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Writer's pictureClay Blanchard

Tiny Happies That Make EVERYDAY Better

Welcome back to BLANCH!


For this post, I want to talk about what I call "tiny happies". Tiny Happies is a term that my boyfriend, Jack, and I made up this past summer. Tiny Happies are the little things in life that make you feel grateful or happy. They're the things that you take the time to notice that make your day a little bit brighter.


I don't know about everyone else, but over the last few weeks I've been going through a big transitional period. I recently moved, I'm starting a new grade, I have new roommates, I'm wrapping up a fitness challenge that has taken me the whole summer to complete. There are a lot of moving parts in my life. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I have to practice gratitude and pay attention to the "tiny happies" in my life.



Clay's 10 Tiny Happies That Make EVERYDAY Better

This list is made up of 10 things that you can incorporate easily into EVERYDAY (yes, actually every single day) life. Incorporating these things can make each of your days shine a little brighter (and that counts on your bad days).


  1. Coffee in the morning: There's just something about that first sip of coffee that feels like a warm hug, instantly making the day seem a little brighter. Whether it's a latte, an espresso, or just a plain ol' cup of joe, it's like a mini celebration to kickstart the day. It might sound silly, but I always like to think of coffee as a "morning cocktail". It's something that not only do I enjoy drinking, but makes the little kid inside of me feel like a grown-up -- which is pretty cool.

  2. Wearing matching bra and underwear: It’s the little things, right? There’s an unspoken confidence boost that comes from knowing your underwear is on point—even if no one else knows it. It’s like a tiny secret that makes you feel put together. The same goes for wearing a matching pajama set. I don't know about you guys, but when I wake up in a matching pajama set I feel so cute and confident in the bathroom mirror. Adding those extra things into your routine that make you feel a little more confident, really adds up!

  3. Having a skincare routine: This is something new for me that I really took time to incorporate this summer. Taking a few minutes to pamper your skin isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. There’s something soothing about going through the motions of cleansing, moisturizing, and maybe even throwing on a face mask. It's self-care wrapped up in a daily ritual. Because even if you didn't get anything done today, at least you did that.

  4. Putting on a cute outfit to conquer the day (can be a workout set): Whether you’re heading to the gym, the office, or just the grocery store, wearing something that makes you feel good can totally change your mindset. A cute outfit is like armor—it makes you feel ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. Now, you don't have to be throwing on a ball gown or even jeans everyday to make yourself feel good. Sometimes, a good 'ol matching workout set gets the job done. Sometimes when you hate your whole outfit, you end up hating your whole day -- and who wants to do that?

  5. Having pictures of your friends around your living space: I know most people have pictures of their family or significant others around their living space, but there's something special about having pictures of your friends around. Surrounding yourself with snapshots of your favorite people adds warmth to any space. It's like having your own personal cheering squad on the walls, reminding you that you're loved and supported. When you have a bad day, and feel like everyone hates you, look up and you'll see those smiling faces.

  6. Wearing your "nice" jewelry: Why save the good stuff for special occasions? Throw on that necklace or those earrings you love, just because. A little sparkle can elevate any outfit and make even the most mundane day feel a bit more special.

  7. Listening to music on a walk outdoors instead of a podcast: Sometimes, you just need to unplug from the constant stream of information and get lost in your favorite tunes. A walk outdoors with a good playlist can be incredibly refreshing—it's like a mini-vacation for your mind. I'm a firm believer in this. Listening to music and looking at your surroundings really gives you time to appreciate nature and your surroundings. It's incredibly grounding.

  8. Having your nails painted: There’s something about freshly painted nails that just makes you feel more polished (pun intended). It’s a simple act of self-care that adds a pop of color to your day and makes everything you do feel a little more intentional. For me, this is similar to wearing the matching underwear or pajamas. There are days when you won't be able to have the perfect outfit on, or have the clearist skin, but if your nails are done you've got a piece of elegance with you wherever you go.

  9. Listening to music really loud in the car (even when you're by yourself): Cranking up the volume and singing along at the top of your lungs is a surefire way to boost your mood. Everyone loves singing with their friends in the car, so why don't you do it all the time? This trick always gets me hyped up about my day and puts me in a joyful mood. It’s like your own personal concert, and you’re the star of the show—no audience needed.

  10. Realizing that you don't have to grow up even though you're in your twenties: This is something new to me. Earlier this month, I had a meltdown about how scared I was that I am now a college senior, and that the next year is going to bring a lot of change. BUT just because you're adulting doesn't mean you have to let go of that playful spirit! Embrace the little things that bring you joy, whether it's a spontaneous dance party in your living room or indulging in your favorite childhood snack. Growing up doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun. And no adult has it all figured out.



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