Life's Simple Pleasures: Finding Joy in the Little Things

With the festive season fast approaching (it's already arrived in my house 🎄), it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of finding the perfect gifts, planning elaborate meals and chasing that picture-perfect Christmas we see in movies. But if there’s one thing this past year has taught me, it’s that the real magic isn’t found in grand gestures or extravagant celebrations - it’s in the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed.

This time last year, I was busy preparing to marry my now husband, frantically checking off lists and agonising over every tiny detail to make sure our day was just right. Looking back today, almost a year on, I’m shocked at how much I’ve changed and grown as a person. Maybe marriage is good for me because, in the months since, I’ve found myself focusing less on chasing perfection and more on embracing the perfectly imperfect moments.

Early Mornings

As much as I joke (to anyone who will listen) about my lack of lie-ins since becoming a dog mum of two, I have to admit that embracing early mornings has brought a surprising amount of joy into my life. While I used to be a firm believer in the sacredness of a Sunday morning lie-in, there’s something magical about those early hours when the world is still quiet.

Not only have I adjusted my work hours to start and finish earlier, gifting me peaceful, unhurried evenings where I can unwind, cook, or simply enjoy some much-needed me-time, but my weekends have also become much more productive and fulfilling. Those couple of hours before the rest of the world wakes up have become my sanctuary - a time I can use to enjoy a leisurely stroll with my girls, catch up on cleaning or simply curl up on the sofa with hot cup of coffee in hand and indulge in an episode of Classic Emmerdale.

It’s in these quiet, stolen moments that I find a sense of calm and contentment that I never thought I’d crave. There’s a special kind of peace in starting the day slowly, without the rush, and letting myself simply be before the day’s chaos begins.

Baking

Baking with my Grandma on a Friday night is one of my fondest childhood memories. It's where my love of cooking and hosting truly began - there was something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked cakes filling the kitchen, and the pride I felt when my Grandad would say, "These are definitely from Ainsleys!" 🥺 Even now, that compliment remains one of the highest forms of praise in my book.

But it wasn’t until earlier this year, when my husband decided on a whim to bake a batch of cookies (which were incredible, by the way), that my childhood passion for baking was reignited. Suddenly, our kitchen became a space of experimentation and creativity - a place where we could bond, laugh, and create something delicious together.

Whether I’m baking a simple chocolate bun or we’re trying our hand at an elaborate birthday cake, it’s not just about the end result (though I won’t deny the joy of a warm, gooey cookie straight from the oven), it’s about the process itself.

Baking has become a way for me to slow down and savour the moment, filling our home with warmth and a sense of nostalgia. It’s a small, simple pleasure that brings a lot of joy into our lives, and every bite feels like a little taste of my childhood.

Dog Walks

Whether it's at the park, through the woods, or exploring a new town, there’s something uniquely special about taking a long walk with my girls. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the pure joy on Vivienne and Trixie’s faces remind me to slow down and appreciate the world around me.

No matter how stressed or overwhelmed I feel, stepping outside and seeing my dogs’ tails wag with excitement as they run through leaves or splash in puddles never fails to lift my spirits.

It’s not just about exercise; it’s about connection. Being out in nature with my girls gives me a chance to disconnect from technology and the constant demands of daily life. It’s during these walks that I find myself reflecting, coming up with new ideas, or simply enjoying the quiet moments of just being.

The simplicity of it is what makes it so joyful. I may start the walk feeling frazzled, but I always return home with a clearer mind and a fuller heart.

Cleaning

I never thought I'd say this, but I’ve actually started finding joy in cleaning (yes, really).

Working from home full-time, my house has become so much more than just a home - it’s my office, my creative space and most importantly, my sanctuary. When everything around me feels chaotic, there’s something oddly soothing about the simple act of tidying up. Transforming a cluttered room into a calm, welcoming space has become almost meditative for me and brings an unexpected sense of satisfaction.

It’s a form of self-care I never knew I needed. With my favourite playlist on in the background and a cup of coffee within reach, it’s become my own little ritual for resetting not just the space, but my mind too.

And honestly, nothing beats that moment when the work is. Sitting down with a warm drink and my girls cuddled up beside me, taking a deep breath and soaking in the stillness. It’s a simple joy, but it’s one that I’ve come to treasure more than I ever imagined.

Working from Home

Every month during my 1:1 meetings, my boss asks me the same question: “How are you finding working from home?” And every month, my answer is the same: I love it.

There’s something truly special about doing the job I love while being surrounded by the comforts of home (and of course, my two furry co-workers, Vivienne and Trixie). Even on difficult days, having my girls curled up beside me is a constant reminder of why I work so hard - to give them the best life possible!

Back when I was commuting to the office, so much of my day was wasted sitting in traffic or waiting for delayed trains. By the time I got home, I didn’t have the time (or energy) to truly enjoy my evenings. But now, I get to move seamlessly from “work mode” to “home mode” without the rush. I can finish up my work and head straight into the kitchen to cook up a storm or take the girls for a walk before winding down for a lazy evening in front of the TV once my husband finishes his day.

The shift to working from home hasn’t just saved me time - it’s given me the chance to truly enjoy the little things I used to miss out on. Whether it’s an impromptu cuddle session with Vivienne or the freedom to spend more time cooking, these are the moments that bring me the most joy, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Finding Joy in the Small Moments

In a world that’s constantly pushing us to chase big dreams and strive for more, it’s easy to overlook the small, everyday moments that bring us the most joy. But when I look back on the past year, it’s not the big milestones that stand out the most - it’s the quiet mornings on the sofa, the spontaneous baking sessions, and the long walks with my girls.

For me, this year has been a gentle reminder to stop striving for the perfect Christmas or the perfect life, and instead find joy in the little things. They may seem insignificant at the time, but these are often the moments we end up cherishing the most.

It’s often said that life’s greatest pleasures are found in the small, everyday moments, and I’m beginning to believe that’s true. Because in the end, it’s not the extravagant gifts or the picture-perfect events that make life beautiful; it’s the simple, everyday joys that fill our hearts and create the memories we’ll hold onto forever.