I recently came across a survey that outlined the top 30 things that really count in life – and it prompted me to write this post.

We all have things that are important to us in life – I’m not just talking about food, shelter, clothing, family etc, but the little things that count.

I think it’s all so easy to take the little things in life for granted. It’s only when we are faced with a huge life dilemma (or trauma) that we begin to appreciate how fragile life can be – and how we should count our blessings.

So every now and then (and when I remember), I try to take a step back and soak up the moment or feel appreciation for the little things.

In no particular order, here’s the 15 little things that I try to appreciate …

• Having a good old chin-wag with a friend or my mum
• Great feedback from other parents on my kids’ behaviour
• When the bank balance is firmly in the black
• Great results from my kids at school
• When we all sit down for family night (this is my absolute favourite time of the week – the four of us, in our PJs, eating treats and watching a movie or Saturday night TV. Knowing that we don’t have to be up for work or school the next morning makes the evening even better!)
• A clean and tidy house.
• Going to sleep – I’m always out like a light!
• Friday night at the Toby Carvery. We try to go most Fridays – it’s our family meal out, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and gets the weekend off to a great start!
• When the kids come home from school in a good mood!
• Waking up to the sun shining and the birds singing.
• Receiving impromptu hugs and kisses from my family.
• Going interior shopping at Lakeside (where they have a huge retail park full of my favourite shops).
• A latte from Costa – in a takeaway cup.
• When it’s raining cats and dogs and the wind is blowing a gust, but I’m warm and toasty inside.
• Getting into my PJs.

So going back to the survey (from M&S Bank), it turns out that a well-made cup of tea, a strong Wi-Fi connection, and lazy Sundays are among the top 30 things that really count in life for Brits.

Paul Stokes, Head of Products for M&S Bank said: “We wanted to challenge people to really consider the things that are most valuable and important to them in life.

“The findings reveal that it’s some of the little things in life, like a well-made cup of tea, lazy Sundays or having a laugh with friends and family, that count the most for Brits; it’s the small things that can make a big difference.”

Hugs, a stress-free job and owning a reliable car also ranked as important, as did getting a bit of peace and quiet and climbing into bed with fresh sheets.

Other results from the survey revealed that 60% of Brits said that memories are the most important thing to them.

However, they said they didn’t realise what is truly important in life until they were 31 years old, and 15% say they still haven’t decided.

Eight in ten Brits say it is important to maintain a positive outlook on life, and are more likely to befriend someone with an optimistic view on the world.

Paul Stokes added: “In addition to looking at what Brits value most in life, the research also looked at what people most want to achieve to make 2017 count, with losing weight, saving more money and going on holiday topping the list.

“Small changes add up to make a big difference, and can help to make 2017 really count, whether that’s saving a little each month for a rainy day, or helping to make that weekend away or family holiday a reality.”

The 30 Things That Really Count in Life

1. Healthy family
2. Being financially comfortable
3. Having a laugh
4. Being close to family
5. Getting enough sleep
6. Hugs
7. Reliable car
8. Having a pet
9. Kids doing well in school
10. Peace and quiet
11. Getting a kiss when you are not expecting one
12. A stress-free job
13. Well-made cup of tea
14. Football team doing well in the season
15. A luxury holiday
16. A well-paid job
17. Having a creative outlet
18. Strong Wi-Fi connection
19. Climbing into bed with fresh sheets
20. Lazy Sundays
21. Feeling secure at work
22. Being wealthy
23. A nice glass of wine or beer at the end of the day
24. Seeing grandparents
25. Fresh coffee
26. Being spontaneous
27. Going to the pub
28. Trains running on schedule
29. The smell outside after it has stopped raining
30. Being cooked dinner

 What small joys in life are important to you?