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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!

Coffee Reesecups Hugs Diet Coke Twinkling Eyes
Smiles Missionaries Gum Books Rainbows
Ocean Sunrise Sunset Full Moon Gel Pens w/Bright colors
Cloud Shapes Bright Stars Playdoh Bible Blowing Bubbles
Singing Music American Flag Sunglasses Handwritten Notes
Chuck Norris Soft Carpet Favorite Jeans Monkeys Roasted Marshmallows
Favorite Tennis shoes Riding a Bike Walk along a river Roasted Marshmallows Hot Chocolate w/marshmallows
Holding Hands Blue Roses Teddy Bears Soft Kleenex Over Sized Sweaters
Watching My kids sleep Laying in grass alone Sound of crashing waves Laying in grass w/a friend Catching snowflakes on tongue
Fresh Snowfall Long necklaces Wizard of Oz Fireballs Splashing in a puddle
M&M’s Cute Socks Technology Toe Socks Unsweetened Iced Tea
Breakfast Christmas Green LIghts Soldiers Heart dangle earrings
Standing Firm Blackberry Disney World Nurses Handmade bracelets
Jukebox full of Oldies Lightning across the sky Crossing a bridge w/out stopping Police officers Friends who call in the middle of the night
Roller Coasters Puppies Slinkies Card games Instant Messaging
Board Games Cute Note Pads Sticky Notes White Out Unconditional Love
Steady Rain Rolling Fog Crisp Breeze Hot Soup Waking to a kiss
Forgiveness Cute Purses Quotes Poems Making Cotton Candy
Belly Laughs Pictures Scrapbooking Opals Eating Cotton Candy
Sleeping Babies Audio Bible Audio Books Skype Thunder in the distance
Lemonade Circus Cute Sunglasses iTunes Precious moments
Face Painting No Spill Days iTouch Hair Spray Hot Cookies out of oven
Hugs from nieces/nephews Watching when NO one sees Overstuffed comfy chairs My Heart Ring from Daddy Hot Cake w/melted icing
Swinging on Swing HUGE sliding boards Empty Tomb of HOPE Being SAFE in Gods Arms Breakfast for Dinner
Choices Triple Coupons Coming Home Operas Hugs for NO reason
Walking Barefoot Random Photos Happy Endings Roses Little Debbie Cakes
Plants surviving in my house Growing up to be my Mom Being only ONE in the movie theater Meeting new People Sitting sideways in comfy chair
Ice Cold Slushies Animal Cookies Disney Classics Hope Always having music
Spreading JOY Opportunities Water Slides God’s Power Chuck Norris Bookmark
Golden Sunsets God’s Plan Safe flights Free Dinner Bath & Bodyworks
Smiles during tears Toasted Bagels & Cream Cheese Watching a merry go round Movie Theater Popcorn Social Media making world accessible
Hope Restored New Watches Misprints Paper Clips Kids that talk &talk….
Sparkles of love in eyes of friend Kisses from Todd & Megan Snow that is soft on day 2 Listening to the Rain Watching my kids make the RIGHT decisions
Unplanned vacations Full moon hanging on a cloud Long lingering WARM hugs Seeing Todd for 19th Bday Hearing Harry Connick JR Sing in PERSON!
Blistex Journey Perfume Care Bears Curve cologne Monkey Bookmark
Sleeping to sound of ocean lapping at shore PB&J Sandwiches w/Milk Extra HOT Cinnamon Dolce Latte Laughing thru nite w/a friend Sleeping just after alarm goes off
Free Anything Niagara falls Contentment A quick exit Beach Trips w/Mom
Passing w/A “C” God’s Character God’s Promises God’s Power Free Audio Books
Golden Grahams Curve 4 Women Tweet-ups Candid photos Meeting Chuck Norris
Kids Praying Being Welcome Being Paid Up …….Instead Dreams Coming True
Singing YOU are my sunshine! Power of Holy Spirit Overhearing kids say something nice Chocolate covered pretzels Being held close as I sleep
Texts from my children Sitting w/young people Blowing bubbles w/gum Kisses on the forehead Chocolate covered Marshmallows
Seeing Dad in my dreams A day of “To Don’ts” Beauty in the Ordinary Being loved as always Saved messages in my Voice Mail
Unexpected help Reesecups in mail Being Found Being Trusted My Flower garden living
Angels Among us Hugs from Santa Being Noticed Guidance Ocean at Midnight
Not giving up Pondering Finishing Soaring Fireplace at 1 am
Cute Coffee Cups Saying Thank YOU Treasures of the heart Courage to step out Making a Difference
Smokies of TN Cobblestone walkways Firefighter friends in Boston Acceptance of situation Frequent Flier Miles
Early Morning Smiles Loving with No Boundaries Great things HE has done Appreciating NOW Learning to live again
Phone calls of thanks from ocean Love that lasts forever Realizing love hurts and it’s ok Brightening MY corner of the world Unbridled laughter of Teen girls
Meg sitting upside down Todd’s time beside me talking about nothing Noticing a smile & glance from across the room Getting items donated for others Discernment right on time
Getting what you need Hearing what is NOT being said Computer prayers answered Sitting in Church w/mom Being happy -regardless
Seeing Hearts Grow My moms unconditional love Winning the heart of a shy child Hair blowing in the wind Learning a friend is a true American Hero
Happy gatherings for no reason Getting the gift that seemed ridiculous Realizing the headache is easing up Texts asking are you OK after horrid day Kisses from my almost grown children
Laughing while others wonder Unexpected gifts in the mail Printing off cute photo hugs Sight for sore eyes Little Debbie making it easy to give by giving
Falling asleep immediately Whiffs of old spice Being prayed through Color making my day bright Laughing at myself
Friends Praying Walmart @ 5 am One More Day Protection Getting to the Point
Certainty String cheese 2 hour naps Another Chance My John R. Rice Bible
Wild Flowers New  Journeys Simple pleasures Moments Keeping things going
