes and other creepy crawlies.
- Good music and Saturday mornings.
- A well-stocked pantry.
- An early morning walks when the air is crisp and fresh.
- The sounds of birds chirping. I try to decipher their conversation, unfortunately, I don’t speak chirp.
- Watching the sun rise and set.
- The tinkling laughter of a child.
- The quiet hum of my home in the wee hours of the morning.
- A scalp massage from the fingers of a dear one.
- Foot rub after a hard day.
- A pretty bud and fresh flowers.
- The rich smell of coffee and coffee shops. I think I’ll end up owning one 😉
- The sound of Beethoven that my husband plays when he’s shaving *don’t ask me why.
- An ice cream on a cone on a hot day.
- My bare feet planted on the cool floor under my work table.
- Singing loudly to myself – though I can barely carry a tune.
- The sound of rain.
- Smiles. When I make someone smile.
- Gazing up at the stars.
- Seeing happy people
- The smell of freshly cut grass.
- Watching my children dance.
- Dancing – I love dancing.
- Listening to my fave songs on repeat.
- Morning mist on untouched plants.
- Warm heartfelt hugs, forehead kisses, and deep conversations.
- Getting lost in the pages of a book.
- Sleeping on my bed or just lying in and lazing there.
- Quiet moments to myself.
- A nice soak in a warm bubble bath.
- Christmas time
- Sweets: chocolate, cheesecake, chocolate cake, hot chocolate. I am an unrepentant chocoholic.
- Finishing a crossword puzzle
- Things that make me laugh.
- Tea time with a pretty tea set – sounds silly but it just makes me sigh in contentment.
- Pretty candles and meditation.
- Cooking and watching others eat it with appreciation. Sharing food with others is filling.
- An unexpected gift.
- Seeing an elderly couple holding hands 🙂
- Freshly washed bed sheets.
- Looking at old photos and reminiscing.
- Finding bargains
- Making friends
- Picnics at the park – I can’t wait for the weather to get cooler.
- A clean house and family time.
- Finishing things on time.
As I wrote this list, I realized I had many more things that I could include, like the warm cup of corn and mushroom soup (homemade) that I’m enjoying right now. I will share the recipe with you in another post.
So tell me, what are your shades of pleasure?
Jacqueline
This post made me smile!! I was nodding my head with so many of them!
I would add hiking and swinging on a porch swing watching the lightning bugs 🙂
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🙂
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I will go with most of yours and add – just sitting idly and staring at the vast sky. And taking a roller coaster ride… amazing post😀👍
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Thank you Shivangi. Open skies inspires great thoughts 🙂
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Laying on the beach. Feeling the sand and surf over my feet.
Spending time with my brother Stephen. ♡
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You make me want to visit the beach. Can’t wait for better weather.
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Dear Jacqueline, for two years i did not work and I think it was so good as it made me a bit more mindful on spending for what is needed and required.
Love your 50 shades… one of my 50 shades would be your blogs .. i love your thoughts on this blog. I love your writing and blogging advise on your other blog. I definately look forward to reading your post.
Then my other shades would be, journaling, affirmations, clean house, my mum, meditation, part time volunteer work and part time paid work, living a true life.. morning ginger tea, warm bath… ….
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You just planted a huge smile on my face Bella. Thank you. I love your list and share some of those thoughts with you 🙂
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This is such a beautiful post 😊
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Thank you dear Ihuoma 🙂
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What a lovely list of simple things that make you smile. Made me smile too.
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I ditto all of your shades and would add the aromas of fall – crisp apples, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and nutmeg. The aroma of fresh brewing coffee. Mornings and everything that goes with them. Beautiful post!
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Oooh! I love those fragrances. Now and again, I potpourri of cinnamon etc for the house 🙂
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They’re calming and bring back good memories.
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This is nice!
Clean house, especially the kitchen and bathroom, would definitely make me delighted!
Also Seeing my teenager boys simply doing their chores without waiting for their long list of grumpy words to be finished, will make me extremely happy!
Thanks for sharing this post!
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I know about chasing after the boys to do their chores without grumbling. My two boys give me the run around as much as they can get away with 🙂
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Lots of great things on your list. 🙂
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Thank you. It’s really those simple things that adds flavour to life 🙂
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A wonderful list and I share many things with you. I understand living on a shoe string and the sight of a well-stocked larder is a pleasure as is coffee. If you end up owning a coffee shop, I’ll be sure to visit. x
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…and we would sit and have lovely chats over decadent brews 🙂
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Yes, with some gluten- free treats for me. x
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