All Things Beautiful

Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.

David Hume

I feel the happiest and most peaceful in my life during the small, fleeting moments throughout the day.

Acknowledging them has made me a more grateful person and has helped me to appreciate the smaller things in life. They have created memories that I know one day I will look back on proudly.

When reflecting upon these moments, I became intrigued as to what makes others feel this way in their lives – the moments of beauty that bring them feelings of contentment and happiness. In my quest to spark inspiration, I sent out a survey to as many people as possible.

Below is a list* of what people have named as the most beautiful things in their life, and the moments when they are their happiest.

An overwhelming amount of responses involved the presence and interaction with family and friends, which I feel teaches us a universal truth about life and the human experience.

*These are only 100 responses from the 300+ I received. Responses have been left unedited.

I hope it prompts you to stop, slow down, and look out for the beautiful things in your life. Enjoy.

Inspired by: Nick Cave – All Things Beautiful (I highly recommend giving this a listen, perhaps as you read through this list).

  1. The wonders of life and nature.
  2. The sound of genuine laughter.
  3. Listening deeply to someone telling their story.
  4. The peace and tranquillity found in the depth of the night.
  5. The ecstasy of love.
  6. Unmasking through stimulating conversations.
  7. Singing loudly in the car.
  8. Introspection.
  9. Warmth and concern from people we don’t know.
  10. The feeling when someone trusts me.
  11. Hours that feel like minutes.
  12. The wisdom in the eyes of the elderly.
  13. The innocence in a child’s questions.
  14. Human connection.
  15. Dancing to music when no-one is watching.
  16. The infinite possibilities the stars bring.
  17. The butterflies before a big trip.
  18. The anticipation of meeting someone after a long time.
  19. Being utterly engaged with the sensations of the moment and belonging in that space fully and completely.
  20. Greeting acquaintances in public.
  21. Laughing at myself, to myself.
  22. My youth – I still have so much time to do what I want.
  23. Giving your time to someone.
  24. Watching old home videos.
  25. Physical touch.
  26. When you can’t help but smile.
  27. The balance of connection and disconnection during intense meditation.
  28. Conversations with strangers.
  29. Living in a moment so good that you don’t want it to end.
  30. Having time to sit with my thoughts and feeling like everything is right in the world.
  31. When the family are all sitting down and eating together or having family time.
  32. Seeing my growth.
  33. Realising why something happened the way it did.
  34. Having some me time.
  35. Random acts of kindness.
  36. Words of comfort.
  37. The view of the world through an airplane.
  38. Impermanence.
  39. The connection between a crowd at a music festival.
  40. A deep breath.
  41. Finding strange similarities with people.
  42. Walking barefoot in the dew first thing on a spring morning.
  43. A flowing, effortless conversation.
  44. Mountain air.
  45. Coming home after a long day.
  46. Making someone laugh.
  47. When the universe aligns for you.
  48. When I connect to my highest self.
  49. Late-night car conversations with friends.
  50. The shapes of clouds.
  51. Morning fog.
  52. Small expressions of love.
  53. Sleeping in fresh sheets.
  54. The way leaves ‘light up’ with the sun.
  55. When a weight is lifted off your shoulders.
  56. Watching an episode of a show that makes me feel at home.
  57. The earthly smell after the first rain.
  58. A full house, and an empty one.
  59. The love in my parent’s eyes when they speak of their late parents.
  60. Waking up after a deep sleep.
  61. When my baby calls me mum.
  62. Watching cricket with my granddad.
  63. The smell of home cooking – especially what my mum cooks as it brings back so many beautiful memories.
  64. When I’ve understood something about the world or myself.
  65. Sitting around a glowing fire under a velvet sky filled with stars.
  66. Love and care shown by my family and friends.
  67. Releasing an emotion.
  68. Being surrounded by vibrant, green nature.
  69. A perfectly flushed golf shot.
  70. Completing a set of drawings that express how I feel.
  71. Being still and accessing your inner calm.
  72. Long drives in the rain.
  73. Speaking about everything and nothing with my brother.
  74. The humour I share with my dad; the understanding I share with my mum.
  75. Reading something that will improve my knowledge of the world.
  76. Sitting outside in the sun and watching the day go by.
  77. Family reunions with delicious food.
  78. Birthdays.
  79. Talking nonsense with friends and we all laugh nonstop.
  80. Being able to move.
  81. When I learn something enlightening.
  82. Playstation with the lads.
  83. Seeing my children mess around.
  84. Listening to the water when diving – it’s scary but also strangely therapeutic.
  85. Compassion.
  86. Baking our favourite chocolate lava cake and the kids getting all messy and goofy.
  87. The birth of my son.
  88. Reminiscing/Nostalgia.
  89. Seeing my mum smile.
  90. Being annoyed by my sisters.
  91. Playing with kids.
  92. Vibing with huge crowds of people.
  93. Sitting under a tree.
  94. Planning business growth – it’s not about the money, but the idea of growth.
  95. Pub nights.
  96. My 2 girls – when they spend time together and are having fun.
  97. Music that brings back childhood memories.
  98. The sound of the waves on a beach.
  99. Travelling/New adventures.
  100. Fragrance of flowers during spring.

Thank you for sharing your moments with me, and allowing me to share mine with you.

Other recommended song: Sleeping At Last – Saturn (I highly recommend also reading through the comments of this video).

Additional responses:

  • Helping the needy/Community involvement.
  • When I try something new.
  • Sunset/Sunrise.
  • Waking up with no worry.
  • Working on a passionate work project.
  • The smell of coffee and baking.
  • Being around good energy people.
  • Cooking for my family.
  • Relaxing in my room in a peaceful manner.
  • Sunday morning pancakes.
  • Being outdoors – camping, bushwalking, or just sitting in my backyard on a beautiful day.
  • Video calling my family overseas.
  • Completing a challenge or getting through something challenging.
  • When my plants have new little shoots.
  • Drinking black tea with mint whilst laying on the couch.
  • Theatre.
  • Chilling whilst watching The Godfather.
  • Exercising/Going to the gym and feeling strong.
  • My darling husband and two lovely boys.
  • Braiding my grandmother’s hair.
  • Gardening.
  • A song on my wedding video.
  • The local bakery.
  • My mum by my side, supporting me psychologically.
  • The ocean.
  • Being in Tonga, hearing the roosters make noises early in the morning.
  • Saturday mornings.
  • Listening to people who can sing amazingly when they’re passionate and their tone is on another level.
  • Visiting my mango farm.
  • Spending time with my little grandson.
  • Singing and playing my guitar and piano.
  • At a music concert when the artist gets really personal and I feel so lucky to be able to be there.
  • Going to art exhibitions.
  • Photography.
  • Having lunch with my kids.
  • Talking to school friends.
  • The smell of freshly cut grass.
  • Birds songs in the morning.
  • Completing goals that I’ve set for myself.
  • Holiday locations from childhood.
  • Finishing an assignment and closing all of those tabs.
  • Stepping out of an airplane into a different country and having the heat smack me in the face.
  • Prince and the song 1999 – it was a great year for me.
  • Being weird.
  • Teaching.
  • Driving my car.
  • Eating ice-cream.
  • Playing soccer.
  • My dog.
  • My home.