Babies, ladybugs, tiny purple violas, the humble bumble bee….all little things that are really bigger than their physical size.
I marvel at the intricate beauty at the center of a flower, at the shape and texture of a seashell, and at the patterns in tree bark.
All these little things mean something to me. They command my attention and help to center and ground me
I love to be surprised by these delights.
Other times it takes intentionally looking in order to discover the beauty in nature, to see with fresh eyes the world around us.
The flower growing out of the sidewalk, the pattern of rain on the window, the feel of a cat’s purr as you are petting him.
There are many other examples and they vary for each one of us. The point is that what some take for granted or overlook can bring us to a place of stillness and discovery.
There is another category of little things that matter as well.
As a volunteer with hospice, I encountered it many times when visiting with a patient or sitting with a family member after their loved one had died. The little things we give such as our time, our presence, and our touch matter more than money or accolades.
In their last days, many people said that is was the handwritten card from a loved one that made their day or the handmade knit cap from a friend or the photo of their deceased spouse that was their touchstone.
One lady who loved the way the leaves turned colors in the fall asked that we bring in leaves and put them on her bed so she could see the colors and hold them.
Another asked that we play a classical piece of music so she could close her eyes and recall a private moment when that piece of music played a significant role.
These were not heroic measures, they were simple acts that anyone could do for another. Acts of service like this may not seem like a big deal to us,
What “little things” bring you joy?
For yourself – Take a moment wherever you are to notice what is around you – it could be in your office, your home, your car or out in nature.
Close your eyes and breathe, then open them and become acquainted with your surroundings. Pick one thing to focus on and spend a few minutes in discovery mode. Notice how it makes you feel.
For another – Take five minutes to write a personal card or pick up the phone and call someone that you have not talked to in a while.
Consider volunteering for a cause that you have always been interested in or are passionate about.
And the best and easiest little thing you can do is smile!
Make a positive connection and raise the vibration for yourself and another. This is what the phrase “pay it forward” is all about. We become “infected” with the joy of little things and pass it along.
Thank you so much Ann for this lovely reminder to find the joy in little things. A few hours before I read your article I had the joyful experience to bring hope and joy to a woman who was helping me buy a new TV at Best Buy We talked about her being married for 7 years and hoping to get pregnant. She was so tired and sad until Somehow I inspired her because I cared. I gave her a hug that made her day. I was floating on a cloud as I recalled her face which was filled with hope when I left the parking lot and throughout the day. It felt so good to help lighten her spirits.
What a wonderful and inspiring story. That whole caring exchange not only raised her vibration but yours as well. It reminds me of a time recently as I walking out of a building and a total stranger was walking in. She asked me if I was on my phone. I happened to have it in my hand. I replied “no”. She told me that the big smile on my face made her day and that she immediately put a big smile on her face. To which I replied, “I’ve been trying to be conscious of smiling more because it helps me keep my spirits high and I believe it has positive effects for others”. We had a little more conversation, thanked and hugged each other. It made my day and hers too! Thank you, Isis for sharing your experience with us. It’s a great reminder of Ann’s point of her post and how the little things can mean so much to help us rise up.
Hi Carol it is my pleasure to share and I loved hearing about your experience too. Smiling with you. ??❤️