Admit it. You have a guilty pleasure. Whether it’s a tv show, celebrity gossip, or a trashy beach read, guilty pleasures are mindless, easy and, most of all, bring some effortless enjoyment when we need it. Let’s just call them instant mood boosters.

Since I can’t spend all my days indulging in my guilty pleasures (like Stayin’ Alive, the bad 80’s movie starring John Travolta), I’ve learned to recognize other simple things that make me feel good on a daily basis – a.k.a. a simple joy. What’s unique is that these aren’t typical objects or occurrences that make people feel good in general. Rather, they are something quirky that is unique to you.

Let me give you an example. Freshly sharpened pencils lead my list of simple joys. For some reason they make me feel happy, productive, and like anything is possible. Weird, right? Not to me.

When you become aware of the small things that bring you joy (like the first Diet Coke in the morning), you train yourself to FEEL GOOD daily.

So what’s your simple joy?

EXTRA-Ordinary Ideas:

Read It: Why go on a real diet when you can go on a Joy Diet? This book by Martha Beck is worth the quick read.

Do It: Take a day this week to notice your quirky “simple joys”.

Think It: “Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.” Melba Colgrove