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October 3, 2010 by Spreading Joy

The Little Things

[Translate]

Holding Pure Joy! Thanks Chris!

Some time ago, I came across a saying

It’s the little things that make life Big

and instantly I fell in love with it, because my heart has always celebrated little things.  I even asked my mom recently if I had always loved the little things in life as a child and she recalled that I did.  That the small, wonderful and simple things were always amazing to me. Learning that made my heart smile.

Many that know me, know I love Reese Cups and the picture here is me holding a “GIFT” from a student that had just attended the concept of Spreading Joy presentation at their school. I held it up to Angie, saying in my mind “LOOOOOK what I just got!!” I was so excited because I came to the school that day to GIVE to the students, not expecting a single thing in return and he put what he had just heard to work by spreading joy MY way.  Those kinds of unexpected little things will make my heart float through the day!

Inspired from a calendar of 10 Happy Things a day I purchased as a treat for myself last year, I started keeping a list in the back of my journal of the wonderful little things that make my heart smile.  I’ve decided to share them with you here, hoping that as you journey through your day with a million little joys floating around you, you’ll take time to notice them as well as appreciate them.  Who knows, maybe you’ll start a list of the little things that make your life BIG too! (I’m ordering the 3,650 Things To Be Happy About Calendar again this year. Click the link and you can to 😉 )

In no particular order at all – Some of the little things that make my life BIG!

