“Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to accomplish something big, that we fail to notice all the little things that give life its magic.”
When we are children, we think our happiness can be found in objects. We have to have the latest toy or whatever our friends are into at school because our life won’t be the same without a french skipping rope, a scoobidoo or a Tamagotchi.
As we grow up, we start to realise that objects aren’t the be all and end all, but each and every one of us is guilty of being a little materialistic at times. Heartbreak? Cue a shopping spree. Bad day at work? Time to buy those boots you’ve been eyeing up for ages.
In reality, we’re just ignoring our feelings and not confronting them. The real comfort doesn’t come from an hour-long scroll on Instagram or social media likes. It comes from the moments and memories that make us smile. It’s all about the little things.
‘Little things’ happen every day. But it’s so easy for us to get swept up in the grand scheme of life and forget to pay attention to the smaller moments. We get told time and time again to focus on the big picture but it’s sometimes the smaller moments that actually define us. Here are a few reasons why you should learn to pay attention to the smaller things in life and how you can go about it.
It can change your perspective
We all have bad days. And on those bad days, life feels pretty rubbish. Nothing feels like it’s going right and you’d rather just go back to bed. But remembering when things do go right can bring you up out of the bad days and put things in perspective. It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed with everything that’s going on but by taking a step back and looking at the small stuff, everything feels a little bit brighter. If you think positive, positive things will happen!
They lead to the big things
All of those little moments lead up to the bigger things! Your degree is a culmination of all your hard work. Your friendships are made up of all the laughs and late night chats. Your job is as a result of all your little achievements. When you achieve something and take a step back, you realise how far you have come – and what a journey it’s been!
Today I am grateful for …
Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? Each day, write down one thing that you are grateful for. You will start to discover that the things you write down aren’t always the big things. You might be grateful that it was a sunny day, that you had a great workout or you were grateful for a colleague’s actions. Then, when you have a bad day, you can look back on all the little things that have made your day. Happiness is found in the littlest of places!
Making the memories last
I try to share little moments on my Instagram and blog so I can scroll back and look at all the amazing things I’ve done. But often I like a much more permanent reminder of my favourite memories and moments. It seems a little contradictory to start talking about jewellery here, but I love buying pieces that represent my happiest moments to make them last.
I went on holiday to Greece last year and it wasn’t particularly different to any other holiday I have had in Greece, but it was just perfect. I had my best friend with me along with my family and we shared so many great moments on that holiday! I bought a ring from a tiny jewellers on one of the islands. It was a handmade one off and the stone in it was the colour of the sea. Every time I look at that ring I smile and remember that holiday.
Jewellery is an incredibly personal thing, just like our memories. Thomas Sabo have some really beautiful pieces from silver rings to bracelets to hoop earrings that can be engraved so they are completely personal to you. So, whether it be a date or a name, the little moments can always be kept close.
This year one of my main things to do is focus on the little things, I’ve been doing it everydya so far this year and it is making such a difference to my mental health
Abi | abistreetx