This is a phrase you’ve no doubt heard before, “find joy in the little things”.
How easy is it to do this, though?
When you’re having a bad day, a bad week or even having what feels like a bad year, how can you find that joy?
However tricky it may seem, I feel like we have to and it makes each day that little bit brighter.
Life can be hard, we can get thrown curveballs.
The little things are often the every day things. The routine, the normal, the mundane even. And they can also be the moments that shine in your day.
I think you can get lost in wanting more, wishing things were different, in failing to stop and appreciate all that you have in the palm of your hand right now.
Someone else will always have more, or seemingly have what you want. Focus on what you do have, don’t get caught up in comparisons. And if things are tough, it’s up to you to search out some joy. No-one else is going to be able to do this for you.
Look for the small things to lift you up, don’t get caught up longing and looking for more and for bigger.
Just little things. What are they? Can you identify those moments, habits, feelings, people or hobbies that bring you joy every day?
And if you sit and think here and can’t, then there are probably going to be two reasons for this.
First one, none of these things actually bring you joy. Not one thing. If that’s the case, look for something that you think will and bring it into your life.
The second, and more likely reason, is that those little things are there and you’re struggling to recognise them.
It’s worth pausing. It’s worth searching out and finding the joy.
The more you do it, the more easily you’ll notice it. Little things.
For me, it might be some happy mail (either arriving or creating it), wandering around my garden, a message from a reader or supporter of what I do here, a calm yoga session, a sunny walk with Herbie, a moment to read my book with a cup of tea, a cuddle with the kids, a chat with a friend.
These things sound small. Small yes, but insignificant, no.
They make up my days, they give me reasons to smile every day and they keep me going on uncertain days.
This is what it’s all about, isn’t it?
I don’t want to just get through every day, I want to find moments in my day to smile.
That’s where finding joy in little things comes in, and it means a lot to me.
Find joy in the little things.
Does it mean a lot to you? What are your little things?
love what you do!! This brings me a lot of joy.
Hope you are feeling well.
Donna Benton
Thanks so much!