Who knows if it was the first time I thought it, but I have a distinct memory of sitting in my 1997 black Jeep Wrangler in a parking lot in Sarasota, Florida, watching nature paint the sky in shades of pink, purple, and orange. I did that any chance I could get. It never grew old. And if I could do it on the beach, even better. But this memory is about watching that sunset and thinking to myself, “There’s something wrong with you if you can’t enjoy a sunset.” That sounds harsher than I meant it, but the sentiment is sincere. It really is about the little things.

You see, it’s the little things.

I pride myself on finding them. In fact, I know I’ve hit a low period if I find those little things are no longer inspiring reflection, peace, or wonder. If I simply can’t find them, I am off the path and things are growing darker. This is not about that side of the equation. This is about small joys and precious moments.

The little things are different for everyone. What compels me to pause and soak in an experience, a sensation, a moment may do nothing at all for another. Maybe you don’t like to “smell the roses?” But do you like to smell the coffee? Do you ever pause while drinking it just to absorb the experience, savor the aroma, or the taste? Do you really stop long enough to feel the temperature of the breeze on your skin? Maybe you should. It takes only a moment.

I find once you learn to do it, you can find these little things everywhere. Sometimes it comes naturally, and sometimes you have to train yourself to look for them. When you do, what a powerful tool it can be! If you can learn to find small joys in things, not only is your life richer for it, but when you need a little light in your life, you know where—or how—to look.

Allow me to offer some ideas. It’s not a comprehensive list. That would be impossible. This is merely one man’s guide—one man who has made a point of looking—to places you might find the little things.

Sunsets and sunrises.

Whether you ascribe their beauty to the handiwork of a divine figure or the majesty produced by natural forces of the Earth, I find it hard not to stop and soak them in. I’ve pulled off the road for the right horizon. I’ve driven or hiked to places I could really soak them in. That effort isn’t always possible, but there’s always enough time to take notice.

Thunderstorms.

This might be a “controversial” one. Storms unsettle some people. For me, it’s another opportunity to soak in the power and wonder of the world we inhabit. The rumbles and crashes, flashes and streaks of pure energy. The thrumming of the rain. A world washed a new smell left its wake.

New flavors.

Your coffee made a slightly different way, a new style of beer, an unfamiliar flavor of cookie? It’s a small experiment, and you may never try it again, but really taste the difference. Spend the fleeting moment to actually experience it with every sense you can spare. You might even find something new you enjoy, and you’ve found more little things.

Conversely

The comfort of the familiar; your coffee, your snack; your favorite hoodie or pair of socks, these are little things you may take for granted. Stop. Use whatever sense is appropriate to absorb the reason you loved that thing in the first place, the reason it became a comfort, a habit, one of the little things.

Held hands

What a simple, intimate thing. Yours in the hand of a friend, a family member, a loved one. There is such comfort available, such simple joy. Enjoying someone’s company? Hold their hand. Make that connection. Need to offer or receive peace and maybe a bit of security, what simpler way than clasped hands? Sometimes, it’s all we need to feel better and other times it makes a pleasant moment something far greater. It’s another powerful little thing.

A smile.

I’ve spent many days and nights feeling unable to manufacture one. But someone else’s? A friendly smile from a stranger, a knowing smile from a companion who understands you or with whom you share a secret? The eyes to cheeks smile of a partner or the loving innocent smile of a child can shift your perspective or rearrange your heart if you let it. Smiles carry enormous power if we’re open to them. Given one away. Look for one.

Further opportunities

Bird song. The smell of fresh citrus. The opening theme of a favorite movie or franchise. A perfect grilled cheese sandwich. The right song or right order of songs on the radio. Autumn leaves. Freshly cut grass. A token you can carry in your purse or wallet to use as a touchstone to return to a perfect moment or even just a safer, kinder moment.

Here are 40 more from Tiny Buddha – no affiliation.

You don’t need some stranger’s blog to tell you where to look. You may already know. If you don’t, look around. I promise there is undeniable power and truth in the adage “stop and smell the roses.” Sometimes you don’t even need to stop, just roll down the window and take a breath.

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