Lately, things have been a bit rough for me, so I thought I’d shift the focus to the brighter side and talk about the little things that spark joy. It’s about diverting attention from the tough stuff and really noticing the everyday joys we often overlook. So, here’s a toast to the tiny delights that coax out a smile, the subtle nuances of daily life that soften the edges and return happiness to us, piece by piece.
Reflecting on the little joys in life, my impromptu karaoke sessions – whether in the shower, car, or during a work-from-home day – definitely top the list. I’m no vocalist, but belting out tunes from my playlist or jamming to Spotify’s random selections just lifts my spirits. There’s something liberating about singing along to ballads of heartache amid the steam of a hot shower, or tunes in languages I barely grasp. These solo concerts keep me grounded during home office hours, and they’re a surprisingly good pick-me-up during those inevitable slumps. It’s in moments like these, when I’m giving my all to The Rose’s “You’re beautiful” (mental note for body positivity boosts) or acing a Korean verse from Seventeen’s “Spell” at a traffic light, that I find myself grinning and realizing life’s just gotten a little brighter.
Singing isn’t the only thing that brightens my day – dancing does too. Oddly enough, I actually enjoy cleaning my place. But do you know what elevates the mundane task of tidying up? That’s right, turning it into a dance party with a killer playlist. Making chores entertaining is a must, don’t you think? When the beats of Reggaeton, Hip Hop, or KPop fill the room, and I’m grooving and singing with all I’ve got, that’s when I truly revel in the moment and laugh at my own award-worthy performance. And let’s not forget about those shower dance parties – they’re a whole different level of joy.
Music is a constant source of happiness for me, especially when I stumble upon new artists through a shuffle of playlists. There’s a thrill in memorizing fresh lyrics, diving into music videos, and doing a bit of background digging on the artists (come on, we all do it). Then there’s the magic of reencountering forgotten tunes that somehow become exactly what I needed to hear. And let’s not forget crafting that ultimate workout playlist, the one that’s guaranteed to fuel my energy as I tackle the heavy weights at the gym.
Unexpected calls from a friend during work hours can be such a bright spot, especially when it’s just to catch up because we missed our usual chats while I was with a client. It’s not about needing anything; it’s about reconnecting. And when I share my latest favorite tracks with her, and she actually takes the time to listen – and even enjoys one – it means a lot, especially since she’s not big on music. Then there are the surprise messages from another friend who’s studying, just dropping in to say she’s thinking of me. Or the endless stream of hilarious reels and memes from a buddy on Instagram, and the random side eyes we exchange at the office. Let’s not forget the excitement of planning a trip to Korea with my sister, as we bombard each other with ideas and images. There’s also the joy of seeing a friend’s newborn in photos, waking up to lengthy messages from a pal on the other side of the world, or connecting with people globally through a language exchange app, learning about their lives and cultures.
There’s something special about the stillness of a train ride, gazing out the window at the sunrise, the landscape, and the hustle of life outside. I find myself watching the sky, the trees, houses, cars, and people, letting my imagination wander about their stories. I’m intrigued by fellow passengers, like a couple with hefty backpacks, and I can’t help but speculate about the exciting destinations they’re headed to. Spotting travelers with luggage always piques my curiosity about their journeys. Then there’s the simple, heartwarming exchange with the elderly lady I often see on the train – we share a smile and a soft greeting without speaking further, a small connection that brightens my day. And of course, there’s the pleasure of immersing myself in a new book while soaking in the quiet of the early morning commute.
The gym is my go-to for an instant mood lift, especially after a rough day. There’s just something about it – even on days when I’m dragging my feet, the moment I start lifting, I feel a surge of happiness. Adding a cap to my gym attire might seem trivial, but it’s boosted my confidence; I’m even starting to rock it outside the gym, so I guess I’m a cap girl now. Another highlight is the group of early-bird retirees I see every morning, eagerly awaiting the gym’s opening to chat about the weather or the next big game. Then there’s the kind older man who offers a smile and a pat on the back when he catches me yawning mid-rep, checking in with a gentle “Tired?” But the real triumph is when I manage to outdo my last session, adding more reps, more weight, or just admiring the muscle flex post-workout (we’ve all done it, right?). And let’s not forget the joy of working out with a friend, exploring new machines or exercises – like the time we tackled barbell hip thrusts, completely wiped out but having the best time.
I’ve really taken a liking to my weekend dinners. There’s something about whipping up Tteokbokki, my current favorite Korean dish, that I eagerly anticipate, even though it’s quite straightforward. Cooking, in general, is my thing – not that I’m always making elaborate meals. But I genuinely enjoy my kitchen time, often with a playlist in the background, singing my heart out while I chop and stir. And then there’s the joy of grocery shopping – discovering a new item or finally finding that beloved product that’s been out of stock forever. It’s the simple pleasures that make it all worthwhile.
Right now, the thrill of counting down the days to my next journey – first to Ireland, and then the big one to Korea – is bringing me so much joy. There’s an indescribable excitement in the lead-up to a trip, imagining all the sights, flavors, and experiences that await. The moment you step onto the plane, you’re embarking on a fresh adventure, open to whatever twists and turns come your way. This anticipation is its own kind of magic. Just picturing my upcoming travels brings a smile to my face, because I know the sense of freedom and happiness that comes with discovering a new place, where my everyday concerns just seem to slip away.
Catching up with that one friend, just spending quality time together, is something I truly cherish. She’s always there to check in on me when I’m not feeling my best, and she matches my level of sass and sarcasm perfectly, never taking offense to my jokes. She’s quick to tell me how proud she is of my latest accomplishments, always ready to hype me up. But she’s also the kind of friend who’d go out of her way to bring me yogurt if I mentioned I forgot to pick some up. Honestly, these little moments with her have been a balm for my soul and a surefire mood booster, and she probably doesn’t even realize the impact she has.
There are countless little things that sprinkle joy into my life, and I’ve probably only scratched the surface here. Putting these joyful snippets into words has definitely brightened my spirits and shifted my view on my current situation. I won’t pretend everything’s perfect – life isn’t all roses and sunshine at the moment – but this little exercise in gratitude has been a much-needed pick-me-up. So, if you’re having a tough time and happen to read this post, I hope it brings a smile to your face and inspires you to reflect on the small joys in your own life.
matcha latte on a rainy night 