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51 Reasons I Find Myself Always Smiling And Appreciating Life Even More

In no particular order, here are 51 things that make me feel joy

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51 Reasons I Find Myself Always Smiling And Appreciating Life Even More
Anushree Rayarikar

When you're having a bad day it can seem like the world is under a black and white filter. Here are the things (in no particular order) that bring color back into my life. Hopefully, they remind you to cherish the little things.

1. Coffee, coffee, coffee

A freshly brewed coffee can solve just about anything.

2. Reading a good book

Especially books that you just can't seem to put down, they are the best!

3. Finding jewelry in my favorite color

Lilac, sky blue, and emerald green jewelry is so pretty!

4. Wearing traditional Indian outfits

I love participating in my culture and feeling like a queen while doing it!

5. The way the world looks after a heavy Spring rainfall

The sky may be gray, but the trees and landscape couldn't be greener.

6. Watching the Harry Potter movies with my dad

We may know every single word to every single movie, but that won't stop us from rewatching it for the 93029346th time.

7. Cooking with my mom

I love learning from her and seeing the love she feels for our culture and our family manifest itself in our food.

8. My best friends

They're there through it all.

9. Driving with the windows down on a sunny summer day

Pure calm.

10. Successfully following a YouTube makeup tutorial

Wig snatched!

11. Singing at the top of my lungs with my friends

I got my HAAAAANDS UP they're PLAYING MY SONG and the butterflies fly awayayayyyy!

12. Talking to my grandparents and hearing stories from them

Hearing about my parents' childhoods and the past is so interesting!

13. Shopping!!!

Retail therapy is real, people.

14. Making someone laugh when they're upset

Creating joy fosters joy. Happiness is cyclical!

15. Finding a new favorite song/artist to jam out to

Feels like you're looking at the world through a whole new lens!

16. Taking candid pictures of my friends

I love looking back at pictures of raw unedited emotions and moments.

17. Colin Jost from Saturday Night Live

Sigh.... Love u CJ!

18. Getting an answer right on the first try to a question you didn't know

Doing online homework and seeing the green check mark on your first try is so satisfying.

19. Working out

During the workout? Pain. After the workout? Pure glee.

20. Seeing a rainbow

Makes me feel truly blessed.

21. Getting a text from an old friend

Brings back all the nostalgic feels.

22. The smell of fresh herbs 

Especially mint, basil, and Russian sage.

23. Pineapple on pizza

I said what I said. #proud

24. Dad jokes, tbh

Don't tell my dad this, but I actually find his jokes hilarious! If he knew, he'd never let me hear the end of it.

25. Taking an afternoon nap after a day at the pool

The feeling of warm skin under a light blanket with the fan running is so relaxing.

26. Seeing fireflies in the summertime

Owl City had it right.

27. Putting blush on my nose

What can I say, it makes me feel cute!

28. The smell of a bonfire

See also: warm summer nights with your best friends roasting marshmallows.

29. Going thrift shopping and finding what you were looking for

Yas, queen!

30. Watching a perfect sunset

When all the colors blend together it makes me feel perfectly serene.

31. Cleaning (but mostly the feeling of seeing a clean room)

My swiffer has a special place in my heart.

32. Snuggling under freshly washed sheets

The smell of laundry detergent makes me feel refreshed and new.

33. Dancing (both choreographed dance and also having silly dance parties)

My way of letting loose is the art of dance.

34. French vanilla ice cream

The most underrated flavor in the world.

35. Good hair days

They are few and far between, but so wonderful when they happen.

36. 'The Office' theme song

The piano intro just makes me feel at home!

37. Working at a preschool

It's stressful, but gratifying.

38. Crisp autumn morning air

A fresh morning walk can help clear your head in times of stress.

39. The smell of new school supplies

Motivation is high and stress is low during the beginning of the school year.

40. Being a college student!

College has its ups and downs but it truly is the best four years of your life!

41. The first snowfall of winter

Literally nothing else about winter, though. Just that. And maybe hot chocolate.

42. When you're teaching a student something and it finally clicks for them

That's why we're here! The most gratifying moment when tutoring.

43. Painting

Any type of painting is extremely therapeutic to me (the one shown here is a work in progress that has since evolved into a whole garden!)

44. Secondhand bookstores

Bookstores themselves are a treat, but secondhand bookstores are extra magical because alongside the book you also receive another person's' insight, wisdom, and experience.

45. Bath bombs

Nothing more aesthetically pleasing than a fresh bath bomb.

46. The first warm day in spring

Cabin fever begone!

47. Finding the perfect caption for an Instagram post

It is just so satisfying when the caption hits all the marks.

48. Bouquets of roses

Roses are my favorite flower!

49. Coloring with crayons

This makes me feel like a kid again.

50. Getting an A on a test you worked hard for

Color coded notes, flash cards, study groups-- and the payoff: so gratifying.

51. The feedback I receive on my Odyssey articles

It truly means the world to me, so thank you so much!

Remember that for every bad moment, there is an equally beautiful moment waiting on the horizon.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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