Snug Bug Rug

Yes, we all know enough to recognise the phrase, but is there anything better after a hell of a day than having a bath, doing a face pack, putting a hot water bottle in bed, putting on my favourite pyjamas and getting into my wonderfully comfortable bed? I know there is, but this is definitely up there. I’m also not wholly sure if a face pack is a gender neutral activity nowadays, but if it’s not and someone is offended, just replace it with a more suitable equivalent.

I used to have a friend who didn’t make her bed daily, she saw no point when she planned to hop back into it the same evening. I always thought it a touch (very) odd. To get into an unmade bed is something I’d never do. I realise this is a first world problem, but the fact of the matter is, it’s just nicer. Everything is smooth. The feathers in the duvet are suitably distributed. Plain and simple. The effort is minimal for such a tremendously fabulous reward.

Got me thinking about life’s simple pleasures (and I don’t mean sex stuff).

Seeing a sunrise or a sunset. This gives me goosebumps. Every time. I’ve hunted them down on the way to and from work, climbed hills and ventured out in the middle of the night to see them. They make me feel alive, grateful and proud of our universe and it’s natural beauty. A sunrise is the greatest gift, a new day, another shot at adventures; it provides potential like nothing else. A sunset on the other hand, provides an opportunity to reflect, relax, take a breath and take stock. Both so stunning I could cry. And have done so on many occasions. A true sight to behold. And guess what? They are available most days.

Even with Sooper’s poor photography, still stunning.

Receiving a card, letter or postcard. Whether a child or a grown up, who cares? We ALL love receiving them. The more random the better. “I saw this card and thought of you”, how nice is that? These habits are dying. People hardly write letters anymore. Far less postcards. Cards are exchanged for Christmas and Birthday but this is being replaced by people requesting e.g. charity donations. I’m not saying the charity option is a bad thing, but hey, send the card, write something thoughtful. It warms my heart to be thought of and remembered.

Lucozade when I’m ill must be up there. Lucozade makes me feel better, even though it does nothing physically apart from ply me with sugar and other things any nutritionist would turn their noses up at, psychologically it dips far into my psyche and hunts down an association somewhere. Something nice. Something caring. If I could buy it wrapped in cellophane I would and I reckon I’d recover from my illness even sooner!

Being safe and warm when it’s raining outside. Waking up without an alarm. Birds chirping. Waterfalls flowing. Waves crashing. The sun on your back. The smell of honeysuckle. A fresh garden strawberry. Trees forming a tunnel above a path or road. Waking up without a hangover. An orchid blooming. A child laughing. An old person with their great-grandchild. A smile from a stranger. Perhaps a compliment. A simple bicycle ride.

Isn’t this simply magical? It stopped me in my tracks when I was out cycling.

There’s no end to the potential here and its all pretty much free. It does make me wonder why it’s possible we live in such a materially driven society. With all this beauty. Tranquility and peace. Surrounded by such humble and simple pleasures, I genuinely wonder how we could ever be discontented at all.

I will be happy today.

Love

Helen x