Musings on the simple joys that get me through adult life
A long while ago, I had a conversation with an esteemed member of the urban Gen Z clan. I can’t quite remember what we were discussing, but at some point, I referenced a scene from The Sound of Music to make my point. To my shock, she responded with a blank stare and admitted she had no idea what I was talking about. What? She didn’t know The Sound of Music? Surely, she was joking! How had she never seen or even heard of this classic film? What were her parents doing during her formative years? Why hadn’t they shown her this essential piece of childhood cinema? Surely, they must have watched it themselves when they were younger, right?
The Sound of Music has to be one of my all-time favourite movies. I’ve probably watched it at least 100 times, and that’s a conservative estimate. It was a rite of passage for anyone born from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Most people I know, who fit that demographic, have likely seen it as often as I have. But what was it that kept us enthralled, watching it over and over again? Was it the music, the beautifully choreographed scenes, or the plot? Maybe it was the charismatic performances of the star actors — Maria’s simplicity and mischievousness, the Captain’s sternness, or the children’s infectious excitement. Somehow, the movie had an enduring power to captivate its audience.
One of my favourite songs from the movie is “My Favorite Things,” sung by Julie Andrews, who played Maria, the lead character. In the scene where she sings this song, a thunderstorm rages outside, and the von Trapp children, frightened by the thunder, run to her room seeking comfort. Maria invites them to join her on the bed and begins singing to cheer them up. The song lists some of the simple things in life that Maria found comforting: “Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…” These are not grandiose or material things; rather, they are the simple, seemingly inconsequential things that brought her joy when she was scared or worried.
Listening to the song again, I found myself pondering a similar question: What are the simple things in life that make me happy or comfort me when I’m feeling down? What are the things that warm my heart when I think about them? What can I do to pull myself out of a funk? If you ask the average person what gets them through tough times, money or one of the holy books is a likely response. And who doesn’t enjoy an unexpected credit alert or find solace in the word of God? But those aren’t the things I’m talking about here. This is about the small, everyday acts or experiences that, when recalled, put a smile on your face.
One thing that struck me about the song is its focus on gratitude for the small things, despite whatever else might be going on. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can do wonders for lifting your spirits when hope seems distant, or when you wonder if things will ever get better. Thinking about your favourite things reminds you that good times have come before, and they will come again.
So, in no particular order, here are some of my favourite things:
Finding Money in Unexpected Places: There’s a special kind of joy that comes with discovering money in an unexpected place — the pocket of an old coat, a rarely used bag, or between the pages of a book. It could be just a small amount, like N50 or N500, but the thrill of the find is always the same. It’s as though the universe has sent you a tiny, unexpected gift, a reminder that little surprises still await.
Indulging in Sweet Treats: I have a weakness for sweets — pastries, biscuits, you name it. Carrot cake was once my obsession, but I’ve learned to moderate my sweet tooth over time. Still, there’s something about indulging in a favourite treat that brings comfort, even if it’s just for a moment. You know that feeling of wanting something that isn’t necessarily good for you but brings a kind of temporary bliss? Yes, that’s the feeling.
Meeting Up with Old Friends and Family: While I’m not always out and about, I do cherish the moments when I get to meet up with old friends and family. There’s something incredibly reassuring about spending time with people who know you well, and who’ve seen you through different phases of life. Casual conversations with no expectations can do wonders for lifting your spirits and making you feel connected.
Finding My Favourite Seat Empty: I can’t be the only one who has a favourite seat in the places I frequent — a cafe, a coworking space, or a friend’s house. There’s something oddly satisfying about finding that no one has claimed your preferred spot. It’s a small victory, a tiny comfort in a world that often feels chaotic.
Replacing My Phone Screen: There’s a strange joy in getting a cracked phone screen replaced. It’s like buying a new phone all over again. The day before, your screen is a mess of cracks and scratches, and the next day, it’s a clean slate. This joy often extends to buying a new phone case as well. It’s a way of reliving the new phone experience without actually spending the money on a new device. Goodbye, old phone — hello, new phone!
Window Shopping: I have a fondness for window shopping. I enjoy walking through stores to see what’s on offer, particularly in bookstores. There’s something calming about interacting with the goods on sale, even though they’re inanimate objects. It’s not about making a purchase; it’s about the experience of being surrounded by possibilities.
Trivia, Quizzes and Game Shows: I love anything related to trivia. Being put on the spot to answer a question you (hopefully) know thrills and scares me equally. It’s a kind of mental exercise that never fails to invigorate me. I’ve also been known to come up with spontaneous games, much to the amusement of those around me. It’s a shame I can’t transfer that enthusiasm to physical sports!
Brisk Walking on a Cool Morning: I’ve never been particularly athletic, but I’ve always enjoyed taking walks. There’s something exhilarating about brisk walking on a cool morning — feeling your heart race, the sweat lightly beading on your forehead, and the world waking up around you. It’s a moment of peace and clarity that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Going on an Adventure: I was never much of an outdoorsy person until I started brisk walking. Now, I’m up for any activity that remotely resembles an adventure. Whether it’s travelling to a new place, trying something I’ve never done, or testing my endurance, I’m in. Life is full of adventures, big and small, and I’m always ready to embrace them.
Filling Up My Fuel Tank: This is something every Nigerian can relate to, especially in these times. The joy of filling up your fuel tank, particularly when you find a petrol station with a short queue and favourable prices, is incomparable. It’s a small triumph in a landscape where such victories are rare.
Life can be tough, and we rarely have control over the challenges we face. However, we do have control over how we respond to these challenges. This is what I want you to remember when your bank account is in the red, or when you’ve just received bad news or experienced a setback. There will always be good and bad times, but the future holds many more good things ahead. By reflecting on the simple pleasures that warm your heart, you might find that whatever you’re going through doesn’t seem quite so overwhelming.
In a world that often feels unpredictable and out of our control, finding joy in these small, simple things is a way of reclaiming a bit of peace. It’s a reminder that, no matter how difficult life gets, there are still moments of happiness to be found daily, and this is how I see things today.
