Little Joys in Life that can’t be named; just felt

Little Joys in Life that can’t be named; just felt

We often go through moments in life where we sense the pleasantness of a situation but can hardly name the exact feeling. While observing things around me and talking to different people, I realised it’s not just me – most of us experience these little joys for a fraction of a second or a few minutes, yet struggle to put a name to them.

I started listing all these moments, just to keep a record – in case I forget what gratitude looks like in the randomness of life.

• The feeling of finally getting into bed after a long day – mild AC, phone in hand
• Watching your most comforting show while having a meal (Friends, TMKOC, The Big Bang Theory, The Office)
• Getting a few laughs on your witty one-liner in a WhatsApp group
• Finding a parking spot right next to the lift lobby in the basement
• Seeing all green lights and blue roads on Google Maps
• When the first pint of beer hits just right
• Getting french fries at optimum crispiness
• A stranger giving you a thumbs up on the road while driving
• That one outfit looking surprisingly good on you – one you’d never have picked otherwise
• The first sip of water after a long walk
• The dopamine rush of deciding you’re going on a vacation
• Catching up after a long time with an old friend
• Knowing you have downloaded content ready to watch on a flight
• The fragrance of fresh bedsheets and linen
• The softness of a velvety quilt
• The aroma of coffee in that very first sip
• Watching your parents get genuinely excited about something
• Scoring a reasonable flight ticket
• Getting 35% off when paying through an app
• Having a productive day with low screen time
• Spotting a small, cute baby somewhere and just smiling
• Buying flowers – for yourself or someone else
• Watching the sky shift through multiple shades at dusk
• The smell of rain
• Stopping at an ice cream truck on the way home
• Sharing a good read with a friend
• An active WhatsApp group of old friends that actually delivers
• The warm glow of a bedside lamp
• Walking in the sun on a cold winter day
• The sound of a bird early in the morning
• Getting a response from someone you weren’t sure would reply
• Sharing GIFs at exactly the right moment
• The comfort of sending a voice note instead of making a phone call
• That feeling of walking into a bookstore or library
• Changing into comfortable clothes at the end of the day
• That one perfect shot while playing any sport
• A stranger passing you a smile
• Singing along to your favourite song while driving
• The feeling of getting better after four days of being sick
• Passing by your old school and stepping in for just a few seconds
• Finishing a full bottle of water in under two hours
• Watching the season finale of a reality show
• Meeting someone who laughs their heart out – fully, uninhibited
• Everyone frantically exchanging WhatsApp messages during an earthquake

These are just a few I could think of, but I’m sure each of us has our own version. What strikes me is that these moments feel joyful not just because of what’s happening around us, but because of what’s quietly happening within us too.

In this chaotic, unpredictable life – let’s find our own little joys. As long as it makes sense to you, don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

I’d love to know: what’s that one pleasant little feeling you can’t quite name, but wouldn’t trade for anything?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​