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The Little Things That Make Me Smile

January 31, 2013 By 110 Comments
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good morning The Little Things That Make Me Smile

There may be a 101 reasons why you don’t feel like smiling, but for every one of those reasons, I’m sure you’ll probably also find a reason to smile – if you look carefully.

A recent newsletter I received from Cheryl Richardson read:

This week, become aware of the little things that make you smile. As you notice them, pay attention to how they make you feel. If they feel good, really good, attach value to them immediately. Tell yourself, “This is the kind of experience that matters. I want more of this in my life.” 

So I start to notice and pay attention to the little things that make me smile. And I realize that my list of things that make me smile grows – if only I let it. Today my list reads:

  1. Pablo giving me an early morning nuzzle to let me know he’s awake.
  2. An early morning cuddle from my husband.
  3. My first cup of coffee in the morning.
  4. A little quiet time at the start of the morning to write/ read.
  5. A warm shower.
  6. The scent of my soap, shampoo, talc and cream.
  7. Making a salad that I know we both will enjoy.
  8. A crazy online conversation with my friends.
  9. Watching a video of the twin baby boys of my blogging pal.
  10. Looking at pictures of the same (as above) precious babies.

This list is only from today and it’s certainly not complete.

There’s lots more where that came from – thousands of other moments that I haven’t listed here. Isn’t that reason to smile?

What are the things that made you smile today?

DBF498476DC19B2AEBE6E1B0B6999793 The Little Things That Make Me Smile

This is Week #66 of the Thursday BlogHop over at The Writer’s Post. I’m so glad to be hosting it. Please write a post on the prompt ‘The Little Things That Make Me Smile’ and add the URL of the post to the Linky.

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About Corinne Rodrigues

I write because I hope that my words will bring pleasure, inspire or make you question something, just as the words of so many writers do to me. I don't profess to have any answers, I just share from my own experiences and often bring you my own struggles with thoughts, ideas and situations. Today I seek to live life of that is simple, authentic and holistic. I write at Everyday Gyaan and share a blog called From 7Eight with my husband, José and our boxer dog, Pablo.

The Little Things That Make Me Smile
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Comments

  1. Jenn says:
    January 31, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Corinne– I love this topic an your list here of things that make you smile made me smile reading it!! I am going to love the other entries to this, I’m sure.

    Thank you so much for hosting the blog hop this week!!

    Cheers, Jenn
    Jenn recently posted..PopularityMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Shilpa Garg says:
    January 31, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    What a wonderful thought for a post! Listing what makes us smile would certainly add more smiles in our day and also will help us to appreciate smaller things better!
    Shilpa Garg recently posted..7x7x7x7My Profile

    Reply
  3. Claire says:
    January 31, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Things that made me smile today so far and it’s only 10am here! Being woken by my precious five year old. Eating breakfast with him. Reading this post. Watching my boy sit at his school desk with his little pals. Seeing a dog on a lead determined to go his own way despite his owner tugging him the other way. My nine feral cats gathered in the garden awaiting breakfast.

    Reply
  4. Jas says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Very nice thought Corinne. Actually there is lot in life to be happy about.
    Jas recently posted..When a Pesky Relative Comes CallingMy Profile

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  5. Anne says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    This is a great exercise. I’ll definitely do this, starting today. I’ll really make an effort to attach significance to the things that make me smile and remember them. They’ll be good for when I don’t feel so good. :-)
    Anne recently posted..How To Build Confidence In PositivesMy Profile

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  6. janu says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    Familiar with point no. 8. And, now we know what you do the rest of the time.
    Inspirational post again.

    Reply
  7. sharmila says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    As I read this post and gave a thought to what makes me smile, my list looked like yours in some points ( esp.point no. 8 ) ;-) Then slowly,as I mulled over it , the list became longer . You see, this in itself brought a smile to my lips.
    sharmila recently posted..The White QuiltMy Profile

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  8. B k Chowla says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    I can spend hours together smiling looking at some of my very interesting pictures over the years
    B k Chowla recently posted..DIRTY MONEYMy Profile

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  9. Jessica says:
    January 31, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    What a great post! Very positive! It reminds me of the concept of finding gratitude in the small things of life.

    This morning, what made me smile, was meeting warm, not icy air, as I went outside to walk my dog.

    Having a home that hummed with electricity, children eating a nourishing breakfast, and reading a status update from a fb friend where he wrote the following:

    “Today I’m going to give to those who can’t repay. This includes giving hope to someone who has given up.”

    How beautiful is that??

