21 small things that make us very happy

Usually, I quite enjoy complaining about everything and often write about things that irritate me. That's why I thought it would be nice for a change to make a list of things that make me very happy. Those little things that can really make your day a lot better.

1. Coffee in the morning

Every day again, this is really the best moment of the day. Just the smell of your first cup of coffee: so uplifting. I don't want a day without it.

2. The sunset

We don't experience it often here, but when the sky above Amsterdam sometimes turns completely pink, I feel so happy and calm. Sunsets are magical.

3. In-love old couples

I just find this the sweetest thing ever: those very old people who are still together after many years and walk hand in hand, madly in love, down the street. A bit exaggerated, but I almost always want to cry when I see these kinds of people, it's just too sweet.

4. Traffic lights turning green

When you're in a hurry and all the traffic lights on your route turn green: perfection. Especially when you arrive exactly on time for your appointment; it can't get any better.

5. When an item is sold out after you've bought it 

This is also quite delightful: you buy something online and then see after completing your order that the item is no longer available. Fair is fair: you're just a little bit happier with your purchase.

6. Sleeping in a made bed

Making the bed itself is of course a bit less fun, but as soon as you lie down on Sunday night in the bed you've just changed, all the misery disappears like snow in the sun. Nothing is better than this.

7. Someone cancels an appointment 

Sometimes you make plans with someone and on the day itself, you feel anything but like it. You hesitate to cancel, but you also find that a bit rude since the appointment has been set for so long. But then suddenly something fantastic happens: the other person cancels. Wow, what a relief it is to have that weight off your shoulders. You can just relax on the couch, wonderful.

8. Finding a parking spot in the city

Parking in the city center is always dramatic. When after hundreds of rounds someone suddenly leaves right in front of you and you can take the spot while there are still cars behind you looking for a spot: amazing.

9. The sun on your skin

Especially in winter, there is nothing better than unexpected sun rays on your face. And who doesn't get happy from the sun?

10. Crying from laughter

Stomach pain and crying from laughter is great. And the moment after when you realize you're sitting across from someone who makes you laugh so much is even better.

11. A warm shower

Just like coffee, a warm shower is a joy every day. Washing away all your worries, or just sweat. After showering, you always feel very happy and clean.

12. Heavy rain while you're inside 

Especially when you're lying in a warm bed at night and it's raining and storming outside. Pure bliss. Another happy moment: just getting inside before a downpour.

13. Hearing your favorite song unexpectedly somewhere

Even more fun than on Spotify is hearing your favorite song unexpectedly on the radio or in a restaurant. Every time this melody makes you happy.

14. Contact with your pet

Playing, cuddling, or just walking with your pet; all moments that make you happy. Just looking at my dog makes me the happiest person on earth.

15. Finding a few lenses unexpectedly somewhere

A recognizable happy moment for people with contact lenses. I don't keep track of how big my supply is, so sometimes I unexpectedly run out of lenses. But very rarely, you suddenly find a spare pair in a bag or drawer: winning.

16. Receiving a sweet message

Sometimes I can get very happy when a spontaneous sweet message comes in on my phone. They don't have to be long texts, just the thought that someone is thinking of you. That makes me very happy.

17. Baking and eating cake

I can't cook very well, but baking cookies, cakes, and pies makes me so happy. Spending hours in the kitchen and eating half of the dough, then immediately devouring the baked goods as soon as they come out of the oven.

18. The sea

Swimming in the sea or just staring at the sea. The sea gives me such a calm feeling, just like the sunset. And a combination of both has a therapeutic effect.

19. Dancing 

The freedom you can experience while dancing: unparalleled. It's nice in the club, but it's even more enjoyable when you're completely alone at home. Moreover, it has even been proven that dancing is good for your mental well-being.

20. The smell of a good glass of wine 

A good glass of wine is of course very enjoyable, but the happy moment is really in its smell. Knowing that in a few seconds you're going to taste something very nice. Okay, drinking it is actually just as big a happy moment.

21. Fresh chicken nuggets at McDonald's

Yes, I understand that chicken nuggets aren't fresh, but I mean when they are just fried and not sitting in those trays all day. Crispy chicken nuggets are heavenly.