75 Simple Pleasures to Brighten Your Day

Victor Says:

July 19th, 2007, 5:27 am

1. Waking early in the morning
2. Being right when everyone was thinking I was wrong
3. A good laugh of something not that funny
4. An extra income of inesperated cash
5. Losing weight in a healty way
6. A smile in your kid when you arrive home
7. A smile in your wife when you arrive home
8. Two minutes of a movie that make you cry of emotion
9. A good book that you have to read until the next chapter
10. The sensation of knowing that you make an anonymous donation

Alex Ion Says:

July 19th, 2007, 6:35 am

Kudos for

2. Walking barefoot in grass.
75. Swimming at night.

Shine Says:

July 19th, 2007, 6:41 am

Brilliant! This list can go on and go and be very personalise. But, don’t we get the idea? Do whatever makes us feel good - some how we can’t feel too angry when we put a smile on our face! Or, we can pick one from your list and start doing it - sure it makes some difference.

Christopher, Poland Says:

July 19th, 2007, 7:15 am

even reading about it is pleasurable ;-D

Jake Says:

July 19th, 2007, 7:35 am

Fantastic list and a great idea - I must aim to do at least one per day!

Meredith Says:

July 19th, 2007, 9:13 am

1. Driving down the open road/interstate, with favorite music playing
2. Getting to leave work early…even five minutes
3. The smell of laundry, fresh out of the dryer
4. Going on a treasure hunt at Barnes & Noble
5. Calvin & Hobbes comic strips

Dr Shock Says:

July 19th, 2007, 9:51 am

1. running to clear my head
2. watch a soccer game with one of the kids

For dark chocolate please see:
http://ectweb.blogspot.com/2007/07/is-chocolate-antidepressant.html

Grayson De Ritis Says:

July 19th, 2007, 10:49 am

Thank you for taking the time to put this together, Leo. Time for me to fwd this link to friends :-)

Jared Says:

July 19th, 2007, 10:51 am

In no nesscesary order…

1. Taking a flight and watching the shadow of your airplane leave the ground.
2. Soft, cool grass
3 Watching a little old lady play the piano at a mall. Seeing her in the joy of playing her music.
4. Flashing yellow lights on the streets on Sunday morning.
5. Accelerating out of a curve.
6. Seeing a friend in an unexpected place.

Pril Says:

July 19th, 2007, 11:47 am

i went throught this list and wrong my pro’s and cons to it then deleted it!
lol
but it’s a great list!
Thanks

Armand Says:

July 19th, 2007, 14:07 pm

Brilliant suggestions here!

I find pleasure in ideas… I enjoy thinking and the process of creating ideas. :)

Red Zinnia Says:

July 19th, 2007, 14:08 pm

Love this list. . .
Here are a couple more from me:

Reading in bed
Watching the bird feeder
Good olive oil and roasted garlic on fresh bread. With wine!
Fresh flowers
An evening by a fire
Taking the kids & their buddies swimming

I’m really enjoying your blog, Leo. Thanks!

chica with issues Says:

July 19th, 2007, 14:32 pm

even just the smell of coffee is pleasurable!
great list :)

Travis Says:

July 19th, 2007, 15:09 pm

Good list. I can’t indulge in the food methodologies, but I am with you on the rest.

Enoch Says:

July 19th, 2007, 17:43 pm

OT: Leo, I don’t know how to get rid off gtd.zigzo
What did you do?

[]’s

Enoch, from Brazil

Leo Says:

July 19th, 2007, 20:59 pm

Thanks for the great comments, everyone! I’m loving your lists of simple pleasures. :)

@Enoch: I didn’t do anything … I just ignore that rip-off site. I noticed it and was bothered a little, but then I gave up caring as I have other things to worry about. :)

starlyte Says:

July 19th, 2007, 22:04 pm

A few of my simple pleasures:
A cat purring on your lap
Playing/cuddling/snuggling with my dog
Nature songs: Birds/cicadas/frogs/crickets/the wind/cottonwood leaves
The scent of freshly washed sheets
The smell of pine trees

Niika Says:

July 19th, 2007, 22:20 pm

Free fun:
Walking barefoot thru the house to answer the phone, rolling heel to toe as I go
Smelling the top of my son’s head
Smelling the air after rain
Wearing a very soft cotton dress
Picturing the face and smiling eyes of a close friend in my mind’s eye
Breathing all the way in and all the way out - feels good!

