The "little things" mean different things to different people. They come in different sizes, shapes, and experiences. They can be moments of thoughtfulness, the feeling one has when holding their grandchild for the first time, or simply, something that makes life a little bit easier. Whatever the little thing is, they are personal. During these past few months, I have come to appreciate them more. Curious about the impact of those "little things" during these crazy times on others, I reached out to a few friends. And yes, while "the little things" are personal to the keepers of them, there is a common thread.
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A few years ago, Paul B. traded in the skyline of Seattle for the country of Luxembourg, and the fortified medieval old town, Luxembourg City to call home. While he gets stateside occasionally, he misses a particular little thing. "Drip coffee. It sounds funny but the moderate quality of large steaming "cup-of-joe" does not exist in Europe. The coffee here is phenomenal but it is all variations of espresso. On the rare occasion when I encounter brewed coffee, I love pouring a mug, cradling it in my hands, and hovering over it. This ritual brings out the desire in me to linger, visit, and shoot the breeze with anyone nearby. While there are many foods I miss, this has been one of the hardest to leave behind. A cup of strong brewed coffee, a little time, and people to talk to. It is a very wonderful and natural thing for me. It is comforting." Having shared many conversations together over coffee, I now get why something so simple means so much to Paul. It is like eggs and bacon, or peanut butter and Jelly...coffee and conversation go together.
What do DVR's, salads, and nap time have in common? My fun-loving friend, Dianne A., can tell you. Little things translate into time-saving solutions for her.
"I love that I can record the news and then fast forward past all the "noise. "... I make enough salad to last us for two or three days. That way, in any given week, I only have to make two or three salads at the most...And being that I am saving time in the kitchen, I have given into myself and nap every day. My family and friends know not to call as this is my time."
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Perhaps because her heart chakra is so huge, Kim R. wraps the "little things" in blankets of love. "Alan gives me a scratch ticket every morning when we have coffee... it is a little thing yet a fun ritual to start my day!... My grandkids still let me hug and squeeze them even though all but one tower over me! This makes me SO happy... Love, love, love putzing around in my vintage trailer when I am not camping. It is my happy place that makes me feel warm, cozy, and calm in these crazy times."
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My husband, Steve Z., is not a complicated man. He is a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy. His wants are few and his little things simple. They are uncomplicated and yet, speak volumes. "Enjoying a cup of coffee early in the morning when I am the only one up. It is peaceful...A simple dinner...meatloaf, spaghetti, roasted chicken...A shooting star to make a wish upon."
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Wait! Have you ever sat next to someone on a plane and felt an immediate connection? Nicole S. is that person for me. While we met only once, she is in my life and I in hers. She is a woman far wiser than her years and has a heart as big as the tallest mountain. "My little thing begins with prayer. Getting on my knees, surrendering my day to God, and asking him to direct my thoughts and steps thereby releasing myself from feeling like I have to control it all. ...Toby, my fur baby. the snuggles, comfort, and unconditional love...Sunshine. It makes me feel so happy and feel so good...Reading. Sitting on my porch and feeling the wind in my hair...immersing myself in another world or learning more."
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Like Steve, my little things are simple too. Talking a long, hot shower, ...digging in the dirt,... spending hours in my studio uninterrupted, and catching my husband in a "moment" when I know his heart is full. He radiates joy.
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The common thread among us? It was an ah-ha moment for me and yet, so simple and universal. Comfort. We seek comfort in our daily lives now more than ever. Rejoice in those little things, and discover new ones. Turn off the media. Go for a walk in the woods. Have a plate of spaghetti. Hug that baby. Read that book. Take that nap. ...and allow yourself to experience and enjoy the "little things." They really aren't so little after all.
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