It feels that life gets more rushed with each passing year. There’s work, home, traffic, the dirty dishes in the sink, that one project you started but have yet to complete… So many things begging for our attention, and so many notifications distracting us from what really matters.
But life isn’t meant to be rushed through—it’s meant to be lived. That’s why I’ve been trying to pay more attention to the little things that bring me joy. It’s so important to stop, breathe, and appreciate what surrounds us. I started this series to commit myself to that.
My goal is to consciously remove myself from the rush, from the idea that being busy is the same as being productive, and to cultivate little moments of gratitude.
I hope you’ll join me in this practice. What are little things that bring you joy? Here are a few that I’ve noticed recently:
A hot cup of tea on a cold day
The fall season here is absolutely gorgeous. I love seeing the changing colors and the beginning of that fun, crisp kind of cold weather—which doesn’t last too long! But as long as it’s here, I love drinking tea on the back porch. It’s such a relaxing activity, and I’m grateful I can make time for it. Since it will start snowing soon and I won’t be able to use the porch again until at least April, I’m even more grateful for every minute.
Finding a favorite lipstick I thought I had lost
You know that one trusted day-to-day lipstick, the one you know will look good with any outfit and in any situation? I thought I had lost mine. I had already given up looking for it, but last week I found it in a different handbag and was so happy—not necessarily because of the lipstick itself, but for the confidence boost I get every time I wear it!
Unexpected memories from a trip
This week was so rushed at work. There were so many meetings I barely had time to sit at my desk and actually do work! In one of the rare moments I did, I opened by snack drawer (I might need a second one soon!) and found a matcha Kit Kat I brought from Tokyo. It was so refreshing to hit pause for a second and remember that amazing trip!
Turning off my alarm on the weekend
Is there anything better than this?! There’s nothing like waking up, turning off your alarm, and going back to being a blanket burrito.
How about you? What’s made you happy lately? Let me know in the comments.