As time only seems to be moving faster, it can be easy to forget all the things we have to appreciate in our lives. “Stop and smell the roses,” they say. But what if there are no roses? What exactly is there to appreciate as we go through life that isn’t just the same, repetitive things? Well, never fear, I’m here to tell you my top five underrated joys in life, and maybe this will remind you of the good in your own life or inspire you to make your very own list!
Compliments
I absolutely adore compliments, especially when they come from people I don’t know. Whether I’m wearing my favorite outfit or I’m having a terribly rough hair day, receiving a compliment boosts my confidence immediately. It reminds me not to be so hard on myself and makes me feel so much better about anything I was feeling self-conscious about. Plus, it makes me thankful for the kind people around me and reminds me that there truly are good people who want to spread positivity in the world.
Similarly, giving compliments is also one of my favorite things to do. Whenever I see a person wearing something I like, if the timing is right, I will never shy away from telling them. It’s a good way to spread kindness and uplift others, and it costs nothing. You never know, it may even spark a new friendship with someone. Since being at college, I’ve tried to push myself to be more outgoing, and this is one small way I’m doing so. Plus, a little compliment from a stranger can do more than you expect. Sometimes it can inspire someone to walk with confidence. Sometimes it can push someone to keep going. Either way, people feel significantly better after both receiving and giving a compliment. We as humans want to feel respected. We want connection. We want to feel like we belong.
Punny Jokes (get it?)
Cringy or not, I’m a big fan of puns. I think the innocence, charm, and clear humor in them just makes them adorable. But I don’t think people appreciate these enough, and we need to bring them back — I don’t care if I’m the only one who thinks so. The best thing about puns and jokes overall is that they’re endless. They can be seasonal and holiday themed, or just basic jokes to use any day. There’s actually a science behind why people like puns. When a person understands a pun, their brain receives a satisfying cognitive reward, which blends intellectual stimulation with humor. They’re really fun to come up with, too.
A big shoutout to my nana for these. She exposed me to the silliest and cringiest puns at a very young age.
the weather
The weather is something that is a constant in our lives, which is why it’s easy to forget to appreciate it. But as the temperatures rise and people start spending more time outside, we should all take a minute to admire it. In Connecticut, we are blessed with all four seasons, and while some people dread the frost of winter, I love it when the seasons change and we’re reminded of all the different weather we can experience in New England. Whether it’s dancing under April rain, stepping through crimson leaves, catching little snowflakes on your tongues, or tanning under a blazing sun, it should all be appreciated for what it can offer. It can affect your entire day, it can change your mood, and it can even evoke a sense of wonder.
However, living in Connecticut my whole life, it can be easy to take this small aspect of my life for granted. I think it’s important to recognize that not everyone gets to experience New England weather, especially the wonderful spring that’s come to us this April. Cherry blossoms are blooming, the warm sun is soaking into our skin, and there’s that sort of peaceful beauty that comes just before a hot summer. Tank tops and shorts begin to make their way onto campus, sunburns glaze our skin easily, and the green spaces on campus are finally being filled with beach blankets, Spike Ball, and speakers. Enjoy it, before all you can think about are beach days and pool parties.
Mannerisms, Quirks, and habits
One thing I don’t think gets talked about enough is that moment in a relationship — whether that is a friendship, romantic relationship, or anything else — where you begin to take note of someone’s mannerisms, little habits, and quirks. There are so many kinds of these, and they may come from genetics or cultural and social norms.
Everyone has their own unique things they do that they may not even notice, and I think if you notice them, it’s you starting to see them. Like, really see them. And I think that’s beautiful. My sister often twirls her hair absentmindedly, a friend of mine laughs a lot but cries laughing when it’s real, and my mom always yells “hi!” when she walks into the house. It’s little bits and pieces of my world that I’ve noticed, parts of people I love that I know not everyone can see.
Finding new music
Discovering a new song you love has to be one of the best feelings in the world. It’s crazy to think that the song you’re about to listen to could become your new favorite song, the best way to improve your mood, or has lyrics that describe an exact feeling you thought was an original experience. It’s a way to bond with others, to remember a certain time in your life, or to give you a different outlook on things. My newest favorite song is from Noah Kahan’s new album, The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs, called “Doors.” Honestly, every song on that album could be my favorite, it is just perfect.
You may be someone who focuses on small details, or maybe you’re more of a big picture type of person. Either way, I hope this reminded you of some underrated joys in your life. These are things that are always around you, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about them.