    Hope today brings many smiles for you Corinne. <3

    Reply
  10. umashankar says:
    January 31, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    Indeed! And your post made me smile too! Thanks for the gin and tonic.
    umashankar recently posted..Beloved by Toni Morrison -A ReviewMy Profile

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  11. Mary Hudak-Collins says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    Oh Corinne, your list made me smile :) As I’m just getting started in my day, the quiet of the morning makes me smile, the snowflakes slowly passing through the brisk air outside my window is certainly bringing a smile to my face. And, of course, my hot cup of coffee and my ‘blankie’ over my legs is bringing a smile to my face.
    I’ll have to check this blog hop out and maybe later I can join in. My father has been ill and in the bed for almost 2 weeks now and has consumed quite a bit of my time.
    Mary Hudak-Collins recently posted..Kolaczki or Polish Rogaliki?My Profile

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  12. Kathy says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    Such a wonderful list and this prompt warms my heart. I can not wait to write my contribution. Thank you for the inspiration!!!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
    Kathy recently posted..PopularityMy Profile

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  13. Shorya Bist says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    Hi Corinee,

    Very nice topic Corinee.It is a great thing that can give you happiness in the world “smile”.I have huge list to smile.When i wake up in the morning first thing i go to my pet dog silently and see his activity he at that time plays alot and looks very funny, i go to shower i remember some old things i smile, i come to my table to see the comments on my blog and smile. i have many thing to smile sometime i dont have anything still i smile i dont know why i realize it afterward. LOL its funny.

    Thank You
    Shorya Bist
    From Youthofest
    Shorya Bist recently posted..How to live a happy life?My Profile

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  14. Liz says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    I love this post! Thanks for being first on my list of reasons to smile today!
    Liz recently posted..Ultimate Blog Challenge Wrap Up and Thank You!My Profile

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  15. Delia Bourne says:
    January 31, 2013 at 9:16 pm

    Nice post…we should take time to appreciate everything around us…but sometimes life gets in the way. Finishing Day 31 of the Blog Challenge made me smile today, mending my mobile phone and having fun at my French conversation class this morning also made me smile.

    Reply
  16. Martha Orlando says:
    January 31, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    Things which make us smile are often those little things happening each day which also make us grateful. Smiling fills our lives with joy and radiates that joy to everyone around us. That’s what your post did for me today, Corinne!
    Blessings and love!
    Martha Orlando recently posted.."Hopelessly Devoted to You . . ."My Profile

    Reply
  17. Debbie says:
    January 31, 2013 at 11:11 pm

    What a marvellous idea and an instant mood brightener! Thank you, Corinne, for this great post. I found it on the Writer’s Post group and will be joining your blog hop shortly. Cheers!
    Debbie recently posted..WORDLESS WEDNESDAY 30.1.13My Profile

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  18. Janine Huldie says:
    February 1, 2013 at 12:19 am

    Beautiful post and was so very happy to link up this week with my post of what makes me happy. Thanks for hosting Corinne :)

    Reply
  19. Joyce says:
    February 1, 2013 at 5:47 am

    There certainly are many little things that will make us smile each day if only we take the time to let them.
    Joyce recently posted..Writer’s Post: Little Things That Make Me SmileMy Profile

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  20. Audrey Howitt says:
    February 1, 2013 at 7:20 am

    Your post on smiling made me smile!
    Audrey Howitt recently posted..Rain in FussenMy Profile

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  21. Roshni says:
    February 1, 2013 at 11:59 am

    Totally agree with your sentiment! Everything depends on our attitude towards life!
    Roshni recently posted..I need your help!My Profile

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  22. Sakshi says:
    February 1, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    aww I am the one who should be thankful to you for being part of this journey with my twins. All your lovely comments makes me feel blessed. Hugs and this is such a warm post that will bring a smile on anyone’s face
    Sakshi recently posted..MooMy Profile

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  23. Suzy says:
    February 1, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    Isn’t it amazing how it is the little things that make us smile. Loved your list – it made me smile too.
    Suzy recently posted..UBC 31 – This Moment – Rugby SevensMy Profile

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  24. sapna says:
    February 1, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    HI Corinne,
    This is the post of the day for me, I was down and out because of some personal reasons but your post lifted the spirit. We at times overlook some small things and search for the joy in big things.

    Thanks for sharing this.