Richard Says:

July 19th, 2007, 22:52 pm

* Climbing a Tree
* The smell of fresh baked bread
* Cuddling your pet
* A full tummy
* Sliding into a warm bed
* Being woken with a kiss
* Playing a old up-beat song on repeat
* Warm milk and honey
* Delicious Hot Ramen
* Lying in the sun
* Rolling down a grassy hill
* Realizing you have the whole day left to do whatever you want

Michael Says:

July 19th, 2007, 23:05 pm

Wait…you live on a tropical island?

Adam Snider Says:

July 20th, 2007, 0:55 am

Hey Leo, great stuff, as usual. I’m a sucker for this type of post. But, and fresh snow? That’s not a simple pleasure for us Canadians, it’s fact of life!

All kidding aside, I actually do really like a fresh snowfall, especially if you’re the first one outside walking on it, early in the morning. The silence of a winter morning, the sound of fresh snow crunching under your boots, and maybe the occasional car swooshing by in the distance. Few moments are more perfect.

Chris Says:

July 20th, 2007, 1:15 am

Most of these are awesome, though some of them have a subtle corruption to them.

For example: “2. Being right when everyone was thinking I was wrong”

From a Buddhist standpoint that is far from the Righteous Mind. You shouldn’t take pleasure in vindication. You shouldn’t need it; wanting is suffering. It also suggest arrogance, a desire to feel superior to others.

Notice the best ones are simply stopping and living.

Jeri Dansky Says:

July 20th, 2007, 23:09 pm

Playing “chase the red dot” with a cat and a laser pointer.

Finding something a new home via Freecycle.

The smell of eucalyptus after a rain.

Keith Says:

July 22nd, 2007, 9:02 am

I was thinking of your Thursday entry this morning while walking the dog. Our beagle wants to go rabbit rousting every morning at about 6. We sprint across the field behind the house sniff around, howl and do the morning constitutional then spring some more. This morning it is a perfect day here. Jack and I just enjoyed sitting on the patio watching the shadows retreat on the field, blue sky with gold tinged clouds, me petting him. Quiet for a change. Refreshing.

I recommend a dog if you want to incorporate some impromptu exercise and companionable relaxation. A beagle is an great choice. They can be an unending source of enjoyment.

JEZMEBABY Says:

July 22nd, 2007, 14:18 pm

Nuzzeling your newborn in bed.
Resolving a silly conflict
Clean sheets after a night swim
Kittens
Fresh warm sticky cinnamon rolls
Unexpected flowers
Hearing and old favorite on the radio
Slow dancing w/out music anywhere
Your plane landing safely
Taking a test w/ confidence
Not being afraid
Trusting someone

Isac Says:

July 23rd, 2007, 8:33 am

…to brighten your day?

Swim at night? :p

William Profet :: OneJobTwoSalaries.com Says:

July 25th, 2007, 4:09 am

1. Hug your beloved one for a second or two.
2. Smile to a stranger.
3. Look at the skies.

dell 1691p battery Says:

September 11th, 2007, 2:30 am

Walking barefoot in grass

mary Says:

October 1st, 2007, 20:46 pm

your site is fantastic. its follow-up links are better. a must. just simply must. please simplify as much as possible and dont stop the flow. my life is KISS. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND SPIRITUAL.

THANK YOU FOR FINALLY A GREAT WEBSITE

Tammy Says:

October 4th, 2007, 8:33 am

Thanks for this article…and the others I have been reading today…they are most inspiring.
The list of simple pleasures you have compilated conjures a very vibrant series of mental images, bring a smile to my face and light to an otherwise grey and boring day.

I would have to say also:
- Having my cat sleep on my lap
- Sitting in front of a fire, watching snow outside
- Hot chocolate, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles…the works

Thanks again for this.

danilla Says:

November 15th, 2007, 14:30 pm

KISS keep it simple and spiritual…exactly my thoughts.

