“New Year, New You” 30-Day Positivity Challenge – Day 6
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Originally published on January 17, 2022. Updated on January 16, 2024.
Give Thanks for the Simple Pleasures
Life’s become so complicated. And yet, more than ever people are setting aside time in their busy schedules to indulge in the simple pleasures. Have you managed to appreciate the little things in life, that mean so much?
Here are some simple, old-time enjoyments that have made a comeback in recent years, despite the technological advancements of our time.
Home cooking.
Comforting foods that are good for you never seem to go out of style, do they? It doesn’t matter what the latest eating trends are, or which famous chefs have put out a new set of gadgets or series of cookbooks. Home-cooked meals using simple, healthful, and wholesome ingredients will always be the preferred choice. Treasured recipes that have been passed down from grandmom to mom to daughter to son will never go out of food fashion.
Local, seasonal fare.
Here in America, we have a wide assortment of convenience foods that are flown in from the farthest corners of the world. And yet, now more than ever, we’re grateful for access to fresh, local ingredients that are grown or farm-raised in healthy, humane ways. Do you support local farmers by buying local eggs or purchasing produce from small farms that are close to home? Do you tend to prepare what’s in season, rather than indulging every whim and fancy? Cultivating an appreciation for simple, homegrown foods makes good sense for everybody.
Gardening.
Do you tend a patch of home-grown vegetables and herbs that grace your table with a healthful rainbow of tastes and textures? The self-sufficiency that comes with being able to nurture one’s dinner to life from small seeds or plants is both rewarding and remarkable. A grateful gardener gives thanks for rich, fertile soil, life-giving sun, and thirst-quenching rain. She revels in the simple beauty of heirloom seeds, carefully preserved and passed down through generations… work-worn hands that nurture life into being… and the bounty of harvest that graces the family table with the fruits and vegetables of her labor.
Crafting.
Are you a crafter or creator? Then give thanks for those amazing, skilled hands of the great makers who paved the way for you to master their skills. Knitting and crocheting resurged in popularity about 20 years ago. These skills continue to be a mainstay leisure activity even with our easy access to fashions from around the world. These old-world skills live on in modern society because the desire to put our hands to work creating something useful and practical has remained a feature of human existence. If you are a maker, give thanks for nimble fingers, a patient brain, and keen eyes that envision the end before the beginning.
Campfires.
Take a peek over fences and into neighbor’s backyards. You’ll likely see something totally unexpected and unnecessary, yet more common than ever. The glowing embers of a backyard campfire are about as basic of a human enjoyment as one can get. This can continue to be a preferred method of relaxation for many. What’s more, they provide warmth for our bodies, fire to cook by, and the brightest of lights to illuminate our dreams.
Exercise: Revel in the simple pleasures of life.
Do you delight in simple pleasures? Have you rediscovered the uncomplicated beauty of some very basic pastimes – like cooking, crafting, making, and just being?
Cultivate a sense of being blessed with your creative talents and skills, whatever they may be. Revel in the smallest of enjoyments and live in the simple moments.
Journal It.
Another, deliciously simple yet immensely satisfying act – writing. Chronicle your journey as a crafter, grower, fisherman, or whatever your simple pleasure.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
6 Comments
Jeanine Byers
I definitely do delight in simple pleasures! In fact, one of my favorite things is dedicating time to them. And this post is a reminder that comforting foods can be healthy, too, and it might be good to dive into some of them. 🙂 By the way, I featured your blog post from yesterday, about taking back your power, in my post today.
Tamara
I think of myself as someone who appreciates the little things. However, my list includes other things. Two years into the pandemic, I am all cooked out, so to speak. I used to love to cook and bake, try new recipes and all – but it got so old. My simple pleasure is to go out now that restaurants are back open.
While not the outdoorsiest type, I do like to be out there, at the lake or in the park and enjoy the calm, the colors, the smells (I think what I’m referring to is spring. It’s basically around the corner, RIGHT?)
Most importantly: the human connection, even if it’s having a drink via Zoom. Yes, my best friend and I did that a couple of times. It’s the next best thing to getting together in person.
Laurie
I love every one on your list!
I am thankful for every single item you listed.
Campfires–yes!
Crafting–yes–almost finished with a crochet Afghan!
Home cooking! Absolutely! Made eggplant bake over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed that!
Exercise? Yes! I’m reading this and walking at work even though it’s snowy outside!
What else? My family, even though we aren’t perfect.
My property even though it’s a ton of work!
God–who keeps on providing for us!
So much to be thankful for!!
Wonderful post!
Pinning and sharing!!
God bless!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Martha
For me, home cooking goes right along with gardening! Lia loves gardening and we have a small vegetable garden every year. She helps me prepare the squash, eggplant, peppers and other veggies for the freezer so we can have home cooked meals through out the winter! I love pulling out recipes my mom and grandmother used and sharing them with Lia. I plan to make a recipe book with all the recipes we use so she can have them when she has a family and can continue to pass them down. Same with crafting and sewing, Lia loves both and her favorite is sewing, painting and wood working. Anything positive is great in my book.
Victoria Juster
Now that I’m spending more time at home, I had to find a way to enjoy myself. I decided to put together a booklet of family recipes for the next generation. Most are from my grands, mother and aunts and a few from me. Every recipe brings good memories and I can’t wait to share them. You’re so right, Dominique. The simple things can bring the most joy!
Roy A Ackerman, PhD EA
Just in time for national compliment day! (Next week, not today.)