So just in time for Thanksgiving: I’ve always been told that I get happy by the simplest things. I was so thrilled to see the booths of our local farmers’ market that I beamed really widely and clenched my mother’s hand in delight. My mother asked me why I got so excited, and I responded saying that I just love farmers’ markets too much to handle it!

But in all honesty, I’ve never been able to explain why I become so happy about the little things in life. It’s because of two reasons that are completely opposite each other–if that makes sense: A) you experience them much more frequently than the bigger things in life, or B) you don’t get enough of these little things that they become so precious when you do. Don’t you find that your mood lifts up when you see someone smile at you, you write very neatly one day, you see little kids playing in the park, you see almond butter jars at the grocery store, you read a yummy Paleo recipe or an inspirational quote, or you warm up your hands with a cup of hot coffee?

I don’t believe that life is perfect–in fact, it’s actually very often when I encounter pretty terrible days. Sometimes I wake up in a really cranky mood, I feel depressed for no real reason or I’m so crazy stressed out that I start crying. It’s super cliche, but I believe in the idea that even though not every day is good, there’s something good in every day.

For instance…

Walking outside and feeling the cool breeze in the warm sun.

Taking the first bite out of my sweet potato sandwich.

Seeing my protein pancakes ready to flip.

Sunsets on the beach.

Grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s!

Being so cold in a classroom that I had to borrow this tall guy’s sweatshirt.

Chinese lanterns at night.

Seeing Ezekiel bread back in stock!

Using coconut oil, aka the best makeup remover in the world!

My dog in my sister’s clothes.

Sunday brunch at home. #everydaygoals

Climbing trees and feeling like a kid.

Watching health documentaries.

Getting a manicure.

Seeing exotic animals.

Cute bakery signs.

Adorable dogs on the street.

Choosing food from a gourmet cafe.

Getting photobombed by my sister.

Cooking homemade zucchini pad thai.

Sweating like crazy after a workout.

My uncle’s backyard hens.

Because really. You’ll be surprised as to how many happy little memories you remember.

What little things in life make you happy?