What was your highlight today?

They say life is all about the little pleasures. But how often do we actually notice them—let alone take a moment to remember them?

Do we take these simple joys for granted in today’s fast-paced world? Have our expectations of how our day, week, or even life should unfold become too high?

Life is demanding. There’s always more to do, more to achieve, and more to compare ourselves to. We’re constantly exposed to glimpses of other people’s extraordinary lives, and if we’re honest, many of us fall into the “compare and despair” trap. Guilty.

By the end of a busy day, it’s easy to feel drained, irritated, emotional, or even lonely—even if we technically have everything we need.

But even if you don’t have everything you want, is it really the big things that make life worth living?

I don’t think so. But let’s be real—our world is wired for more. Movies tell us what a happy ending should look like, social media reminds us of what we don’t have, and the news… well, that just scares the crap out of us.

I’m just your average Joe, and even though I practice different self-regulating techniques to keep my spirits up, I stillstruggle with difficult thoughts and emotions. I still fall into worry spirals. And I still forget, sometimes, that things aren’t as bad as they seem.

But I do have one trick up my sleeve—one that comes in handy every single day.

The “Highlights” Game

Years ago, I started playing a little game called Highlights. I can’t even remember how it began, but it’s probably the simplest game I know—and it has the power to lift my spirits, even on the crappiest days.

My partner and I have made it a daily habit, right before bed.

Game Rules:

• Just before you go to sleep, name three highlights from your day.

That’s it!

It’s kind of like a gratitude journal—except there’s no pen or paper required. I like to keep things simple. ☺︎

What Counts as a Highlight?

It’s all about the little things. A Highlight is just a moment from your day—something small but meaningful.

It could be:
☀ The warmth of the sun on your face
♡ A glance from a dog in the park
☘︎ A tiny bud on a tree
☺︎ A shared smile with a stranger
✼ The crunch of leaves under your feet

These are the quiet, personal moments we don’t usually share with others—the ones that would slip away unnoticed if we didn’t take a second to capture them in our minds.

When we don’t make space for these small joys, our days can start to blur together—becoming just “okay,” rushed, stressful, or forgettable. Instead, we tend to dwell on the lowlights—that difficult conversation, the never-ending to-do list, the rising cost of… well, everything. We mark time by weekends, vacations, or big events, waiting for those to be our “good days.”

I’m not saying this game is a cure-all—especially if life feels tough right now. But it’s a simple practice that can help shift your perspective, so you end your day on a lighter note and fall asleep with a more positive outlook.

It’s also a beautiful way to connect with others, spark meaningful conversations, and gain insight into how different people experience joy.

So, why not give it a try? Ask yourself—or someone else:

What were my Highlights today?

Be happy & SMiLE ☺︎