October 17, 2021: Celebrating the Little Things
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
The beauty of Autumn in New England can literally take one’s breath away. The sadness of Summer ending, evidenced by the ebbing of sunlight hours and cooler weather, is eased with daily gifts of incomparable beauty. Our landscapes are literally transformed into a rich tapestry of oranges, yellows and crimson reds. Yet woven through the visual awe, is the understanding that this time of glory, like anything in life, is transient. The leaves will eventually turn brown, drift to the ground and the bitter cold reality of winter is waiting in the wings. Nature once again reminds us that change is part of our life cycle and like the brilliant red leaf that captures our attention, it’s the small things which can bring us joy. Instead of worrying about the future, we can focus on the gifts of happiness we are presented with each day.
a haze of sunlight,
and hang
still on a windless
day”
― Bremer Acosta, Cosmos in a Tree
In the movie, The Sound of Music, the main character Maria, comforts her charges who have been frightened by a thunderstorm. She sings a song about her “favorite things”, which help her overcome feelings of sadness.
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things…….
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad.”
Each one of us is unique and our favorite things or what makes us feel good is as individual as we are. I love the ritual of making a fresh pot of coffee in a French press, pouring it in my favorite birch mug, then sitting quietly, looking out at nature and savoring each sip as I contemplate the day ahead. The sight of a bluebird at our feeders always makes me smile, and a hug from my granddaughters fills my heart. When we actively seek out what moments or occasions bring happiness, we are increasing awareness of the beauty and gifts in our lives
In our busy, demandng lives, it can be a challenge to single out those “things” which bring us happiness. Yet if we take the time to think about what gives us joy, it increases the opportunities for contentment, gratitude and ultimately happiness. Like the falling leaves, these moments can be fleeting, but when we link them together, we can create a rich tapestry of a life well-lived.
What are the moment and/or things that bring you happiness? Create your own “joy list” and watch your sense of contentment and gratitude bloom.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog. We welcome your thoughts and additional quotes that inspire you. We invite you to share it with someone who might find it meaningful. In the meantime, stay healthy, safe and celebrate each day. Take the time to treasure the beauty of this season.
Best, Wendy Oellers-Fulmer
Additional Quotes to Inspire
Little things seem nothing, but they give peace, like those meadow flowers which individually seem odorless but all together perfume the air.
Georges Bernanos
“Rejoice in small things and they will continue to grow.”
– Slaven Vuji
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our heart.”
– Winnie The Pooh
“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
“The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.”
– Mary Davis
“Find gratitude in the little things and your well of gratitude will never run dry.”
– Antonia Montoya.
“Would do well to slow down a little focus on the significant and truly see the things that matter most.”
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“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.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-Robert Breault
Small daily happenings make life spectacular…. start enjoying the small things in life!
-Andy Rooney
