Simple pleasures sparking joy in January

Noticing and appreciating the simple pleasures in life became one of the first ways I started living a more intentional life. By appreciating the simple moments in every day I grew my connection to the seasons in nature and cultivated more gratitude for the small moments. I noticed how much joy I felt when I connected to my senses, appreciated the glimmers and the simple things. What I love about them is how unique they can be for each of us. One persons simple pleasures may be different to next person, shaped by the different phases of our lives, our passions and interests and the environment we live in.

Intentionally noticing, getting curious about simple pleasures, and knowing what has brought us the most joy can help us create a reminder to do more of what tops us up. Each month I love to think about how I’ve spent my time. I look back at my diary, the photos I’ve taken, the experiences I’ve had and think about my day to day rhythms and routines and note down the moments I have savoured and most appreciated.

I want to remember the shifting seasons in my life and choose to note down the small moments each month. Every year the experience of the month and the season can change, we notice different things, our time is occupied with different things and we might seek out or do things a little differently. Capturing the memories of the season is a rhythm I love to build into each month and this is why I create my monthly simple pleasures.

I’ve curated a few of my favourite simple pleasures I noticed during January in the list below and have shared some more details to bring them to life.

Simple pleasures sparking joy in January

Rich hot chocolate on cold days

Making a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the week after the school pick up has been something we’ve added into our rhythm this month. We loved making hot chocolate over the festive season and it made the end of the week feel like a small celebration. Topped with marshmallows, cream and sprinkles my daughter and I share a moment enjoying a cup of sweet deliciousness.

Bulbs bursting through the soil

The one thing I love mid way through the month is noticing the bulbs appearing through the soil. Last year I planted my bulbs later than I would have liked, but they were done. I know that they will grow at their own speed when they are ready, and if they are a little later than others it means I get to enjoy them for a little longer. The symbols of new hope, gentle growth and new beginnings is something I appreciate.

Cosy socks and a good book

Settling down on a rainy evening putting on my cosy socks, a blanket and a good book has been something I’ve savoured this month. I’ve been reading sections out of gardening books, non-fiction books and browsing the pages of my collection of interiors books. As well as making time for magazines too. Being off the screen in the evenings has felt restful and the books full of colour joy and beautiful images has topped my up on the coldest and darkest days.

The magic of frosty details

I adore the January mornings when you get to enjoy the sunrises filling the sky with all the colours. Clear mornings where the frost is thick brings us so much joy on the school run. We look for the frozen details on the leaves, the car roofs and bonnets, the icy puddles, the leaves on the ground, and the frost covering the grass and windows. Wrapped up in coats, hats and gloves we walk quickly to school, making time to explore all the frosty details and spotting the tiny ice crystals showing us all the details and shapes we sometimes don’t notice.

Snowdrops bobbing in the breeze

Late morning dog walks are part of the rhythm of my working week which I appreciate and look forward to. During the month I’ve watched the snowdrops gradually burst through the soil and every few days seeing how many more flowers are open. On the cold breezy days it’s hard to want to head out and do a circular route of our local park, however seeing all the snowdrops dancing in the breeze fills my heart with joy. Snowdrops are gentle yet resilient, the symbolise renewal and hope. At this time of year they are most needed to remind us that the cycle of the seasons and the return of flowers in on its way.

Blue skies after days of rain

For many many days this month I’ve had a desk lamp on during the day. Despite working in our attic room the light levels were low and rain hammered the windows on many days this month. When the blue skies fleetingly returned my energy levels soared, I felt joyful and uplifted inside. On the walks I do in a day, the school run and dog walk, feeling the warmth of the sunshine on my face and appreciating the colour blue has been one of the most simple pleasures this month.

Vibrant green moss on tree trunks

On the trunks of the trees in our local park there are areas of moss, on the dull wet days the green of the moss is so bright it is a reminder of the greens we have in late spring and early summer. Soft moss creates a sensory change from the cold air and hard surfaces. Touching the moss and sensing the comfort of soft living greenery felt nourishing at a time when the majority of colours in nature are dominated by browns and dark greens. Blue skies, green moss and white snowdrops have provided the colour top ups I needed this month.

Gentle progress with handmade projects

Sinking into the heart of winter and picking up a handmade project for a few minutes of crafting has been such a treat this month. I have a basket with a few small crafting project by the sofa, along with other things I love to do in the winter, which I reach for if I have a few moments and want to occupy myself with something rhythmical. The knit and purl pattern of simple fingerless mittens has been my project of choice this month. The soft dark pink colour of the wool has felt warm in my hands and the comforting rhythm of knitting with wooden needles has felt just what I wanted. A simple project, easy enough to pick up and put down when I wanted.

I hope you feel inspired to start noting down your simple pleasures which spark joy. You might choose to start this month, looking back at photos you’ve taken, your calendar and the moments you’ve remembered from the month to create your own list. I’d love to hear how you get on.