    Sapna
    sapna recently posted..This Naive Blogger is a Beggar by all means(An infographics)My Profile

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  25. Emily Rose says:
    February 1, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Awesome list! <3 Very wonderful prompt. Uplifting and fun!! I love this <3
    Emily Rose recently posted..The Little Things That Make Me SmileMy Profile

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  26. Jenny says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    awesome topic! iuno what i’d write for this one but your reasons are great :)
    Jenny recently posted..My son, the little shutter bugMy Profile

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  27. Rachel Harper says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I think it’s so easy to focus on the bad things, the uncomfortable things, and the sad things that happen to us day to day, but it takes a strong person to focus on the small things that make you smile, because that is really what get’s us through. Thank you for sharing!
    Rachel Harper recently posted..Organize your 2013 – G! Magazine ArticleMy Profile

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  28. melissa says:
    February 2, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Oh how beautiful! There are so many things to smile about each and everyday…and this day, what brought me to smile first thing in the morning is the sight of my mom… a wonderful breakfast… music… our newly painted stairs and walls, my Saturdate’s SMS, friends’ messages :) I feel so loved and blessed… what is just missing is a cuddle from my husband LOL…

    Lots of love BS ~ your list also made me smile ;)
    melissa recently posted..Immersed: First partMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Akanksha Dureja says:
    February 3, 2013 at 1:44 am

    Loved the list! If the beginning of the day was so good, i am sure the day went on the be one of the perfect days :)

    Reply
  30. femmefrugality says:
    February 3, 2013 at 9:09 am

    This is beautiful! I’m going to start doing this in my life. I find verbalizing the fact that I’m enjoying a moment helps, too. Just saying, “I’m so happy right now,” really affirms it in my being.
    femmefrugality recently posted..Big Let-Downs on the Deal FrontMy Profile

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  31. Inspiring Citizen Rafi says:
    February 3, 2013 at 9:49 am

    Corrine,

    A cuddle with my wife – of course..

    A sumptuous meal..

    Seeing my old friends at a function in our college.

    Got the opportunity to judge the various food stall at our college.

    Seeing my mother smile…

    I can add on to the list and you deserve a 21 gun salute for sharing this amazing article and making us realize the importance of small things that makes us smile..
    Inspiring Citizen Rafi recently posted..A Mani Karthik SPICY Interview &#8211; Journey Through Arabian Sea, From Cochin to Silicon Valley And 3 Blogs Worth MillionsMy Profile

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  32. Smita Beohar says:
    February 3, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    I was not following ur blog and I realised this today :(

    What made me smile today? Well write my brat is sleeping in my lap feeling very secure and here I am typing away…a serene moment but very precious :)
    Smita Beohar recently posted..That Salman Khan Moment of my life!!!!My Profile

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  33. Brenda says:
    February 4, 2013 at 1:06 am

    My daughter who is living in Santa Fe and going to college, texting me to tell she found a job. She is keen to earn her own pocket money. I am proud of her determination and smile as I read her early morning greeting. “I got it, the job I wanted it. Made me smile.
    Brenda recently posted..I Have Loved YouMy Profile

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  34. Mary Stephenson says:
    February 4, 2013 at 4:36 am

    Hi Corinne

    I try to smile when things aren’t so great, it is hard to stay stressed and angry when you use those smile muscles.
    My Siamese cat that I have a conversation with makes me laugh. I smile when both of the cats are asleep and they make little sounds, I wonder what they are dreaming about. Life would be pretty boring if they were not in it. They bring so much joy.
    Mary
    Mary Stephenson recently posted..Memories and How Well They Serve UsMy Profile

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  35. My Inner Chick says:
    February 4, 2013 at 4:47 am

    –Just reading what makes you smile makes me SMILE :) Xxx

    Reply
  36. Pixie says:
    February 4, 2013 at 6:09 am

    Such a fab idea!! I am going to do this as my next post!!
    So many things make me smile, and it would be lovely to make a list! :)

    Thank you Corinne :)
    Pixie recently posted..The 7x7x7x7 Writing PromptMy Profile

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  37. Susan Dusterhoft says:
    February 4, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Great topic! I am so glad you shared. This is just the sort of topic to help me get back into the swing of things. I’ve been gone for awhile, but I am back to blogging.

    Susan Dusterhoft
    Today’s Working Woman
    todaysworkingwoman25.blogspot.com

    Reply
  38. Roshni says:
    February 4, 2013 at 10:27 am

    Dear Corinne, I have something for you at my blog! http://www.bigaandlittlea.com/2013/02/a-wonderful-surprise.html.
    Also, I added your background to my blog! :)
    Roshni recently posted..A wonderful surpriseMy Profile

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  39. Dangerous Linda says:
    February 4, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    so sweet! what made me smile today? first thing this morning, feeling appreciation for the work i’m doing in The Artists Way. my girlfriend texting me just to say ‘i love you!’ the beautiful photos i was processing from last night — i’m amazed by the quality of the ‘capture’ and also reminded of the fun of the event. talking with another girlfriend about something i learned in The Artists Way this morning about handling anger and seeing the light come on behind her eyes about a challenge she was facing with that subject — realizing again we’re all connected. reading your post and reliving my smiles. thank you! xoxoxo
    Dangerous Linda recently posted..my-black-history part 1: “i was born a poor black child”My Profile

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  40. Andy says:
    February 4, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    My dear friend,
    It is always nice when we lift each other’s spirit. You are very good at this. Nice post as always.

