The 'Daily Delight' Practice (+ 100 Examples)
A quick idea - and 100 examples - for experiencing a bit of delight today and every day.
Finding your mind and attention a bit elsewhere today? I thought I’d make this week’s Tuesday article an easy one for you to pop in and out of, come back to later, and even add to yourself.
A quick background: Since January 1, 2020, I have been recording a Daily Delight - one moment of delightfulness from each day. What started as a one-year project, based on my annual theme that year being ‘Delight,’ has become part of my daily routine and is now wrapping up year #5! It’s been so beneficial I just don’t want to stop.
Below is a list of 100 past or potential delights. These are, of course, things I consider delights - you may feel differently, and I’d love for you to add to the list in the comments! And feel free to start your own list and bring a bit of delight to the easy days, the challenging days, and all the days.
Witnessing a simple act of kindness between strangers
A flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
Seeing someone light up while talking about a passion
An unexpected burst of laughter
Taking an action, no matter how small, after feeling stuck
An excellent book
A freshly cleaned and organized workspace
A moment of inspiration
The feeling of accomplishment
A delicious caramel cafe au lait
Connecting with someone who shares your niche hobby
A huge hug from a loved one
On-time flights/smooth travel days
A full night of sleep
A fresh notebook or journal
Meaningful conversation
A gentle thunderstorm
An inspiring event that brings people together
Someone saying your writing resonated with them
The scent of a brand new book
Celebrating someone achieving a goal after great perseverance
Mutual respect
Glimpses of green grass after a long Midwest winter
When something is easier than expected
Apple cinnamon muffins fresh from the oven
The relief of making the decision
Breakfast for dinner
Finding a new favorite podcast
The feel of a fountain pen writing on smooth paper
Learning something new and useful
Coming across the right words at the right time
Cute puppies
When technology cooperates
Lunch with a friend you don’t get to see very often
A perfectly-ripened avocado
Christmas music
A fluffy, cozy bathrobe
Newly-polished fingernails
Feeling strong
Leaves falling in an autumn breeze
People bravely sharing their art
Checking a bunch of to-do’s off the list
Finally thinking of the name/word you couldn’t remember
Finding a lovely handwritten note in the mail
Achieving a goal you weren’t sure you could
Receiving a gift card for your favorite store
A roadtrip with an awesome playlist
A room filled with plants
Comedians who make relatable everyday experiences funny
Thoughtful book club discussions
The feeling of reaching the other side of the challenge
Uninterrupted time in a bookstore
That fresh-start feeling
Friendly cashiers
Flipping through the pages of a filled journal or planner
The morning you wake up feeling good after being ill
A glass of water on a hot afternoon
Respectful discussion between people with opposing beliefs
Seeing people excited about an event you planned
Finding $10 in the pocket of a jacket you haven’t worn for months
The first time out in new running shoes
Big poofy snowflakes
A genuine compliment on something you put effort into creating
Seasonally-scented candles
A refreshing shower
A library hold coming in sooner than expected
Hearing a song from 20 years ago and still remembering every word
Staring at the ocean
Adorable kitties
A good hair day
Waking up one minute before the alarm
Open windows
The first sips of coffee in the morning
Dancing when nobody is watching
When an anticipated 2-hour project takes 20 minutes
Chatting by a campfire
An entire evening spent on a hobby
Feeling just right - not too hot, not too cold
When the power comes back on
Putting books in a Little Free Library and seeing them gone the next day
Potluck dinners
Finally upgrading an item
Mastering a skill you’ve been working at for ages
Viewing really neat penmanship
Laughing so hard you cry
Jeans and a sweatshirt
Feeling in flow
Seeing birds enjoying your bird feeder / birdhouses
A funny memory from years ago randomly popping into your mind
An unexpected ‘Love you!’ text from a family member or dear friend
Being asked a question then sincerely listened to while answering
Coffee shop baristas
Seeing growth in yourself that can’t necessarily be measured
The moment the annoying sound (leaf blower, static, etc) stops
When little kiddos create their own words/ways of saying things
A pop of sun at the end of a gray, rainy day
Being brave, and acknowledging your own bravery
Seeing Mom’s handwriting on a recipe card
Browsing an office supply store at the start of the school year
Brainstorming a list of delights
Does one of these delights stand out for you? What moment of delight have you experienced lately?
Questions? Comments? Books or topics you’d like me to discuss here? Feel free to email me at readingandpurpose (at) gmail.com or comment on this post directly in the app/website. You’re welcome to share this article with a friend - I hope they find it helpful and I appreciate the support!