Top 7 Simple Joys

For all of you country music lovers out there such as myself, if you haven't listened to "Die a Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett... add it to your list. And for those who are not country lovers, don't worry, this blog post is completely relatable regardless of your music preference - but still add it to your list!

Here is a really really REALLY short version of what the song is about: pleasure in the simple things.

So, even though the friendship that Rhett and his wife share together is my ultimate goal in life (from what I can tell), without getting too sappy, here is a list of my favorite 'simple joys' that will totally fill my days with happiness even if I never get to witness the Northern Lights (which, coincidentally, is stated in the song).

1. Backroad Lazy Drives And Car Karaoke

For me, there is just something special about cruising on some backroads, windows down in the summer, arm out the window with the sun tanning my left arm, sunroof opened and the stereo jamming. It's my go-to method to let my mind wander and refresh itself, to do some of my best thinking and to travel around locally with, of course, camera charged and ready for action at any sight that catches my eye. With the music turned up, I like to believe that my vocals are a mix between Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood. With the music turned down... well, that's another story.

2. Stargazing

Nothing fascinates me more than the night sky - stars, moon, Milky Way, northern lights, meteor showers, etc. Whether the stargazing takes place in my backyard, through my sunroof (at a stop sign of course) or sitting in a truck bed in the Adirondacks (bucket list item)... a clear night sky never disappoints.

3. The Smile Of A Child

There is nothing more satisfying to me than making a child laugh. With that being said, there is nothing more defeating than TRYING to make a child laugh and they just kind of stare at you like you have eight heads. It is in those moments that you just have to swallow your pride and realize that your joke really was not that funny after all and that the 5 year old, in that moment in time, is much MUCH cooler than you are. But seriously, the bright smile of a child always has a way of melting my heart, warming my soul and makes me relive a bit of the magic that I once felt back in the day when I was a little carefree kid myself.

4. Falling Asleep To The Rain

The soothing sound of raindrops falling on your rooftop or tapping the window beside your bed... I live for that sound. Now, sure, of course I could YouTube a soundscape that simulates this wonderful happening, but it is much better live (in my opinion). Add a little wind and thunder in there too - and I am one extremely happy girl that will definitely not need to count sheep in order to fall asleep that night.

5. Coffee, Tea Or Hot Chocolate By The Fireplace

Because some days the joy of drinking these beverages in the kitchen, in the car, at an athletic event, at work, etc. just doesn't cut it. Sometimes you just have to ignite the flames, get cozy in the comfort of your own home and kick back and relax with mug in hand.

6. Sunsets

To sit on a pier, feet in the water and eyes to the sky in admiration of the swirling colors above - such a perfect and peaceful way to end the day. And that's really all I have to say about that!

7. Welcome Home Greetings... From My Dog

The purest form of unconditional love that I have ever seen (other than my family). There is nothing quite like walking in the door after a day's worth of work, an adventure, a run, a trip to the grocery store or even a quick walk to the basement and having that tail-wagging ear-flopping puppy-dog-eyed bundle of joy sprinting at me as soon as I get back in the house. It never fails - a smile is always brought to my face.

So, you see, it truly is the simple joys in life that fill our days with happiness. Perhaps they go unnoticed from time-to-time, or maybe we even take them for granted. These simple joys are all around us, even if we do not notice or appreciate them yet. Take some time to ponder what brings you the greatest joy. What are the things that you can always rely on to bring a smile to your face, comfort to your days or peace and relaxation to your soul? What are the things that allow you to live happily?

And for those who have not heard this song yet or want to listen to it again, I'm just going to leave this right here for you...