People who appreciate life never take these 17 little things for granted

Do you appreciate these 17 things?

Man with short dark hair and a beard smiling warmly, wearing a light blue collared shirt over a gray t-shirt. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting.

Thankful people have a knack for appreciating small moments that others take for granted. From everyday occurrences to unexpected pleasures, here are 17 simple things you never overlook if you truly appreciate life.

1. Finishing work early.

A woman wearing a yellow sweater stretches her arms up with a smile, sitting at a desk with a laptop, notebook, and smartphone. There are potted plants around her, and large windows in the background letting in natural light. A cup of coffee is also on the table.

However much you love your job, it’s so satisfying to leave work early and get back to enjoying your downtime or hobbies. Clocking out early means you’ve got everything done and you can sit back, relax and appreciate some downtime.

2. A satisfying deep clean.

A man with short hair is intently cleaning a stovetop with a blue cloth. The focus is on his concentrated expression as he leans closely to ensure the surface is spotless.

This is one of the best simple pleasures in life. Deep cleaning might not sound like the most fun way to spend your time, but if you’re the appreciative type, you feel unbelievably satisfied afterward.

3. Your pet choosing to sit with you.

A smiling man with glasses hugs a happy Golden Retriever in a cozy indoor setting. The background shows a white wall with framed pictures and a desk organizer. The man wears a red jacket and a watch, while the dog looks content and relaxed.

Anyone else get a huge rush of joy when their pet chooses to come and rest their head on your leg? Having a pet you love want to spend time with you and be close to you is definitely one of the best feelings in the world. Do you cherish it?

4. Ice cream on a hot day.

A man in a wheelchair and a woman are enjoying ice cream cones in an outdoor setting. The man is wearing a light blue shirt, while the woman, with a backpack, wears a pink shirt and smiles as she stands beside him, sharing a lighthearted moment.

When you’re out melting in the heat, there’s nothing better than grabbing an ice cream. If you’re someone who appreciates the little things you’ll be left feeling happy and full of pleasure – and a lot cooler!

5. Finding a spot of shade on a sunny day.

Two women are enjoying a sunny day on a swing set in a green, leafy park. One woman, wearing a blue dress and straw hat, smiles as she sits on the swing, while the other, in a yellow dress, leans against the swing chain, looking cheerful.

Getting some respite from the heat on a sunny day is one of the simplest pleasures in life, but it can make a huge difference if you choose to acknowledge it. Rather than moaning about the heat, you feel grateful for that blissful shade.

6. A great workout.

A woman with curly red hair practices yoga in a mirrored studio, sitting on a yellow mat and holding a Pilates ring above her head. She wears a red top and blue pants. Fitness equipment, including a pink exercise ball, is visible in the background.

Heading home after a workout must be one of the best highs ever. Sure, you’re sweaty and exhausted but your body is buzzing with endorphins and you’re enjoying the simplest of things – being able to move and liberate yourself through exercise.

7. Making someone smile.

A person with long hair, wearing a white sweater, smiles while receiving a bouquet of white and purple flowers from another person. The scene is warmly lit, creating a cheerful and pleasant atmosphere.

One of the best things in life is also one of the easiest things to do – making someone smile. The feeling you get when you realize you’ve cheered someone up is brilliant. If you’re not making people smile then what’s the point of life?

8. Having a relaxed breakfast in bed.

An elderly couple is sitting in bed under a beige blanket, smiling and enjoying breakfast. They have mugs and a tray with toast and jam. The bed has blue and polka dot sheets, and a lamp is in the background.

Having brekkie in bed is such a relaxed and calm way to start the day, and it’s also a good spot to watch Netflix from while you doze off again. If you cherish life, there’s no way you’re taking this gem for granted.

9. Watching re-runs on quiet evenings.

A man with a beard and mustache, wearing a white t-shirt, is sitting on a gray couch in a living room. He is smiling and pointing a remote control towards a television. There is a turquoise pillow next to him and a bookshelf in the background.

Work, parenting, and day-to-day living can be exhausting sometimes. That’s why indulging in the simple pleasure of watching TV shows you know off by heart is something you never fail to appreciate.

10. Waking up early and cooking breakfast.

A man and woman are at a kitchen table enjoying breakfast. The woman is spreading jam on a piece of toast while the man, smiling, looks at her. Glasses of orange juice, a pitcher, croissants, and jars of jam and honey are on the table.

Sure, breakfast in bed is a great little enjoyment, but you also appreciate getting up and cooking a big old breakfast to be demolished at your dining table.

11. Cooking your favorite meal (if you like cooking)

A man in a white shirt and blue apron is cooking in a bright kitchen. He holds a frying pan with a piece of meat, inspecting it closely with a focused expression. Plates and kitchen items are blurred in the background.

Whether you love the process of cooking (adding spices, sprinkling in herbs, and taste-testing every five minutes) or just enjoy the delicious meal at the end of it, you appreciate the pure delight that food brings.

12. Seeing the sunset.

A person with long hair stands in a field at sunset, facing the sun with a hand on their head. Sunlight illuminates their hair, and the sky is filled with scattered clouds. There is a river and dense trees in the background.

It’s only fair we mention sunset and how it gives you a great opportunity to reflect on the day just gone, set goals for the next day, be grateful for the present, and bask in nature’s beauty.

13. When your sports team wins.

Three men cheerfully clink glasses in a modern bar. Two hold beer mugs, and one holds a beer bottle. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying their time together. The background features light wooden decor with minimalist designs.

A lot of us support a sports team, whether it’s basketball or football, so we all know how joyous it feels when our team wins. That feeling of collective joy and excitement is pretty much unrivaled.

14. Enjoying an afternoon nap on the couch.

A person with curly hair is lying on a red bed, hugging a brown stuffed animal. They are wearing a grey sweatshirt and appear to be peacefully sleeping. The background features a light-colored, vertically striped wallpaper.

Drifting off while you’re reading (or watching Netflix) on the couch can be one of the best feelings out there. There’s no pressure for a serious sleep so you can just appreciate the luxury of getting comfy and dozing off at your leisure.

15. A fantastic massage.

A woman with curly hair leans over a man sitting on the floor, smiling and giving him a shoulder massage. The man has his eyes closed and a relaxed expression. They are in a cozy living room with shelves filled with books and a couch in the background.

It’s not the simplest of pleasures, maybe, but it’s amazing how much joy a massage can bring to your life. It doesn’t need to be at a fancy (read: expensive) spa, it can simply be a loved one showing some affection. What’s not to love?

16. Finishing a brilliant book.

A man is lying comfortably on a yellow couch, reading a book. He is wearing a light blue shirt and appears relaxed, with two yellow cushions supporting him. The background is neutral, emphasizing the cozy indoor setting.

Getting to the end of a book you’ve loved reading is such a good feeling. It’s particularly satisfying if you struggle to find time to read or enjoy down-time.

17. Managing to meditate without falling asleep.

A person sits cross-legged on the floor in a meditative pose in a bright room with open windows. The figure faces away from the camera, wearing a blue shirt and gray pants. The room has minimal furniture, including a bed and a potted plant by a window.

Meditation is hard, let’s be honest. A lot of us accidentally nod off while trying to achieve enlightenment, so any time that that doesn’t happen is a win.