A gratitude journal is simply a place for you to record different things in your life that you’re grateful for, and the act of writing in the journal forces you to focus on what you do have, instead of what you don’t have.

First the pluses. I think Harley is an amazing lead character and his relationships with his friends (and, of course, Muddy) is the biggest strength of his book. I found the Finlay/Harley relationship particularly fascinating and beautiful. You don't often get to see relationships between gay and straight men portrayed this way. 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. 19. Listening to the rain while you’re warm in bed. Watching a movie and eating pizza in bed on a Saturday night – One of my personal favorite joys of life!

79. Be Spontaneous

This is an incredible story about caring for others and finding a place where you are wholly accepted. Harley's internal dialogue was familiar to me, and that definitely helped my enjoyment. Getting 8 hours of quality shut-eye is linked to increased happiness. A good night's slumber also sharpens our focus during the day. If you want to boost your productivity, don't skimp on your sleep. 27. Make a Gigantic To-Do List Finally getting a giant cleaning task done… like organizing all of your paper clutter or cleaning out your pantry Overall, I was very impressed with this debut novel, and I will be on the alert for a second novel by Mr. Mensah. If this review piques your interest, I would highly recommend it for you.

A brisk walk is one of the best exercises for you. And it only takes 20 minutes for your brain to start releasing endorphins and dopamine — those feel-good hormones that make you happy. 22. Go Outside A commitment to good posture will keep you energized and create more room in your diaphragm for deeper breathing. It can also make you feel better. People with good posture give off an air of ease and confidence that actually bolsters their own self-perception. 48. Practice Positive Affirmations Older people are celebrated, they feel obligated to pass on their wisdom to younger generations,” he says. This gives them a purpose in life outside of themselves, in service to their communities. Good smells such as floral scents can actually make you happier. So poke your nose down and smell the tulips blooming. Or, if it's the dead of winter, spend some time around a floral scented candle. 29. Read a Novel Studies show that multitasking may actually make you feel better. But there's a trade-off. While trying to accomplish numerous things simultaneously will leave you feeling more emotionally satisfied about the work you're doing, it will also make you less productive. 84. Draw Your Favorite Junk FoodsRid your world of clutter and breathe a sigh of relief. A tidy living space boosts happiness, promotes productivity, and enhances peace of mind. 35. Get Some Fresh Air An analysis of the facial expressions of Olympic athletes shows that bronze medal winners are typically happier than those who win the gold. Whether it's a game of chess or a project in the workplace, focus on doing well rather than being the best. 74. Earn Your Indulgences Don’t be afraid to say “no” to volunteering for another PTA event or hosting a big family gathering. In fact, I think that’s why I’m so happy all the dang time… because I’m not afraid to decline invitations and requests in pursuit of more free time. Take a Photo Each Day of Something That Makes You Joyful Recognizing life’s simple joys can be difficult, especially when you have bills to pay, toilets to clean, and toddler tantrums to tame. But here are some tips to make it easier to slow down and “enjoy the little things”: Start a Gratitude Journal

Small Joys explores the complexities of human relationships, portraying them with depth and nuance. The novel centers around the friendship between Harley and Muddy, two individuals who couldn’t be more different on the surface but develop a deep bond over time. Their relationship is a powerful reminder of the importance of chosen family, the people we surround ourselves with who offer us support, love, and acceptance when we need it most. Believe it or not, you can write your way to happiness. Penning your feelings helps your brain process and expunge the negatives ones, leaving you more joyful. 15. Get a HouseplantI adored Small Joys—a sweet, moving, funny, strikingly open story. I don’t know if I’ve ever rooted so much for a protagonist as I did for Harley. . . . What a gorgeous novel.” —Jennifer Saint,author of Ariadne This heartwarming, witty, and moving debut is one of the most charming books you'll read this year. Exploring love, friendship, grief, and the bittersweet joy of being young, Small Joys is utterly beautiful.' Louise O'Neill, bestselling author of Idol He catches a break. Muddy, a straight white man “holding a pair of binoculars,” approaches Harley, sees that he’s bleeding and stops him from proceeding further. Fortuitously, Muddy is more than just a devoted bird-watcher who happened to walk by. He’s also about to become Harley’s roommate. While the news continues to focus on every sad story and any possible thing that has gone wrong, you can choose to balance your thoughts by looking for the good and creating your own gratitude practice.