    Reply
  41. Paula Martin says:
    February 5, 2013 at 2:32 am

    Lovely list. Sometimes it’s too easy to forget the ‘good’ things in life!
    Paula Martin recently posted..Weekend Writing WarriorsMy Profile

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  42. AdrianaIris says:
    February 5, 2013 at 5:25 am

    I love this post. I too get happy with my favorite soap. I thought I was odd.
    AdrianaIris recently posted..Colortopia …My Profile

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  43. Latha says:
    February 5, 2013 at 8:24 am

    You are right, Corinne. There are many things we fail to notice that brings a smile on our face. Today, the thing that brought a smile on my face…umm…the small brownies with orange and pink shaded cream on top of it..I was passing by to heat my food at work and saw them on a table…got so tempted that I went back and grabbed one…yummyy…and my son’s everyday good night hug and kiss are the best…no matter what happens..we yell at him, scold him, punish him, he does that..kids are so forgetful..and that’s a blessing :)
    Latha recently posted..Me and My Darling – 8My Profile

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  44. Galen Pearl says:
    February 6, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Glad I’m late to the party because I got to enjoy all the commenters’ reasons to smile. And you have a gazillion comments to make you smile! I call smiling one of the two starter habits in the 10 Steps. (The other starter habit is belly breathing.)
    Galen Pearl recently posted..To Question or Not To Question?My Profile

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  45. Jincy Varghese says:
    February 7, 2013 at 1:06 am

    Wonderful topic Corrine! Thanks a tonne for this post! I really made me sit back and count my blessings! Thanks a lot! :)

    And here is my post: http://jincythinks.blogspot.in/2013/02/the-little-things-that-make-me-smile.html
    Jincy Varghese recently posted..DON’T!!My Profile

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  46. Punam says:
    February 7, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Pheww. so many comments!! I had to scroll down soooooooo much! he he…
    My niece’s smile is so divine.. it’s contagious. She is barely 3 months old. :)
    Punam recently posted..Memories – 2010My Profile

    Reply
  47. Susan Deborah says:
    February 7, 2013 at 11:02 am

    Ah, I am late here otherwise would have joined the linky love. Reading your list made me smile wide this morning adding to the quota of morning smiles. Points 2, 4, 8 and 9 are absolute lovely reasons to smile. I would also add some more here,

    * Listening to the talk R gives in super cute mode
    * A thoughtful comment on my post
    * Smiling at a random stranger

    I have many more things that make me smile but I wouldn’t want to take a lot of space.

    Keep smiling and loving.

    Joy always,
    Susan
    Susan Deborah recently posted..The uncommon truth about common sense!My Profile

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  48. Rachna says:
    February 7, 2013 at 11:24 am

    Indeed, and sometimes it is these small things that we neglect while we go over stressing about the larger challenges we face in our lives. Your post definitely made me think of my own list. And like you pointed out, it is the really simple things that bring us joy while we go chasing happiness elsewhere.
    Rachna recently posted..Give and let live!My Profile

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    • Corinne Rodrigues says:
      February 8, 2013 at 11:31 am

      I’ve learned the awesome power of focusing on the small things that we so take for granted in our daily routine, Rachna. I’ve seen how gratitude automatically accompanies this practice and then leaves not much room for cribbing. Thanks for sharing. ♥
      Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Speaking My TruthMy Profile

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  49. bhavana says:
    February 7, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    How interesting– as I comment on this I note you start the article with “101 reasons” why one may not smile and there are 101 comments saying how people smiled. That makes me smile :) :) :)
    bhavana recently posted..Adios Chennai, Hyderabad Calling…My Profile

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  50. Joe says:
    February 8, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    How simple things can make one happy.
    Those ten points are something everyone goes through, but we seldom pause and smile :-)
    Joe recently posted..Reis Magos (Part-I)My Profile

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  51. Privy Trifles says:
    February 27, 2013 at 11:35 am

    a very interesting topic – Little things that make me smile

    Firstly would be the beautiful mornings – I simply love them, chirping of birds, that peaceful silence just before the rush hour begins!
    Secondly it would be my books.
    thirdly my job
    Fourth – my blogs and lovely comments on them
    5- my wonderful online friends whom I have met through your corinne
    6- ofcourse posts like this that remind us to live love and laugh no matter what.
    Privy Trifles recently posted..Treasured Ardor – Chapter 20My Profile

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Trackbacks

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