Ask a child what makes them happy, and you shall have a never ending list. From candies to swings, from popping sound of popcorns in the making to sight of cookies baking in the oven!! But for us adults, happiness is like milestones; like landing a dream job or holidaying at a fancy destination. That’s why our joyousness is short lived, because once we are back from that holiday our reason to rejoice is gone too. And that is why children are always in a blissful state because their pleasure is not tied to anything specific. They simply know the art of “embracing little things in life“.

Of countless things that we can learn from kids, one is to notice the wonders around.

While we are awaiting that perfect moment of happiness; life is happening. It’s happening in the earthy smell of first rain, in the sight of a flower that bloomed last night, in the taste of the delicious meal at lunch. But we ignore all these delightful moments in pursuit of bigger events of joy. Isn’t it ironic?

Yes, achieving goals is important and so are monumental episodes of gratification. But in search of these main attractions, let’s not forget to pay our attention to little reasons to smile.

Few tips to get started

Live in present

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan for future or shift your focus from your goal. It simply means to be aware of the present while working towards your objective. So, just because you are working on a crucial presentation, doesn’t mean you can’t notice the beautiful blue sky from your office window. In fact sneaking such a glimpse will give you a refresher of an espresso shot.

Be your own friend

Never miss a chance to indulge in fun just because you don’t have a company. If you are in mood for something, just go for it. In fact in company of your own self, you’ll do what you actually like. So don’t make your enjoyment dependent on someone’s availability.

Savour your meal

It hardly takes a few second to smell your favourite coffee before taking a sip. Your meal isn’t just to fill your stomach but it’s a complete experience. Being mindful of the taste, aroma and texture of your food while eating. Just by doing this you have given yourself three sure-shot ways to reward yourself every day.

Smile to a kid

Kids don’t need a reason to smile; they are always in a blissful state. No wonder we adult always wish to revisit our childhood again. A smile given to a kid always comes back multi folded with innocence, cheerfulness and it comes right from the heart. It’s therapeutic.

Take a pause

Give yourself self-designated breaks throughout the day. Take a pause for a few minutes to refresh yourself with something pleasant. It could be a short walk during lunch hours or a five minutes break from your routine to listen to your favourite song. These short breaks are as relaxing as any luxurious holidays. And they are plentiful; spread throughout your day.

Feel your surrounding

A simple act of observing the world around can make your monotonous day stimulating. Even if you take the same route every day, you would not find it boring coz each day you will be noticing something new. Even the colour of sky isn’t same daily. Nature is filled with awe moments, treat yourself with them.

– Bigger things keeps you motivated, little things keeps you joyful –