CoffeeReesecupsHugsDiet CokeTwinkling Eyes
SmilesMissionariesGumBooksRainbows
OceanSunriseSunsetFull MoonGel Pens w/Bright colors
Cloud ShapesBright StarsPlaydohBibleBlowing Bubbles
SingingMusicAmerican FlagSunglassesHandwritten Notes
Chuck NorrisSoft CarpetFavorite JeansMonkeysRoasted Marshmallows
Favorite Tennis shoesRiding a BikeWalk along a riverRoasted MarshmallowsHot Chocolate w/marshmallows
Holding HandsBlue RosesTeddy BearsSoft KleenexOver Sized Sweaters
Watching My kids sleepLaying in grass aloneSound of crashing wavesLaying in grass w/a friendCatching snowflakes on tongue
Fresh SnowfallLong necklacesWizard of OzFireballsSplashing in a puddle
M&M’sCute SocksTechnologyToe SocksUnsweetened Iced Tea
BreakfastChristmasGreen LIghtsSoldiersHeart dangle earrings
Standing FirmBlackberryDisney WorldNursesHandmade bracelets
Jukebox full of OldiesLightning across the skyCrossing a bridge w/out stoppingPolice officersFriends who call in the middle of the night
Roller CoastersPuppiesSlinkiesCard gamesInstant Messaging
Board GamesCute Note PadsSticky NotesWhite OutUnconditional Love
Steady RainRolling FogCrisp BreezeHot SoupWaking to a kiss
ForgivenessCute PursesQuotesPoemsMaking Cotton Candy
Belly LaughsPicturesScrapbookingOpalsEating Cotton Candy
Sleeping BabiesAudio BibleAudio BooksSkypeThunder in the distance
LemonadeCircusCute SunglassesiTunesPrecious moments
Face PaintingNo Spill DaysiTouchHair SprayHot Cookies out of oven
Hugs from nieces/nephewsWatching when NO one seesOverstuffed comfy chairsMy Heart Ring from DaddyHot Cake w/melted icing
Swinging on SwingHUGE sliding boardsEmpty Tomb of HOPEBeing SAFE in Gods ArmsBreakfast for Dinner
ChoicesTriple CouponsComing HomeOperasHugs for NO reason
Walking BarefootRandom PhotosHappy EndingsRosesLittle Debbie Cakes
Plants surviving in my houseGrowing up to be my MomBeing only ONE in the movie theaterMeeting new PeopleSitting sideways in comfy chair
Ice Cold SlushiesAnimal CookiesDisney ClassicsHopeAlways having music
Spreading JOYOpportunitiesWater SlidesGod’s PowerChuck Norris Bookmark
Golden SunsetsGod’s PlanSafe flightsFree DinnerBath & Bodyworks
Smiles during tearsToasted Bagels & Cream CheeseWatching a merry go roundMovie Theater PopcornSocial Media making world accessible
Hope RestoredNew WatchesMisprintsPaper ClipsKids that talk &talk….
Sparkles of love in eyes of friendKisses from Todd & MeganSnow that is soft on day 2Listening to the RainWatching my kids make the RIGHT decisions
Unplanned vacationsFull moon hanging on a cloudLong lingering WARM hugsSeeing Todd for 19th BdayHearing Harry Connick JR Sing in PERSON!
BlistexJourney PerfumeCare BearsCurve cologneMonkey Bookmark
Sleeping to sound of ocean lapping at shorePB&J Sandwiches w/MilkExtra HOT Cinnamon Dolce LatteLaughing thru nite w/a friendSleeping just after alarm goes off
Free AnythingNiagara fallsContentmentA quick exitBeach Trips w/Mom
Passing w/A “C”God’s CharacterGod’s PromisesGod’s PowerFree Audio Books
Golden GrahamsCurve 4 WomenTweet-upsCandid photosMeeting Chuck Norris
Kids PrayingBeing WelcomeBeing Paid Up…….InsteadDreams Coming True
Singing YOU are my sunshine!Power of Holy SpiritOverhearing kids say something niceChocolate covered pretzelsBeing held close as I sleep
Texts from my childrenSitting w/young peopleBlowing bubbles w/gumKisses on the foreheadChocolate covered Marshmallows
Seeing Dad in my dreamsA day of “To Don’ts”Beauty in the OrdinaryBeing loved as alwaysSaved messages in my Voice Mail
Unexpected helpReesecups in mailBeing FoundBeing TrustedMy Flower garden living
Angels Among usHugs from SantaBeing NoticedGuidanceOcean at Midnight
Not giving upPonderingFinishingSoaringFireplace at 1 am
Cute Coffee CupsSaying Thank YOUTreasures of the heartCourage to step outMaking a Difference
Smokies of TNCobblestone walkwaysFirefighter friends in BostonAcceptance of situationFrequent Flier Miles
Early Morning SmilesLoving with No BoundariesGreat things HE has doneAppreciating NOWLearning to live again
Phone calls of thanks from oceanLove that lasts foreverRealizing love hurts and it’s okBrightening MY corner of the worldUnbridled laughter of Teen girls
Meg sitting upside downTodd’s time beside me talking about nothingNoticing a smile & glance from across the roomGetting items donated for othersDiscernment right on time
Getting what you needHearing what is NOT being saidComputer prayers answeredSitting in Church w/momBeing happy -regardless
Seeing Hearts GrowMy moms unconditional loveWinning the heart of a shy childHair blowing in the windLearning a friend is a true American Hero
Happy gatherings for no reasonGetting the gift that seemed ridiculousRealizing the headache is easing upTexts asking are you OK after horrid dayKisses from my almost grown children
Laughing while others wonderUnexpected gifts in the mailPrinting off cute photo hugsSight for sore eyesLittle Debbie making it easy to give by giving
Falling asleep immediatelyWhiffs of old spiceBeing prayed throughColor making my day brightLaughing at myself
Friends PrayingWalmart @ 5 amOne More DayProtectionGetting to the Point
