How Small Comfort Items Can Brighten a Heavy Day

This morning, I was sipping my coffee in bed with my dogs when the idea for this post hit me. Suicide Prevention Month is wrapping up, and October is just around the corner. The weather is shifting, and the days are getting shorter. For me, this time of year can be tough, as I tend to slide into a bit of seasonal depression. Simple joys are often the little, daily things that provide comfort. Here are a few simple pleasures I rely on when I need a reminder that life still has its good:

My top 5 simple reminders of life’s joys: 

1. Coffee: I am a coffee enthusiast. From Iced to Hot Coffee. Frilly, fun, and flavorful, to just plain coffee. I always love the simple joy of coffee. On a rough day, I will often find myself enjoying a warm mug of my favorite coffee blend. This is just my subtle reminder to slow down and savor the moment. 
2. Spotify Playlists: I am one of those people who has curated specific Spotify playlists to fit every mood, activity, and life event. On these less-than-ideal days, I find myself listening to the playlists I created to match that mood. Music is such a blessing; it often provides solace in which I can relate. 
3. Husband: I got lucky when I found my husband; he truly understands me, my patterns, and my mental health. On days when I feel like I just can’t cope, he doesn’t make me feel guilty. He makes himself available and takes on my responsibilities with no questions asked. 
4. My Animals: I have always found comfort in being with my pets. For a long time I spent my time alone just isolated in my house. I thought I rescued my dogs but little do they know how much they saved me. Just recently I was blessed with a sweet and playful little ferret. Something about the unconditional love pets provide is the simple reminder of the little things in life.
5. Podcasts: I have an abundance of podcasts ranging from true crime to motivational to meditation ones. It is a simple distraction from the spinning that goes on in my head. It allows me to find another outlet to focus on, which makes this one of the small things in life bringing me comfort.

I had a fun time writing this post. I can often forget about the simple joys in life. The ones which bring the little rays of light when the days are darker and your emotions feel heavier. I hope this post has been able to reach you where you are at. Always remember you matter, you are worth it and I care about you.