101 Things to Make Moms Smile

There are lots of reasons to make moms smile, even though it’s been a tough eleven months. The difficult times help us to appreciate the small things. Sometimes it helps to see a reminder of all the reasons we have to smile. Perhaps even reading the list will help us smile at a memory. Maybe it will help serve as a reminder to really treasure the moments that make us smile.

Some things on this list might not apply to you, but some may. I encourage you to make a list of things that make you smile—leave it somewhere you can see regularly. It’s a simple mood-booster whenever you’re feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. Enjoy!

1. A hot cup of coffee in the morning
2. Watching your kids have fun with friends
3. Getting snail mail (and not a bill!)
4. A sweaty workout at the gym…or at home!
5. Eating dinner at a restaurant
6. Reading a book that you don’t want to put down
7. Going to the zoo with your family
8. Visiting a museum and not having to schedule an appointment
9. Attending a sporting event in person
10. Having lunch with a friend
11. Taking a walk outside in nature
12. Using a gift card or gift certificate at your favorite store
13. Feeling the warm sun on your skin…in winter, spring, summer, or fall
14. Wearing your favorite leggings or sweatpants
15. Planning a vacation—oh the possibilities!
16. Eating an ice cream cone on a hot day
17. Enjoying a TV marathon…with your choice of show
18. Looking at pictures of fun times on your phone
19. Shopping at a local boutique
20. Eating a perfectly toasted bagel with cream cheese
21. Trying new lipstick… and knowing that it looks good
22. Carryout!
23. Getting a great haircut
24. Hitting all green lights on your drive home
25. Grilling in the summer
26. Drinking hot cocoa after playing in the snow
27. Using a crockpot—minimal effort and delicious dinner!
28. When the Amazon delivery person arrives at your house
29. Having a good conversation with a friend
30. Getting a kiss from your spouse/significant other
31. Drive-thrus…no dealing with unbuckling car seats!
32. Finding a $10 bill in your winter coat pocket
33. Making a goal and achieving it
34. A beautiful sunrise
35. A pretty sunset
36. Waking up before your alarm
37. Sleeping in on Saturday
38. When your child says “I love you”
39. Short bedtime stories
40. Meditating
41. Praying
42. Date night!
43. Going to the dentist and having no cavities
44. When the tulips and daffodils come up in the spring
45. Stepping on crunchy leaves in the fall
46. Riding bikes with your kids
47. Taking off your high heels when you get home
48. A girls’ weekend
49. Writing in a journal
50. Checking off items on the to-do list
51. Finishing a jigsaw puzzle
52. Receiving a backrub or foot rub
53. Doing a random act of kindness
54. Smiling at a stranger in public (without a mask!)
55. Playing a game with your kids
56. Having a campfire with s’mores
57. Taking a walk around the neighborhood and chatting with neighbors
58. Helping at your child’s holiday party at school
59. Decluttering a room
60. Watching your kids play without fighting
61. Enjoying your favorite show or movie with no interruptions
62. Being first in line at the grocery store
63. Having no substitutions on your delivery grocery order
64. Conversing with other parents during your child’s sports game
65. When someone else volunteers to wash the dishes
66. Hearing a baby’s coos
67. Being with family at holidays
68. Meeting friends at the playground
69. Fresh toenail polish
70. Trying out a new restaurant
71. Reading a magazine at the salon
72. Watching waves crash on the shore
73. When your kids clean up their toys without being asked
74. Wearing a sexy dress
75. Getting praise from your boss
76. Getting praise from your spouse
77. Getting praise from anyone!
78. Seeing other moms smile
79. Watching someone open a gift you gave them
80. Reading memes that are hilarious
81. Having a funny text chain with friends
82. Trying a new recipe…and everyone loving it
83. Giving or getting a good book recommendation
84. Memories of happy times from the past
85. A clean house
86. Playing fetch with a puppy
87. Petting a cat on your lap
88. Getting a personal record in a local 5K
89. Checking something off your bucket list
90. Making plans to accomplish a new year’s resolution
91. Eating a ripe veggie from your garden
92. Freshly cut flowers on your counter
93. Giving a compliment
94. Receiving a compliment
95. Hearing about your child’s good day at school
96. Finally feeling better after being sick
97. When your team wins a big game
98. The first snow of the season
99. Finding the lost remote control
100. When your older sibling helps the younger one
101. Hugs!

If you’re looking for some more ways to channel your inner happiness or help make other moms smile, check out this post on 3 Ways to Actively Practice Being Happy!