CertaintyString cheese2 hour napsAnother ChanceMy John R. Rice Bible
Wild FlowersNew  JourneysSimple pleasuresMomentsKeeping things going
Giggling…a few days laterHonest CommunicationInspirational wordsListening…really listeningBeing accepted just as I am
Being Believed inJoy after the PainBlueberry MuffinsFamily CookoutSurprise phone calls
Strawberry yogurtExtra night for freeBelieving in my childrenBrighter days aheadSharing my passion
Marie PongA car to borrowNew purse 4 freeMessagesPeace, glorious peace
Stress free ping pongCool nights after hot summerResources at fingertipsHot apple cider w/cinnamonGuilt leaving the heart
Passing with flying colorsFasting & being close to GodFinding out you’ve inspired someoneMsg of Praise for blessing Psalm 6Todd in suit & Tie for me
New book in mailNo bake cookiesPrivacy!!!StickersKnowing this isn’t all
Being inspiredCool SandalsEncouraging textsMilk duds1895 House a B&B
Learning from an expertBeing a persistent little boogerBeach all to myselfEmptying my heart of guiltTrusting even when I don’t understand
m&m minisStickers in journalStickers on FBComing HomeBeing a Homebody
Jesus – AlwaysWanting to….Gifts to myselfSilenceCool sunglasses cheap
Todd saying “its perfect mom”Foggy Quiet morningsOne of these days…being todayExploring new placesShaking hands w/40 military personnel
A smile that dries the tearsBright paper to write onBreeze from an open windowSounds that brings smilesOpportunities in another state
Going before security comesPraying without ceasingTravel and explorationComing home to a clean kitchenStrength for tomorrow
Sweater when you need itMoon hanging in the morning skyMountains every where I lookRecognizing simple miraclesKids having the Bible I gave to them from 2nd grade & they are in 5th grade now
Friends sharing pics of beach & mountainsVisiting a new ice cream shopLetting my light shineChristmas StockingsWatching a wall of rain approach
Lance cheese &pb crackersCompliment from Princess MeganFamous Author commenting on blogWarm comfy Christmas sweatersPhoning a friend, asking for help & getting it
Phone call from ToddContacts & Corrective lensesPraying at Alter & a friend joins unexpectedlySurprise Videos in email from friendUnexpected knocks at door
Cool JournalsChocolate MilkPlumsPeace LiliesFixing a problem easily
Cool WhipSprinkles on topRememberingIT HeroesWonder Woman
Fresh Roasted chicken dinnerFav Worship song being sung liveDinner, movie & Bookstore dateFriends pics on FBWatching my brothers with their Grand kids
Saying Yes to God and trustingMuffins in the MailMustard seed faithBlissful UNeventfulnessSausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
BewitchedCool BootsBlue Ridge PkwyPromises KeptWhen the stars line up
Cake Icing Wars with ToddMeg Blocking goals in soccerReading under a treeWarmth from Fire PlaceCream Cheese Brownies
Sesame ChickenBundling upEmergency ExitsPar 3More than Enough
List makingAnkletsBraceletsCool shellsStove Top Stuffing
Wireless InternetLucky CharmsWinter Olympics“Getting” ItHands free Headset
Laughing till I CryDel Sol Nail PolishMailing GiftsSleeping InHot hush puppies
Free E BooksSigned BookSilly Book marksSilly PuttyChuck Norris Facts
Cute StickersWorship SongsBalloon bouquetsHappy bunnyKey Chain from friend
Special Olympics & the smilesMatching Hair colorSugar free Lattes from McDonaldsBurger king Onion RingsWeekend alone at beach
Scotch TapeSharpie MarkersLove SongsOldiesPaper Jam Free Days
Extra Strength TylenolMechanical pencilsChocolate cupcakesSecrets of the heartFinding lids for bowls easily
FaithOrangesStrawberriesRanch DipLate nights on Twitter
Seizing the DayBeing NeededAn Extra HugInner StrengthLiving your Passion
Soothing rainBaconPhases of moonBouncinessUpgrades for free
Wooden swing on tree w/ropesExtra suite for guestsSitting in warmth of sunshineKids doing what is asked on first requestThinking of a friend late at night, calling and they answer
Exactly enough cakeKisses from slobbery babiesUnexpected calls that make you laughKnowing what faith can doPeanut Butter sticks
Messing with song director in church, during serviceWonder Woman to do bookMissionaries coming to visit churchSitting with Angie in churchMinute maid sugar free lemonade
People WatchingTip toeingWall of windowsChips & salsaNapping in the sun
Cute post it notesBarefoot in grassRomantic table for 2Slow dancingLove songs being sung to you
Laying in his armsChildren that prayin…believingLaughter through troublesEmailsFinding true love
Splitting a banana splitEnding the day with a friendArriving safelyEaster basketsSharing JOY with others
Facebook friendsGod’s StrengthMore than 1 bestest friendHot fudge brownie sundaeStarting a chain of yawning
Pony tail holdersSecret pathsSchoochinClean windowsPimento cheese
Pig tailsFace paintChallenge free tripsCorn dogsGazing at sky
PerseveranceFunny peopleSomething worth waiting forEarly morning thunder stormsTime capsules
Welcome home flowersWatermelonEmailed hugsFeeling better after cryingWaking to roses
You Tube qued upHelp through the rainSwimmingBeing prayed for & not even knowing itDeep, peaceful sleep – through the night