Thank you everyone above….I was able to visualize all the above images…and most were past experiences brought to my mind and heart once again. And as i sit here at the college lab…I giggle at the screen and others are confused. But thats okay my day is brighter now. Oh if i could only do all those things above on a weekly basis…

My favs:
1. Chase the red dot lol
2. Swiming at night regardless of the weather
3. Dancing with music/or with out
4. Good olive oil and roasted garlic on fresh bread
5. fireplace/ or firepit with good friends and a guiter
6. kissing in the rain or someone telling you your beautiful first thing when they wake…(its the thought that counts lol)
7. barefoot on the warm beach
8. playing under a waterful (gentle one of course)
9. Telling jokes till your sides ache ( till your jaws ache too)
10. yummy smores
11. finally getting a joke hours later, when your alone in a grocery aisle..and other bystanders are confused hahaha
12. truly feeling grateful for life

mary r. Says:

November 16th, 2007, 23:03 pm

5 senses

walking and notice smell
sitting and watch a color or light
lying down and listen to the music of the heart
stand and taste the sweet

Coconut Says:

November 30th, 2007, 19:14 pm

My friend and I have reflected on our “5 Happy Moments” of the day for the last 5 years…we decided that it helps us take time during the day to reflect and realize the simple pleasures that exist in life. Even if we’re having a horrible day, it helps us notice that there are good things that happen everyday.

Denyse Says:

December 15th, 2007, 20:15 pm

Strange, because to me, these are the big things in life.

Joe Crisara Says:

January 14th, 2008, 1:42 am

Walking the dog in LA right when the sun comes up. You could shoot a cannon ball (ANyone got one of these?) right down 3rd Street at 6 am and not hit anything. (Not that I’m trying to hit anything…)

elisaveth Says:

January 24th, 2008, 18:30 pm

holding hands
climbing trees
lying in a hammock and watching the sun on the leaves overhead
climbing into a freshly made bed
listening to rain on the roof
writing a gratitude list
singing old television theme songs
holding your child while s/he sleeps
fingerpainting
the smell of freshly baked bread
watching meteor showers or the northern lights
reading in the bathtub

Juliano Says:

February 20th, 2008, 15:31 pm

I never care too much for blogs untill i found this one, now i can’t get enought of it =)
Great List !!

My contribution:

Watch puddles gatter rain
An invitation of a friend when you have nothing to do
When your favorite music plays on the radio
A kiss on the neck when you are not expecting
The feeling when you finish a good movie
That shower that gives you a refresh
Hot chocolate with an epic movie on a rainny sunday
The smell after you open a window when the rain stops
Realise its a holyday and you don’t have to work
Eating pinhão on winter (Brazil only i think).
Someone tell you that love’s you
Diving in water
Getting home after a long tripp

i loved this idea, i could write all day long
its making me feel better just by thinking about it =)

VGP-BPS2 Says:

February 22nd, 2008, 3:05 am

I never care too much for blogs untill i found this one, now i can’t get enought of it =)
Great List !!

RRR Says:

March 13th, 2008, 21:53 pm

Quite a big list :-) Great job!

VeNoMmx Says:

March 26th, 2008, 0:21 am

Being the last one to let go when you hug someone.

Ploughman Says:

April 1st, 2008, 14:46 pm

Playing with your friends no matter how old you are.

willwindow Says:

April 4th, 2008, 11:33 am

1. Smiling
2. Getting my hands into some dough
3. Napping in the sun
4. Putting a clown nose on, when in the car, and looking at other drivers
5. Big hugs

Jonathan Says:

April 5th, 2008, 16:49 pm

I enjoy reading Zenhabits.net on a daily basis. One of my all time favorite posts is 75 simple pleasures to brighten your day. So I decided to take this post and creatively combine some Zen habits together on my blog http://enlightenyourday.com/ for your reading pleasure. However, I did give Leo full credit for the original post and links back to this wonderful blog.

