Thirty Small Things That Make Me Happy
Because the little things are the big things.
Kind of Wild is a weekly newsletter on vegan travel and ethical luxury. I am a 40-something published author, podcaster, public speaker, charity PR specialist and writer. I speak four languages and live in Brighton, UK. I’ve been vegan for over a decade. I want to save the world - but I also want to experience it.
This format was inspired by
at The Cool Aunt and her 27 small pleasures - reading her post made me remember how important the small things are. I know, I know - I’m usually the one advocating for the big things, for dreaming big, for living a BIG life. And yes, I definitely still feel that way! But the thing is, the bulk of our lives is made up of the small things. Your mornings. Your evenings. What you do for lunch. Where you go after work. Where you are on a random Tuesday at 11:43am. That’s most of what life is, and it’s the tiny things that have the potential to make all of that magical.What’s more, I’ve discovered that there is a scientific term for these things: glimmers. Apparently, according to clinical psychologist and mental health expert at Headspace Dr Sophie Mort, “Glimmers soothe our nervous system. They tell our brain and body that we are safe, and it’s OK.” They are tiny reminders of what is good in life - and in the world we live in today, we certainly do need to hold on to our dose. Here are some of mine (I’m sure I’ll think of more once I’ve published this. But that’s life).
Having a coffee on the seafront on a sunny morning.
2. Waking up to the sound of Brighton's seagulls.
3. Every time a friend texts me and tells me how much he enjoys my Substack posts.
4. A really nice sweaty session in the gym while listening to a good podcast.
5. Seeing foxes play in the green space in front of our hall window.
6. Sitting and reading in bed after a long day and hearing my husband play his guitar in the other room.
7. Starting a new book and getting the feeling that "this is a good one, I'm in for an adventure."
8. An Aperol Spritz on a sunny Friday before a bank holiday weekend.
9. Dog-sitting and watching the dog play excitedly in the park or on the seafront.
10. Going to the dentist and hearing that everything is fine. Seriously, after all the dental issues I've had, I usually celebrate this for a week.
11. Coming home pleasantly exhausted after a long, sunny hike.
12. Receiving the confirmation email after having booked a flight.
13. That first spoonful of a really good slice of cake (a BIG slice, not a miserly tiny one).
14. Getting to lie down in savasana after a long, powerful, strong yoga class.
15. The smell of croissants.
16. That time in March when I can go running or for a walk on the seafront after work because it is finally light outside.
17. Waking up in a new place and remembering that I’m on holiday and I have a brand-new destination to discover.
18. And the immediate next step after that: hotel breakfast buffets.
19. Wearing an outfit that makes me feel like all is right with the world.
Hearing the audience applaud after my husband played a really good gig.
Pulling a pizza that I made out of the oven and being able tell that’s turned out really, really good.
The walk back after a long, sun-drenched run on the seafront.
Settling in for a long-haul flight. Yep, you read that right. I love ‘em. Good book, stack of magazines, a couple hours of good TV downloaded on my Netflix app. Snacks. But most importantly, a new destination to look forward to.
Stepping off the plane and feeling that first wave of hot, non-UK air gently slap me in the face.
Having a nice, long chat with a good friend. Preferably over a glass of wine, a coffee, or a hot chocolate. And some cake.
Getting into a really good writing flow. When scene after scene just comes flowing out. Delicious.
Standing onstage and giving a talk. There really is nothing like public speaking. Any time I’m giving a talk or guest-lecturing, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.
Sitting on the sofa with my mum when visiting Sweden and just chatting away an evening.
Laughing with my sisters until my stomach hurts.
Sunset on the beach. Anywhere in the world.
With my sisters; hiking in Sussex; Brighton sunsets again; dog-sitting In my opinion, a good life is one where joy is found in the everyday. I don’t want to live a life where I muddle through the day-to-day and just live to look forward to the weekend, the holidays or other rarer occasions. That’s why I’ve worked so hard to create a life where I live in a place I truly love, do a job I really enjoy, and surround myself with people who make me happy. Going through my phone to pick photos for this post sent butterflies of gratitude through my stomach. The little things really are the big things, and I can’t wait to create even more glimmers in my life. What are yours?
Love this! I’m so happy to see that my post inspired yours, that’s a small pleasure for me. <3 I relate a lot to 6, except my boyfriend is usually playing video games and I want him to turn down the volume. Hahaha. He also plays the guitar, so I should suggest that next time. LOL