If you don't appreciate these 12 simple pleasures, you're more ungrateful than you realize

Do you stop to appreciate these 13 things?

A woman wearing sunglasses and a brown coat sips from a black takeaway coffee cup. She has dark hair and is standing outdoors with a blurred background featuring buildings and greenery.

Imagine waking up one day to find that all the small joys in life have vanished. No more warm sunshine on your face, no comforting cup of coffee, no laughter with friends. Sounds bleak, doesn’t it? Yet, many of us live as if these simple pleasures don’t exist. Let’s explore 13 everyday delights that ungrateful individuals often fail to cherish:

1. Being told you look good.

Two women are standing and engaged in a conversation. One woman is wearing a red blouse and the other is wearing a white blouse. They appear to be smiling and talking to each other naturally. The background features a light-colored indoor wall.

Compliments are great and make most people feel pretty good about themselves. Whether they come from a colleague after a big presentation or a friend on your latest outfit, they’re a good confidence boost. If receiving a compliment doesn’t bring a smile to your face, you might want to question why that is.

2. Listening to the rain while you’re warm in bed.

A woman with long dark hair is lying in bed, partially covered by a white sheet. She has a concerned or thoughtful expression on her face, looking up towards the ceiling. Her hand rests on the pillow next to her head.

Cozying up in bed and listening to the rain outside is soothing. Knowing that you’re safe and warm inside makes seeing a thunderstorm so much better. Do you take the time to appreciate the roof you have over your head when it’s grim outside?

3. Cookies that are perfectly soft in the middle.

A man with short hair and a striped shirt is holding a chocolate chip cookie close to his mouth. He appears to be about to take a bite. The background is a red brick wall.

Gooey, melty chocolatey goodness in the middle of a cookie can make even the worst days better. Well-made cookies and pastries are some of the most delicious simple pleasures in life, if you stop to appreciate them.

4. Completing a jigsaw puzzle.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, is sitting on a beige sofa and assembling a puzzle on a wooden table. A leafy green plant is in the background.

Slotting that last piece into the jigsaw you’ve been working on is really satisfying. Not only do you have a completed puzzle, you’ve got the knowledge that you stuck at something and saw it to the end. Do you congratulate yourself for this little win?

5. Your favorite movie on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

A man with a beard lies on a couch with his head propped on a pillow. He appears relaxed, holding a TV remote control in his left hand, wearing a gray t-shirt. The background is blurry, focusing attention on his face and the remote.

Curling up on the sofa after a busy weekend and winding down with your favorite movie is one of the best feelings in the world. If grabbing the popcorn and a blanket doesn’t make you smile, you’re missing out.

6. Setting your emails to ‘Out of Office’.

A woman with curly hair sits at a table, focused on her laptop. She wears a mustard yellow shirt and rests her head on her hand. A cup and an open notebook are on the table, and the background is bright and minimalistic.

For many people, there’s no better feeling than setting your OOO. Knowing you’ve got time off to enjoy a jet-setting holiday or just some time to yourself should feel amazing. No more work stress and no more pressure, what’s not to appreciate?

7. Putting on warm clothes straight from the dryer.

A woman is seen from inside a washing machine, reaching in to either load or unload laundry. She is surrounded by various blue and striped clothing items. The machine's metal interior provides a circular frame around her.

One of the simplest pleasures in life is getting dressed in clothes that have just come out of the dryer. They’re toasty and warm, they smell amazing and they’re super soft. It also means you’re lucky enough to have a dryer. Do you take this for granted?

8. Dancing around the house on your own.

A man in a white shirt and plaid pajama pants dances joyfully in a modern kitchen. The kitchen has white cabinets, a stainless steel fridge, and wall shelves with kitchen items. A sign with the word "Home" is visible on the wall.

The freedom to express yourself through movement is something that a lot of us really enjoy. But others are too worried about looking silly (even to themselves) to appreciate this simple pleasure. Next time you’re home alone, crank up the music, grab a hairbrush-microphone, and let loose. Maybe you’ll enjoy it more than you realize.

9. Celebrating a friend’s success.

A man and a woman high-five each other in a bar. The woman, wearing a yellow blouse, is holding a martini glass with an olive. The man, in a blue shirt and apron, is smiling and reaching out. Wine glasses hang overhead, and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.

When a friend achieves something amazing it should be a wonderful feeling for you too. If this doesn’t make you feel good then perhaps you’re too busy focusing on our own successes (or lack of). Celebrating a friend’s achievements is just as important, and it shows you appreciate the amazing person they are.

10. Sitting on the beach and listening to the ocean.

A man with gray hair sits on a sandy beach, facing the sea. He is wearing a brown knitted sweater and light blue jeans. The waves are gently rolling in the background, and the sky is overcast. The man appears to be relaxed and contemplative.

Soothing ocean sounds are the background tracks to massages for a reason. Listening to waves is a great way to connect with nature too. Do they help slow your mind down and let you drift off into a chilled place? If not, then perhaps you’re not taking the time to appreciate what’s right in front of you.

11. Getting free tasters at the farmers’ market.

A person wearing a checkered shirt is selecting lemons at an outdoor market stall filled with various fruits and vegetables. Other shoppers and vendors are visible in the background.

Farmers’ markets are great for a lot of things – organic snacks, fresh fruit… and free samples. And who doesn’t like free samples? If you don’t see this as a win, it’s possible you’ve got an overinflated sense of entitlement that’s getting in the way of gratitude.

12. Having some alone time after a busy day.

A woman with a ponytail sits on a teal sofa, gazing thoughtfully upwards. Her elbows rest on her knees, and she wears a gray long-sleeve shirt and jeans. The room is softly lit, with a large window in the background.

Winding down after a busy day is so good for your mind and body, making it one of the best, easiest pleasures in life. If you don’t realize how great it makes you feel, chances are you’re not actually savoring this peaceful moment you’ve been given.