Here is my list:

Taking a long, warm and relaxing shower, gradually cooling the temperature until you feel completely refreshed. Now, hop right back into bed and snuggle closely with your loved one.
Walking barefoot in grass while listening to good music and smelling the fresh-cut grass permeating the air.
Playing hooky to have a picnic and blow bubbles into the sun while forgetting completely about your things to-do list.
Dancing like you are crazy because no one is watching, feeling great for doing it, like a revitalizing workout.
Taking a hot bubble bath with the window cracked open to feel the gentle breeze caress your skin.
Kiss in the morning rain and come home to a soothing message and comfortable nap.
Eating Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and telling jokes till your sides ache.
Watching the sunrise to a surprise breakfast in bed.
Walking on the beach with a friend to watch the sunset; enjoying the art of conversation as the sun sinks below the horizon line.
Snuggling together under the covers on a stormy day with all your favorite chocolates and wine to keep you company.
Staying up all night talking between making slow and sensual love to your partner.
Being lazy on a Sunday with Fries, a chocolate milkshake, and Reese’s peanut butter cups for dessert.
Floating in the water and watching the ebb and flow of the ocean.
After dancing in the rain and stomping in puddles, singing loudly in the shower to clean your body and mind.
Making someone smile and helping someone in need on the same day.
The smell of a new Moleskine notebook, the feel of the fresh crisp pages, and the flow of a good pen to drain your creative thoughts.
Swimming at night after a long day of just being you.

Arun S Says:

April 6th, 2008, 22:53 pm

Wow! The mere thought of happiness brightens the day! ^_^

Tiffany X Says:

May 15th, 2008, 1:20 am

Watching gueese trying to form a V (or hearing them honk from afar)
A freshly vacuumed carpet
Camping and the food that always tastes so great when you’re out in nature.
Witnessing good deeds by others

Charlotte Says:

May 16th, 2008, 23:30 pm

hmm.

1. Getting excited.
2. Day dreaming.
3. Taking off heels.
4. Putting ridiculous amounts of fake tan on.
5. Having a slow motion action fight with a friend. (sound effect included)

:) That’s it from me.

Mona Says:

June 7th, 2008, 23:12 pm

1. Giving (and of course, receiving) a compliment.
2. Writing something, anything.
3. Being greeted by my half-Chihuahuian (yeah, I made that word up, it’s pronounced cha-wow-an, in case you ever need to say it…) when I get home after being gone for several hours.
4. Clown cones from Baskin Robbin’s 31 flavors. I always get frosting and ice cream on my nose, and all over my mouth and chin.
5. Music with meaning.
6. A dialogue with a friend.
7. Air conditioning on a hot summer day.
8. Learning something you want to learn, no matter how little.
9. Seeking and finding opportunities to use whatever you learned.

I know I have a ton of others as well, but it would take forever to list them all here.

I have to say I agree with Chris. I’m not a Buddhist, but I basically hold the same sentiments regarding the need to be correct. A friend of mine has always said, “At the end of the day, there is really nothing to be gained from being right.” And he’s right, no pun intended.

-Mona

Sertaç Says:

June 16th, 2008, 9:13 am

Also lying when you watching TV., listening the waves of the sea when you also lying on the beach and drink cold beverages, listen your favourite radio programme

James M Vereen Says:

July 19th, 2008, 14:05 pm

Everything we want could be inches away from our lives, yet we pass right over it.

janiese Says:

July 23rd, 2008, 8:28 am

For me there is nothing pleasant than swim in the sea at sunset, especially amazing me the game of lamps that illuminate the beach at night. This is so relaxing, and so admire.

Faboulous Fame Says:

August 13th, 2008, 6:40 am

Chocolate and basketball.

minerva* Says:

September 2nd, 2008, 13:28 pm

Beautiful! :)

May i add ‘discovering new music’ too?
Thank you for this lovely list.

Do take care & Keep musing.
Wishes, minerva*

deambox 500c Says:

September 18th, 2008, 22:45 pm

So many 75 Simple points, yes, those are easy pleasures to Brighten one Day

James M Vereen Says:

September 20th, 2008, 8:41 am

Do not seek illumination unless you seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks a pond.

James M Vereen Says:

September 21st, 2008, 11:14 am

If you look carefully at 3361001\’s lips, you\’ll realize that he is actually saying something else. He\’s not actually telling you about the several ways he is gradually murdering the world.

Amira Says:

October 11th, 2008, 20:13 pm

- watching Walt Disney’s Beauty & the Beast over & over again.
- frank Sinatra with a cool breeze on cheeks.
- giggling late at night with sister.

