7 Things That Are Truly Awesome

We’re all so busy with our daily lives that it can be easy to overlook all the little things that make our world a truly awesome place. Some slip by completely unnoticed. Others we rush through so quickly that we never take the time to appreciate them. There are literally millions of things that are truly awesome. Here are 7 of our favorites that are easy to incorporate into just about any busy life.

1.   The first lick of an ice cream cone on a hot summer day

How long has it been since you indulged in an old-fashioned ice cream cone at a little roadside stand? You know, the kind of place with hand-painted signs announcing flavors like fudge ripple or mint chocolate chip? A place where the lines seem to go on for miles on a hot summer night? When I was a kid going out for ice cream was an event. A family ritual that put a smile on everyone’s face, no matter how the rest of the day had gone. And that first lick of ice cream was always the best. The cold, smooth texture and rich flavor felt like pure happiness.

2. The smell of freshly cut grass

It’s been said that the human sense of smell can evoke feelings and memories more deeply than any of our 5 senses. Maybe that’s why so many people enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. It’s a unique aroma that makes us remember the first days of spring as the children we once were. While the memories the scent evokes will be different for everyone, there is a universal sense of happiness and joy associated with fresh green grass. So the next time you hear your neighbor’s lawnmower or mow your own lawn, take a moment to breathe in the fragrance to celebrate your life now and the joys from the past.

3. Your favorite shirt fresh from the dryer

Just about everyone has a favorite shirt or pair of jeans that’s so comfortable, they’ll make any excuse to wear them. Unfortunately that means that our favorite clothes end up in the laundry more often than not. But what a joyous experience it is to pluck our favorite clothes from the dryer, warm and toasty, ready to wear again. It’s like saying hello to an old friend.

4. Hot soup after a day out in the snow

Whether you were a kid enjoying a snow day or a grown-up charged with shoveling, we’ve all spent more than a few hours outdoors after a big snow storm. And while it’s fun to play in the snow, even when you’re working to move it, there’s nothing quite like thawing out inside with a hot bowl of your favorite soup afterwards. Ideally, you’ll have the soup simmering on the stove all day so the aroma envelops your senses as soon as you open the door. Anticipation mounts as you remove your wet, snow-covered coat, boots and gloves, ready to relax and enjoy the warm goodness. Your reward for a job well done.

5. A long drive on back country roads

Have you ever noticed that car commercials don’t show drivers sitting in traffic as they slog from one red light to the next? That’s because sitting in traffic isn’t what makes a car awesome. What is awesome is finding an open road with plenty of twists and turns and no one in sight. It’s about letting yourself go and truly enjoying the driving experience. Whether you go alone to clear your head or take the whole family along for the ride, taking your car out for a drive on the back country roads is a great way to add a sense of adventure and a bit of joy to your life.

6. A beautiful sky

Here in Lancaster County we’re treated to ‘sky art’ just about every day. Some days, puffy white clouds fill a deep blue sky. Other days you’ll see wispy lines of white. Still other times we’re graced with a rainbow of colors as the sunlight reflects off the clouds in streaks of red, pink and purple. While sunrise and sunset are often the best times to witness the majestic beauty of the sky, you might just find unexpected beauty any time of day when you remember to look up. What did the sky look like in your part of the world today?

7. Hearing your favorite song

Everyone has a favorite song – sometimes more than one. The kind of song that puts you in a good mood, even when you’re having a bad day. And whether you’re standing in line, driving somewhere in your car or just turned on the radio to hear the news, hearing your favorite song can put an instant smile on your face. The next time that happens, turn up the volume if you can, tap your foot to the beat and make a conscious effort to savor the moment. Better yet, put your favorite song on your smartphone and play it anytime you need a great pick me up!

You probably realized about half way through this post that none of the things on this list is big or complicated. Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life that give us the most joy. And that’s good news because it means that taking just a bit more time every day to enjoy the simple things can make us dramatically happier each and every day. We encourage you to make your own list of truly awesome things and share your ideas here!