Throughout the past year, I’ve learned to appreciate all the little things in life — and that’s where my good news comes from. When all the headlines around me are negative, sad or scary, I decide to look at the little things in life that bring me joy and peace.
For example, recently I have found joy in the fact that it is staying light longer. After a long winter of people complaining about how daylight saving ruined their lives on my Twitter feed, I was pleased when the sun decided to set a little later. The simple anticipation of a new season with new beginnings has kept me grounded in good news the past few weeks.
Another example: I have recently been really excited over the fact that I will never have to experience an awkward first day of college where I don’t know anybody. Thanks to Zoom, I have made friends and will recognize familiar faces on campus — at least from the waist up. This little perk of online school makes me appreciate the connection Zoom brings, and I am thankful that I took the time to realize that.
Whether it’s a simple cup of coffee in the morning, FaceTiming friends or finishing a good book, the little things in my life bring me joy on a daily basis. When I was forced to slow down, I had to find beauty in the simplicity of my life, instead of always racing from one thing to the next to keep me occupied.
There’s an analogy that I love called “Summit Fever.” Well, it’s not actually an analogy, it’s a real thing. Sometimes, hikers will be so anxious to get to the top of the mountain that they over-exert themselves on the way up. They race to the summit, out of breath, and then once they get there they realize they missed the best part — the journey. I think the same thing is true for our lives. If we are always racing to the top, or to the next thing, then we are going to miss the best parts — the simple parts of life.
I understand that it sounds cliché to say it’s important to find the good in small interactions, but if we don’t appreciate the little things, then how do we know we’ll fully appreciate the big things? As life starts to get busier again, and we start moving forward toward normal life, I want to continue to practice gratitude and find joy in the simplicity of life.
If you’ve been struggling to find some good news recently, I’d encourage you to slow down and take notice of the simple things that happen in your life that could bring you a little joy in the midst of an unprecedented time.
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Contact Abby Wilt via Twitter: @abby_wilt or by email abby.wilt@pepperdine.edu