Just reading ur list made me happy. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

Joy-Mari Says:

November 3rd, 2008, 7:09 am

Weight lifting
Standing in the shower — glad to see I’m not the only one
Reading my list of blogs
Drinking espresso at a coffee shop
Just enjoying the peace and quiet after getting home from work
Listening to Laurika Rauch’s music

stormy Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 6:09 am

stepping out of shower room after a good shower (after a long tired outdoor day in high humidity), the whole body feeling “lightened”

stormy Says:

January 15th, 2009, 1:09 am

start my day early

Nazim Says:

January 18th, 2009, 0:27 am

Singing my head off to some rock and roll music!
Giving my hours to reading Zen Habits!
Curling up in my bed with a beautifully written novel.
Laughing at the adorable things my neice does.
Doing something kind for another person.
Listening to someone, not thinking about what I’m saying, just listening.
The feeling of accomplishment after a run.
A hug from my mother.
Playing footsies with girls I have crushes on.
Feeling lighter after decluttering.
Getting all As on my report card and knowing I deserve it.
Blasting music a lot louder than it should be.
Putting a smile on someone’s face.
The feather-weight-like feeling I get from a haircut.
The feeling of acceptance and laughing in communion.
Listening to stories.
Saying I love the beautiful, wondrous, amazing, world.
Singing at the top of my lungs while snapping along to “Are you gonna’ be my girl” by JET

stormy Says:

January 21st, 2009, 10:18 am

Accidentally found the thing that I had been trying hard to find that I thought had long been lost

Maggie Says:

February 1st, 2009, 9:22 am

I like to do little things like these when I am feeling sad. I lost some loved ones one after the other a couple years back but I still needed to be there for others like my kids. I would play nice music for myself (Botti), bake bread, invite over girlfriends for candlelight potlucks and chats so we could support each other. I would create art that would brighten someone else’s day. I would garden and bring in my own flowers. When I would see someone else sad (like a cashier at the grocery store) I would make a comment about something they had on that I knew was special - and it would make them smile. Gradually things got better. But it had to be intentional and I did not feel like it.

Tess Says:

February 4th, 2009, 7:25 am

What a lovely post. I’m am one of those who advocates slowing down and simplifying your life. Living in a city, as I do, it can be easy to get stuck in the rat race. I no longer feel the need to go out for dinner every night when I get so much pleasure from cooking it myself. Nor do I have catch the latest movie when I can listen to my kids in the imaginary worlds!

John #70 Rhodes Says:

February 17th, 2009, 12:51 pm

wow-when the sun arrives in the morning at just the right time - in just the right place -

ruth Says:

February 21st, 2009, 12:28 pm

1. pray at all times
2. always smile
3. lend your neighbor a helping hand
4. don’t forget birthdays

Pearse Says:

March 10th, 2009, 15:33 pm

1. rain on your face

2. laughing a your mistakes

3. rain on your face

4. the smell of baking

5. hugs

James Mew Says:

March 14th, 2009, 16:49 pm

Great post. I’ve begun to notice that as I get on in life that it’s really all the small/simple things in life that put a smile on my face and make me realise how amazing life can be.

Here’s a little list of things that I couldn’t do without:

1. The look on my dog’s face and the spring in his step when we take walks together.

2. Sitting on a beach and gazing out to sea (along with the sound of the waves)

3. Freshly brewed coffee and a soduko puzzle

4. Reading INC magazine (I live in South Africa so this great mag is not easily available)

5. The “pump” after a workout

6. My mid-morning green tea and dark chocolate break

7. Going for a cycle along the river. Sitting on a rock and then thinking about absolutely anything that pops into your head and just letting your mind wander whilst listening to the water gushing (and wondering where the bloody hell this never ending supply of water comes from)

8. Flirting with a complete stranger

9. The smell of the pages in a new book

10. The sense of accomplishment that comes about after reconciling your bank account.

11. Early morning sunshine against your skin

12. Making my brothers laugh.

13. That lump in your throat you get when seeing people so selflessly helping others, animals or humanity in general.

sam Says:

