Itty Bitty, Teensy Weensy

Speaking of small stuff....

How often do you take the time to truly enjoy and experience the little things in life? Naturally we are all ecstatic when the big things in life happen. It is not only normal, but expected, to be happier when there is a wedding, new baby, dream job, or much awaited vacation. However, these events don't really happen often enough to be able to maintain a consistently high level of happiness. So, what do we do in between the wonderful, big events? Do we go down the rabbit hole of sadness or do we figure out a way to keep it alive?

Interestingly, it is actually the small stuff, or even reminiscing about the big stuff, that truly becomes the fabric of our lives, not the actual big events. It is what makes us-us! The scary or sad part is how often we do not capitalize on the small things to make our general disposition more pleasant and upbeat. Instead we get sucked into the humdrum that can often lead to being bored or even a state of despair.

A few tips to help!

1. Dr. Chrissy's infamous gratitude journal. Let's be honest with ourselves here. I think many of us get very excited about the prospect of journaling in an attempt to change our mindsets. We go on Amazon or go to Barnes and Noble and buy a journal that fits our personality, we might even get a fancy pen to go with it. We start journaling with gusto, only to lose motivation. Eventually our once prized journal has slid under your bed and is partying it up with a slew of dust bunnies. Only to be found again when we actually clean under there, which could be weeks, months or even years later (no judgement here!).

So let's not start something we cannot finish. I always suggest to start off small, something manageable. Download a notes app to your phone. Before falling asleep at night, because we all sleep next to our phones, type in a few things that made you smile that day, then put your phone down and go to sleep. When your alarm goes off in the morning (also your phone), reread those notes first, before checking Facebook or Instagram. Set the tone for your day! It will make you happier!

2. Show appreciation, even for the smallest things. Not only does it bring you joy, it brings joy to others as well. Let's say someone holds the door for you going into the bank. Thank them! Not a little mumble under your breath either! Genuinely show them that you appreciate it! If you really think about it, you will know that we take a LOT for granted. What are spouses and children and parents do for us, what are teachers, managers and supervisors do for us, what strangers on the street do for us... The list goes on and on. I get frustrated when someone doesn't wave to me when I allow them to merge in front of me in traffic. For me, you will get a wave and a blown kiss! Its fun! And it just makes you feel happier!

3. Live in the moment. Really. This one is a rough one for me that I have been working on. To really enjoy the small stuff. Put down the phone and really enjoy petting and playing with my cats. Stopping to smell the flowers at the grocery store. Looking at the stars when I get home after dark. Truly listening to and enjoying a song or a story that my my daughter is telling me!

What are you going to try? What can you do to enjoy the small stuff?