It’s the Little Things
This has been a theme for me lately. My boyfriend and I have been on this amazing trip around the country, where we’ve seen more awe-inspiring places than I can count - the Sea to Sky Highway, the Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona, the snowy ski runs of Lake Tahoe. It’s been gorgeous and breathtaking and reminded me how much beauty you can find without ever leaving the country.
I am not discounting how incredible the scenery has been on this trip. But I know when I look back on this time, some of the most stand-out memories are going to be the small, joy-filled moments in between. A quiet walk through the woods with Eddie and Rasta the morning after the first snowfall. Laughing on the beach with our friends on a Sunday afternoon. Grilling on the patio on a beautiful evening. A beer in the sunshine. A crowded barcade on a Saturday night. A conversation with a stranger. The A+ tuna tostada at that one taco truck.
Said A+ tostada
It’s gotten me thinking about how life is like this - we get so excited for the big events, but the stuff that really brings us happiness happens in the small moments. And while it’s a lot of fun to have those moments happen spontaneously, I think we can do a better job cultivating them too.
A few ways to create more joy:
Flowers. Buying them, giving them, admiring them, planting them. “Stop and smell the roses” is a cliché for a reason. Tis the season for flowers. Take a minute to revel in it.
The wildflowers in Chicago in October
A hot beverage on a cold morning (or a cold bevvie on a hot morning - east coast summer is coming up!). Coffee, iced tea, Diet Coke, watermelon juice (this is a recent discovery for me. San Diego is big on watermelon juice and it is 🔥). Put it in your favorite mug, pour it over ice, sip it slowly and actually enjoy it.
Use the nice dishes. Or simply put your takeout on a plate instead of eating it out of the carton it came in. Yes, I know this is an extra dish to wash, but sometimes, that’s worth it.
Eat outside. Growing up, eating on the deck was such a fun way to usher in summer nights. Is it me, or does food taste better al fresco?
Games. I love doing the NYT Mini Crossword every day. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it’s something different and it breaks up my morning and I love it. For you, this may be Wordle or a video game or whatever today’s version of Candy Crush is. If you look forward to playing it, schedule it into your day.
Create a point of connection with someone. This can be complimenting a stranger, or striking up a short conversation with the cashier at Target, or sending a text to an old friend. The point is simply to feel a bit more connected to the world. I remember reading a story about John Shepherd-Barron, the man who created the ATM. His wife loved going to the bank and chatting with the bank tellers, and she begged him not to put the ATM into the world because she was afraid it would ruin those points of connection. Supposedly, she died without ever using an ATM, even as the invention made them millions. I won’t lie here, I love the convenience of an ATM, but I also respect the heck out of ole Caroline Murray for acknowledging how much we all need one another. Make it a point to have a conversation with a stranger this week.
Get some outdoor time. Take a break from the work meetings to play with your dog or go for a walk or water your flowers. Challenge yourself to spend 20 minutes getting some fresh air today. If you want to make it even better, leave your phone inside.
I’m sure there are thousands of other ways to create memorable, happy moments. I’d love to hear what else has made an impression on you guys lately! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. My hope for you this week is that you’re able to appreciate the little things as they’re happening. Happy Tuna Tostada Taco Tuesday to all who celebrate!