March 15th, 2009, 9:06 am

1. the incredible lightness of being after an exam
2. the aftermath of a good swim/run
3. red wine with freshly baked bread
4. a clean tidy and simple room
5. making a friend
6. healthy foods
7. waking up really early in the morning and watching the rain
8. being funny and making people laugh
9. clean sheets with a tinge of my scent
10. knowing that i can live simply
11. cycling by the beach
12. conversations
13. the smell of impending rain
14. pink glowing clouds during sunrise/sunset
15. flirting and being desired
16. looking at my hot bod
17. helping somebody
18. playing with children
19. learning about the world, travelling and history
20. playing the drums
21. playing the guitar for someone
22. taking a good dump after holding it in for so long (helps if it’s smooth due to high fibre diets)
23. being with friends
24. appreciating wit and discovering i can be witty
25. aquascaping a really nice tank
26. outsmarting an obnoxious person and rubbing it in their face!
27. watching tall grass swaying in the wind
28. being hungry after a good swim and sitting in front of a seafood platter for 2
29. a satisfied and happy patient
30. fishing
31. having a really really really good laugh
32. being complimented

Brittany Says:

March 16th, 2009, 14:55 pm

I’m sitting here eating some rich, ambrosial Godiva chocolate my boyfriend treated us to and reading this stimulating, and pleasing list. I’ve gotta say I feel like I’m in heaven. Lovely post. :)

Motivational Says:

April 11th, 2009, 18:44 pm

Rootbeer float.. haha.. sounds good.

Geschenkideen Says:

April 18th, 2009, 5:19 am

If you make a gift to friend: don’t give money, make it an experience. There is nothing better than to experience something with the people you like.

Linda Says:

April 29th, 2009, 16:44 pm

Finding a new historical marker
Having a cup of coffee in a cafe
Feeding carrots to a horse
Playing with my cat
A really nice bar of chocolate
Reading when I’m ’supposed’ to be working
Motorcycle riding
Watching the birds at the bird feeder

free divorce papers Says:

May 9th, 2009, 3:02 am

A long list of simple pleasures… If only people realizes that true happiness is found in simple things.

stormy Says:

May 23rd, 2009, 12:18 pm

Watching the happy faces in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkBepgH00GM

stormylim Says:

May 23rd, 2009, 12:49 pm

Spending quiet time in the middle of the night, reflecting and keeping things in perspective, feeling the oneness.

Anita Says:

June 8th, 2009, 8:26 am

1. Watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer in bed
2. Reading in bed wearing a fluffly bathrobe
3. My boyfriend’s smile when he sees me
4. Playing with my cat
5. A long shower after a run
6. Walking hand in hand with my boyfriend
7. Eating good food slowly
8. Sleeping in the bath
9. Talking to my family on the phone
10. Washing my hair

Elizabeth Says:

June 17th, 2009, 23:56 pm

My favourite simple pleasure has to be LAUGHING!

Telling jokes is so much fun. Sitting around just telling/sharing silly old jokes! Laughing so hard tears run down my face &just not being able to stop. Laughing so hard my sides hurt! And, I love getting good jokes on the internet. And, sending them too. If it makes me laugh out loud I hope it will others too.

Sharing jokes & having great belly laughs makes me feel so alive, envigorated, energized, happy, silly/goofy… just friggin’ fantastic!

Fan Site Says:

June 25th, 2009, 17:29 pm

great, your post always give a lot of new things
how could you find a lot of ideas like that?

Kim Says:

June 26th, 2009, 22:37 pm

1. The joy of beginning a new book
2. The sound of my cat purring
3. Dancing around the house like no-one is watching
4. An icey cold beer on a hot Aussie summer day
5. The orange hue in the Autumn light
6. Silence…
7. Being present in the moment
8. A good joke/laugh with friends
9. Spontaneous silliness

Joie Says:

June 29th, 2009, 17:02 pm

This is so helpful for someone like me who is going through a really difficult time right now… losing my husband and the heart-stopping gut-punch of that new reality…. So now that I’m coming out of the last six weeks of being in a coma-like state, I am trying to take the best possible care of myself and I am going to go home and make my own list, using yours as inspiration. And then I’m going to try to include at least one of these each and every day (if not more). THANK YOU!

Ken Says:

June 29th, 2009, 21:14 pm

i feel so out of place now because i barely do any of these things. great post though