Most of us don’t realize the importance and miracle of the small things in our lives. Once the moment has passed, and we realize, in retrospect, what has happened, we might look back and marvel about how things unfolded.
We are very aware of the big events, though. We get excited about weddings, buying a new home, being promoted at work. And so we should, since they are huge, life changing occasions.
But what do we think of things that give us a warm feeling, that make us smile, that pull at our heart strings? Often it is remembering the small things. These are the moments that have woven the fabric of our lives. And these are the moments that may well be the big and important things in our lives.
Whether it’s a stranger giving you a compliment, or watching a sunset with a loved one, these memories are forever engraved in our brain, and these are the moments that we remember.
Here are some of the small things I do that help me focus on the good in life, and the things I appreciate most.
Wake up 15 minutes earlier.
If you wake up reluctantly, this tip might make you groan — but go on, give it a try anyway.
You might feel a little groggy but try to pay attention to sensations you don’t usually have time to experience. The world often feels different in the morning, so step outside (or stand near an open window) to savor your morning coffee or tea.
Instead of zeroing in on negatives, such as your uninspiring apartment complex or the trash in your neighbor’s yard, notice the positive things. Maybe it’s the friendly cat who comes to say hello, the chilly morning air, or the last streaks of dawn in the brightening sky.
Waking up earlier also means you don’t need to rush through your morning. Think of these 15 minutes as a gift to yourself — a way to start your day with satisfaction and calm.
Take a long walk.
Walking gives you a low-key way to step out of your usual space and find pleasure in the natural world.
A walk can help relieve stress and promote positive emotions with instant mood boosters like sunlight and fresh air. It can also awaken curiosity and creativity as you notice small things like birds and plants you’ve never seen before.
Noticing your surroundings can help keep your thoughts in the present and maximize the pleasure of your walk.
Get lost in a book.
If you enjoy reading, you’re probably well acquainted with the delight of getting absorbed by a riveting story and making friends with new characters.
Or maybe you’re a nonfiction enthusiast who likes facts, a humorous turn of phrase, or a well-reasoned argument.
Reading can excite and inspire. It can expose you to different perspectives and distract you from worries. What’s more, reading an account of someone else’s distress can renew appreciation of your own life. It can lead to greater life satisfaction and happiness.
Improve your surroundings.
Spend a little time rearranging furniture and other items in your home. You will be surprised how this little exercise gives you a lift and your spirits a boost.
Do a workout in your home.
There are many workout videos at various levels of difficulty online. You can purchase a small mat and two 5-pound weights for a reasonable price to get you started. Start small and work up to longer periods and more weights. Your body will benefit, and your spirits will soar!
Take yourself out for coffee or tea.
Some days you may just want to go and sit among people, sipping coffee or tea and observing everyone. This is a small, inexpensive way to connect with people and possibly gain a friend.
Have a haircut or manicure.
This may not be important for some of you, but it sometimes it gives me a lift. Yes, it’s a small thing, but can have some surprising benefits.
Phone a friend.
A true friend is one who will always be happy to hear from you. At the very least, if they are busy, they will phone you back. If you can’t think of anyone who would welcome an impromptu call, do some brainstorming until some connections appear.
Uplifting Quotes—gleaned from the internet:
I hope you find, as I did, that happiness comes from noticing and enjoying the little things in life.
It didn’t seem possible to gain so much happiness from so little.
It’s a tough life, and it’s the little things that get us through the day.
Learn to appreciate small quiet moments, the ocean, a walk on the beach, time alone, your health, your strength, your smile, your life.
Without water drops, there can be no oceans; without steps, there can be no stairs; without little things, there can be no big things!
Never underestimate the significance of the little things done out of a large heart of love.
Find magic in the little things, and the big things you always expected will start to show up.
True greatness consists in being great in little things.
I find myself happy with the little things.
We humans are a minority of giants stumbling around in a world of little things.
It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.
It is not the straining for great things that is most effective; it is the doing of the little things, the common duties, a little better and better.
Live life like it’s the last breath you take for that breath is the whole essence of living, the little things in life are what connects us to all the big things we live for.
Don’t disregard the little things in life. They are a big part of your time on this earth.
Even the largest avalanche is triggered by small things.
Almost everything comes from almost nothing.
Quotes About Small Things By People You May Know:
“The small things of life are often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.”
Barbara Pym
“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”
Andy Warhol
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
Robert Brault
“I try to find a reason to laugh each day. Somehow, if you can incorporate laughter into your day, every day, it really helps. It’s the little things in life that make me happy.”
Faith Hill
“Learn to appreciate small quiet moments, the ocean, a walk on the beach, time alone, your health, your strength, your smile, your life.”
Germany Kent
“It’s a tough life, and it’s the little things that get us through the day.”
Jeffery Deaver
“Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.”
Saul Bellow
“Without water drops, there can be no oceans; without steps, there can be no stairs; without little things, there can be no big things!”
Mehmet Murat
“Most of the critical things in life, which become the starting points of human destiny, are little things.”
R. Smith
“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.”
Sharon Draper
“If you take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves. You can gain more control over your life by paying closer attention to the little things.”
Emily Dickinson
“I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things… I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind.”
Leo Buscaglia
“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
Chinese Proverb
“The secret of success is to do common things uncommonly well.”
John D. Rockefeller
Live life like it’s the last breath you take for that breath is the whole essence of living, the little things in life are what connects us to all the big things we live for.”
Robert Frost
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
Mother Teresa
“Happiness is enjoying the little things in life.”
Tiny Buddha
“Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.”
Henry Ford
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Vincent Van Gogh
“I enjoy the small things.”
Michael Bublé
“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
Kurt Vonnegut
I have enjoyed putting this post together. It has given me an interesting and novel perspective. I hope you will have gained some inspiration and motivation to notice the beautiful small things in your lives!
An uplifting post. On our first date in 1966 Jackie and were sitting on a bench in London’e St James’s Park and a pigeon pecked at an eggshell. Simultaneously we dried “Cannibal”
Lots of good advice here, Diane. For me, one of the best versions of this was by the late Warren Zevon. When asked by David Letterman what his approach to life was, he replied ‘enjoy every sandwich.’ Small things really do matter, don’t they.
Clive, Your comments are always delightful. I loved David Letterman’s advice—I can hear his voice saying that! I’ll Google Warren Zevon for his version. Thanks!
That is a warm and poignant memory, Derrick! I’ve been in London a few times, and St. James’s Park sounds familiar. So wonderful to read about your long and devoted relationship with Jackie! But I have never heard about “Cannibal”. What is it?
I really like this post, Diane. I’ve known a few people who have so much and yet are floundering to entertain themselves to get through life as if it’s a chore. Your post is excellent advice for them, and it doesn’t hurt for the rest of us to have a reminder either.
Anneli, Thank you for this. Such encouraging words! This morning, I am drinking coffee—one scoop of caffeinated and two scoops of decaffeinated, my caffeine quota for the day. It’s a small thing, but such a wonderful way to start my day. It doesn’t take much to make me happy lol!
Me again…I just got a message from Gravatar, saying they were having difficulty locating my profile picture, and I see they have now located it. If it pops up again, that will be another small thing that makes me happy!
Great post! It cheered me on. Thank you. Enjoy every sandwich! And, every cup of coffee!!!
Hahaha! David Letterman’s advice lives on (Thanks, Clive.) ! Great to hear from you, Linda.
Thanks for the reminder Diane. Sometimes we’re so preoccupied with big things in life that we don’t notice the small ones without which our lives may feel empty..
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