 

Whew…. that is a lot, I know.  but trust me. this list will continue grow.  Maybe the next set will be in color…as I do love writing in color.  All of these things listed in my journal are in different colors.

What are some of the little things that make YOUR life big?  What JOYS do you see daily that make your heart smile?  I hope you’ll take the time to tell us! You never know who YOU will inspire!

{{{HUGS}} yall

 

 

© 2010 – 2011, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.

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Comments

  1. 1

    Candi says

    October 3, 2010 at 9:06 am

    Wow, this is such a lovely post, Marie. =)
    It’s nice to sit back and realise what it is that can bring a smile to your face, and so rewarding to realise that even the little things can have such an impact.
    Thank you for such a lovely read 🙂
    *big bear hugs*

    Reply
  2. 2

    Dwayne says

    October 3, 2010 at 9:28 am

    For those of you that have never met Marie in person, let me tell you this. She is just as happy in person as she is online.

    Marie, I have figured out your secret, it’s the Reese’s cup. When I go in the store I have to buy one, and my daughter has started bringing them to me. Every time I eat one it brings a smile to my face knowing how much the little things in life can make such a difference.
    Dwayne recently posted..My favorite place to be!

    Reply
  3. 3

    Callie says

    October 3, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    Marie and her Reese’s Cups … the two shall never part. LOL

    I absolutely LUV’d reading your post. Too many times folks overlook the little things just to get a gander at the bigger ones. I’m glad that I too am one to appreciate the little blessings unexpectedly given to me each and every day 🙂

    Keep writing such inspiring posts!

    I could easily go through a box of kleenex while on your beautiful site Marie. You are a God send for sure.

    Plenty of hugs!!
    Callie recently posted..MySurvey Pays!

    Reply
  4. 4

    Angie says

    October 3, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Thanks Marie for this post. It was so cute reading all the things that make you smile. It inspires me to write a list of my own…I think sometimes it’s very easy to forget “the little things” that make us smile because I think sometimes we are always looking for “the big things”. Thanks Marie for always managing to put a smile on my face! =)
    Sending you a nice BIG BEAR HUG!!

    Reply
  5. 5

    Spreading Joy says

    October 4, 2010 at 5:43 am

    @Candi, thanks sweetstuff for the big bear hugs you leave me = always. love that too. You are correct, the impact that little things can make are great!!

    @Dwayne – ohhhh reesecups are truly one of my secrets!! They do bring me great joy, always have. Especially when you make one last at least 4 bites 😉 – YOU, KNOW the little things are key – as your journey has made you sit back and really soak them up. Thank you for the smile, and i’m sure reesecups can never truly replace milkduds! *smiling*

    @Callie – Aww..thank you sweetie. Gandering at the bigger things for a few moments is nothing compared to truly enjoying the little things. Thank you for the encouragement you bring my way!!

    @Angie -GodsWordisTruth – Whahooo – i loove inspiring people to jot down the little things that make their life BIG!! You start noticing things even more when you are looking for them. looove the big bear hug!

    Thank you all for taking the time to share!! YOU are fantablous!! {{HUGS}} for your day!

    Reply
  6. 6

    Bridget Haymond says

    October 7, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Marie:

    I love this list of little things that bring you joy and can relate to many of them myself. And knowing you as I do, I can totally see how this list fits you! I hope everyone will read this and realize the blessing of enjoying the little things.

    Thanks for making me smile.
    Bridget Haymond recently posted..The Benefits of Healthy Competition

    Reply
    • 7

      Spreading Joy says

      October 9, 2010 at 6:46 am

      Thank you Bridget. I love the fact that you truly do KNOW that this is completely me. I wish I could get everyone to see all the wonderful little things that are sprinkled about them each and every day. Hopefully this list will give them a wonderful starting point!!

      Thank you! {{HUGS}}

      Reply
  7. 8

    Jan R. MIese says

    March 1, 2011 at 11:09 am

    Love it.. JOY is my favorite word and I also, love spreading it! Thanks so much for your posts. Through finding out about very ill friends to enjoying tea with my ‘girlfriends’ and everything given in between… I find deep joy and peace. That, of course, comes from my faith. I celebrate the ability to express my joy and recognize it in others from very far away.

    Bloom Girl Bloom comes out this summer. My first non-fiction book by Park East Press.

    Much JOY to you and yours~ janrmiesse – twitter Jan Cubbison Miesse FBook and soon to have- Fan Page- Please join me.

    Jan

    Reply
  8. 9

    Amy D says

    June 20, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I love your list. I am a big supporter of being thankful for all things, even those that are little!

    -I am thankful that my husband is starting an hour earlier and getting off an hour earlier starting today
    -coffee
    -unsweetened tea
    -coupons
    -library
    -miles of walking trails
    -internet friends (friends in a box!)

    I have SO many!

    Reply
  9. 10

    GeriBeron Toadvin says

    July 9, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    Thank you for posting this, I really needed that

    Reply
  10. 11

    Russell Watley says

    October 25, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    Mandisa’s ‘Good Morning’ song
    Chick-Fil-A chicken
    smiling at babies or toddlers and getting a smile back
    sweet tea
    popcorn
    playing with a puppy
    laughing with friends
    being in a warm bed when the weather is cold
    encouragement of friends
    cool breezes

    Reply
  11. 12

    Marie says

    October 26, 2013 at 9:09 am

    Thanks y’all for adding your little things!! They are such a huge part of our world!!
    Marie recently posted..Helping One

    Reply

Trackbacks

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