Recently, as I readied myself for a program in another state–and yet one more trek through airports and all that means nowadays–I found myself concentrating on the downside of my travels. The hotels, the airport lines, airport food, flight delays, time away from home. It is easy to be caught up in the “problems” and “challenges” we face. Reality for me is that I really don’t have many trials and tribulations. Yes, there are issues with which to deal; but when I look at the news each day…well, I don’t have a lot to complain about. Sure there are irritations and, at times, major setbacks. But I have a lot to be grateful for in life..
And there are so many people, places, and experiences that add up to a great life for all of us; some that we may take for granted. For some of you, it may be your children, your spouse or partner, your community work, or your health.
So, today, let’s turn our thoughts not to the travails but, rather, to the little pleasures of life–those experiences that are too often overlooked. Here is a very short list of little pleasures, that, when considered as a whole, add up to a large experience.
- A sunrise walk on the beach.
Any time on the beach.- A morning jog.
- A dinner with friends.
- An evening listening to friends perform their music.
- The beginning of a new writing project.
- Completing a writing project.
- A day working in the yard with my wife.
Any time with my wife.- A walk with my dog.
- The eyes of students when they have an “aha” moment.
- The early-morning quiet.
- The sound of music.
- A massage.
- A Yankees’ win.
Blues music.- Playing my guitar.
- Creating a new program.
- This weekly blog.
- Little kids dancing to music.
- A bicycle ride.
- A Dunkin’ Donuts’ iced coffee.
Seeing my wife in the morning.- Seeing my wife at night.
And the list can and does go on and on. Many little things that add up to a great ride. In the long run, these little pleasures make for great treasures.
What are your little pleasures?
The Growth and Resilience Network® 
steve, this was one of the most enjoyable blogs i have read of yours… now that i am older and the kids are grown and out of the house, for the most part, i do try to take pleasure in the small, simple things… like you suggested… walking the dogs… spending quiet time with jack after work… going and listening to friends music..;) take care, give our love to laurie… laura
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Best to you and Jack as well!
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Love this blog and enjoyed the exercise of writing out my own list.
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I think this blog would good for anyone to read. We all get cought up in stressfull situations and unintentionally forget about the “small things” that make us happy. Without the little pleasures; we would not have a big picture of happieness. Overall happieness does not come from only one aspect. I takes a magnitude of small pleasures to be genuinely happy. I am guilty of forgetting about what really matters; “the Small things”. Reading this blog will help me when I am feeling sad, lonley, or even angry. It will help me remember the actions or people in my life that make me happy. The next time I am feeling bad I will create my own list of things that I enjoy. Creating the list is a good way to take focus away from the negitive issues that cause unhappieness, and show yourself how much you have to enjoy.
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Enjoy life, Michael!
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When I observe the people that I have around my everyday life, I find myself saying “Really, you’re really going to cry about something that small?” Im constantly thanking the Almighty for just life! I believe that you really have to have something happen in your life for you to appreciate the little things.I have a one year old daughter and I am love the simple things that she does, for instance she loves to play “talk” on her phone.Those are the moments that I treasure and keep close to my heart.Just to watch her makes me pray for those who dont like to be around their own children.
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We can learn so much from children. Enjoy it each day.
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Pingback: A Blogger’s Retrospective: 2011 in Review « Steve Piscitelli's Blog
My little pleasures consist of playing sports with my friends on my days off. Another little pleasure is having a conversation with my grandfather about sports. Watching one of my favorite sports teams (Tennessee Volunteers, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Braves) is another one of my little pleasures; I don’t mind a win or loss just want a good effort from them. For me the greatest treasure I can have is that I have a home to go to with all of my bills being up to date, where I can just sit back and enjoy a sports game stress free.
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My Biggest and Greatest pleasure is just waking up in the morning and even though I have nothing to do with it, just waking up to another day I never seen before and to be able get right what I did wrong is a Blessing in itself. There is nothing but thanks in my heart and Love for the very one who gives it to me. Thank You Lord for 1 of many treasures of Life.
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Gratitude is wonderful!
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