Giggling…a few days later Honest Communication Inspirational words Listening…really listening Being accepted just as I am
Being Believed in Joy after the Pain Blueberry Muffins Family Cookout Surprise phone calls
Strawberry yogurt Extra night for free Believing in my children Brighter days ahead Sharing my passion
Marie Pong A car to borrow New purse 4 free Messages Peace, glorious peace
Stress free ping pong Cool nights after hot summer Resources at fingertips Hot apple cider w/cinnamon Guilt leaving the heart
Passing with flying colors Fasting & being close to God Finding out you’ve inspired someone Msg of Praise for blessing Psalm 6 Todd in suit & Tie for me
New book in mail No bake cookies Privacy!!! Stickers Knowing this isn’t all
Being inspired Cool Sandals Encouraging texts Milk duds 1895 House a B&B
Learning from an expert Being a persistent little booger Beach all to myself Emptying my heart of guilt Trusting even when I don’t understand
m&m minis Stickers in journal Stickers on FB Coming Home Being a Homebody
Jesus – Always Wanting to…. Gifts to myself Silence Cool sunglasses cheap
Todd saying “its perfect mom” Foggy Quiet mornings One of these days…being today Exploring new places Shaking hands w/40 military personnel
A smile that dries the tears Bright paper to write on Breeze from an open window Sounds that brings smiles Opportunities in another state
Going before security comes Praying without ceasing Travel and exploration Coming home to a clean kitchen Strength for tomorrow
Sweater when you need it Moon hanging in the morning sky Mountains every where I look Recognizing simple miracles Kids having the Bible I gave to them from 2nd grade & they are in 5th grade now
Friends sharing pics of beach & mountains Visiting a new ice cream shop Letting my light shine Christmas Stockings Watching a wall of rain approach
Lance cheese &pb crackers Compliment from Princess Megan Famous Author commenting on blog Warm comfy Christmas sweaters Phoning a friend, asking for help & getting it
Phone call from Todd Contacts & Corrective lenses Praying at Alter & a friend joins unexpectedly Surprise Videos in email from friend Unexpected knocks at door
Cool Journals Chocolate Milk Plums Peace Lilies Fixing a problem easily
Cool Whip Sprinkles on top Remembering IT Heroes Wonder Woman
Fresh Roasted chicken dinner Fav Worship song being sung live Dinner, movie & Bookstore date Friends pics on FB Watching my brothers with their Grand kids
Saying Yes to God and trusting Muffins in the Mail Mustard seed faith Blissful UNeventfulness Sausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Bewitched Cool Boots Blue Ridge Pkwy Promises Kept When the stars line up
Cake Icing Wars with Todd Meg Blocking goals in soccer Reading under a tree Warmth from Fire Place Cream Cheese Brownies
Sesame Chicken Bundling up Emergency Exits Par 3 More than Enough
List making Anklets Bracelets Cool shells Stove Top Stuffing
Wireless Internet Lucky Charms Winter Olympics “Getting” It Hands free Headset
Laughing till I Cry Del Sol Nail Polish Mailing Gifts Sleeping In Hot hush puppies
Free E Books Signed Book Silly Book marks Silly Putty Chuck Norris Facts
Cute Stickers Worship Songs Balloon bouquets Happy bunny Key Chain from friend
Special Olympics & the smiles Matching Hair color Sugar free Lattes from McDonalds Burger king Onion Rings Weekend alone at beach
Scotch Tape Sharpie Markers Love Songs Oldies Paper Jam Free Days
Extra Strength Tylenol Mechanical pencils Chocolate cupcakes Secrets of the heart Finding lids for bowls easily
Faith Oranges Strawberries Ranch Dip Late nights on Twitter
Seizing the Day Being Needed An Extra Hug Inner Strength Living your Passion
Soothing rain Bacon Phases of moon Bounciness Upgrades for free
Wooden swing on tree w/ropes Extra suite for guests Sitting in warmth of sunshine Kids doing what is asked on first request Thinking of a friend late at night, calling and they answer
Exactly enough cake Kisses from slobbery babies Unexpected calls that make you laugh Knowing what faith can do Peanut Butter sticks
Messing with song director in church, during service Wonder Woman to do book Missionaries coming to visit church Sitting with Angie in church Minute maid sugar free lemonade
People Watching Tip toeing Wall of windows Chips & salsa Napping in the sun
Cute post it notes Barefoot in grass Romantic table for 2 Slow dancing Love songs being sung to you
Laying in his arms Children that prayin…believing Laughter through troubles Emails Finding true love
Splitting a banana split Ending the day with a friend Arriving safely Easter baskets Sharing JOY with others
Facebook friends God’s Strength More than 1 bestest friend Hot fudge brownie sundae Starting a chain of yawning
Pony tail holders Secret paths Schoochin Clean windows Pimento cheese
Pig tails Face paint Challenge free trips Corn dogs Gazing at sky
Perseverance Funny people Something worth waiting for Early morning thunder storms Time capsules
Welcome home flowers Watermelon Emailed hugs Feeling better after crying Waking to roses
You Tube qued up Help through the rain Swimming Being prayed for & not even knowing it Deep, 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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    April 10, 2013 at 8:38 am

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  2. Thankfulness | Spreading Joy says:
    November 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm

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