Most of us recognize and appreciate every single big moment in life.

We often take photos of what we know is a big or significant event. We like to keep photos of every important happening, and sometimes just looking back at those photos makes us feel good.

The problem is, there aren’t too many big moments.

But cheer up. Life consists mostly of plenty of small moments that definitely can increase our satisfaction with life.

But to get the most out of life we first have to learn to recognize those delightful little moments.

Sometime a beautiful moment flies by like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower — and then it’s gone. If we are alert enough to see it, our senses are rewarded with a small moment of beauty.

But too many times we fail to see the beauty around us. Life can be busy, and good intentions can be crowded out.

There are times when I go for an early morning walk that my mind is wrapped up in deep thought. I don’t see the beauty around me and am not even aware of my surroundings because my mind is elsewhere. But when I realize I am not “in the moment” I put my mind at rest and enjoy the day before me.

My computer sometimes needs to be reset. The same is true about my mind. I sometimes need to reset it.

I’ve been reading a lot lately about “living the moment.” I found that it’s not easy to stay in the moment. After a while my mind drifts. But I found something as simple as listening to a bird sing can reset my busy mind.

Yet there are times on my early morning walk when I fail to hear the delightful chorus of birds because I’m too deep in thought. But eventually I do hear the birdsong, and I then I find myself smiling.

I’ve always found a bird’s serenade is a powerful mood enhancer for me. I don’t know what it is about a little bird that is so magical for me. I don’t care if it’s a big bird, small bird, common bird of rare bird. I love them all.

There are so many things in nature that bring me joy. Seeing a sunset or sunrise, or just sitting in front of the ocean and listening to the waves, is soothing.

Maybe some might overlook small moments, but I find many small things bring immense joy and meaning to life.

Experts tell us that due to the brain’s negativity bias, it can be challenging to focus on the positive aspects of life. But by intentionally seeking out moments that spark joy and comfort, we can cultivate a sense of well-being.

I’ve often had that happen. Suddenly a sense of joy will uplift my spirits. I always say thank you to my God when that happens.

A feeling of joy and peace are gifts, gifts that can be ours if we stay alert to what is around us.

I’ve found being alert to all the small pleasures of our day is a way to build joy.

I was surprised to see how many books have been written about finding joy by actively realizing and appreciating life’s small but rewarding moments.

And of course, it’s a popular topic on the internet. I especially liked reading about the tips others suggest.

Three worthwhile tips sound simple: slow down, set time aside to reflect and start a gratitude journal.

This is needed more than ever because more and more, we seem to live in a negative world.

One woman recently remarked that after she shared an uplifting experience on the internet she was discouraged to see the number of negative comments it generated.

“Can we not read anything without wanting to attack it?” she asked.

One internet group found a way to counter negativity.

They started a group open to anyone who wanted to share their “life is good” comments. Members were encouraged to mention anything that made them happy.

How nice to focus on the positive.

I also liked the suggestion of setting aside time to reflect. I found something interesting about reflecting on yesterday as I do my daily gratitude walk. By trying to bring to mind all that happened yesterday it seems to make my everyday life more relevant. It certainly puts my life my life more in focus.

What amazes me is that recounting yesterday doesn’t take in much more than a day, but the very practice of thinking about what happened yesterday makes me think of things that would have slid away without notice.

One particular internet site focuses on 77 simple things that can make you happy.

Here’s a sample.

• Getting a good night’s sleep

• Trying a new recipe that works

• Hearing from a long ago friend.

I did my own list and included such things as enjoying as my favorite soft blanket that was a gift from my grandson, digging into a big dish of Italian spaghetti, and listening to music that takes me back to my teen years and makes me want to dance.

OK, now it’s your turn.

What would you add to the list of small things that make your happy?

Email Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net