Right now, look up from your phone, or look away from the computer screen or the TV. Look around you, look in your loved ones’ faces or out of the window.
When did you last go for a walk in nature and notice the beauty around you?
People spend their days worrying and thinking about the big things: acing that big test, getting that big paying job, going on that big date. They fail to notice the sweet little things that make life so special:
The bird that is warbling in the tree branch outside of your office window is a call to enjoy the beauty of nature rather than the stress of work, yet you probably do not take the time to notice it because you just must get your proposal done for your demanding boss.
The smell of freshly baked bread can awaken pleasant memories of your childhood visiting grandma, yet you are too busy thinking about what you will make for dinner instead of enjoying the nostalgic loveliness.
Life is full of small, beautiful things, but we often fail to notice them because we are so focused on the future. As a result, we feel worried and anxious. The world seems dark.
Where Did All The Beauty Go That We Remember From Our Childhood?
The world is not completely dark and the beauty that you saw as a kid did not go anywhere. You have simply stopped seeing the world’s subtle beauty.
Noticing a million little things that make you feel joyful can sum up to one big joyful mood in your heart.
Don’t get me wrong. Big things, big goals, a purpose, it all matters, but it will not bring you true joy and happiness if you don’t appreciate the little things in-between.
Little Things Really Do Matter
Open your eyes, ears and all senses and notice and take in the little things in life. When you appreciate the little things, you begin to appreciate all of life. You become happier. Throughout the day, you receive little tidbits of happiness to even out the stress and depression that your job and other worries may bring with them.
Yes, it can be hard to enjoy life after a severe loss, trauma, catastrophic event, or tragedy. It shows you that the worst that you can imagine is indeed possible.
These days, many people feel that they have little to live for. Depression is becoming more and more common.
When you focus on loss and grief, you feel sad, but if you learn to appreciate the little things in life, you will feel better, because you had a chance to feel a little joy for at least just a moment.
Just a moment of happy observation or being absorbed in a happy memory can do wonders in lifting your mood.
Depression and anxiety grow because people lose what is most important to them. They lose themselves, their purpose, their passion, the sense of who they really are and who they want to truly become.
They stop really living, and they stop enjoying the real life around them. They become automatons, slaves to technology or to the demands of others and they hate every minute that they are stuck in this rut.
People sometimes make the mistake of thinking that the little things are not important, but they truly are.
A Thousand Little Things Add Up Into One Big Thing
Experiencing just a few moments of happiness throughout the day is better than no happiness at all. Take a few moments to reflect on the beauty of the world around you, and you will begin to fall in love again – with your life and with life in general.
Just by reading this article, putting it into action daily and learning to appreciate the little things in life, you can become at least ten percent happier. You will renew your passion for life as you realize how much there is to live for.
Your gratitude and positivity will flourish, and there will be no more room for depression and boredom.
Treat Every Day As A New Adventure
Imagine yourself as Indiana Jones or your favourite action hero, undertaking a new treasure hunt every day, the moment you wake up!
Instead of just hurrying to work or going about your normal routine feeling like you do not have time for anything special, go try that new coffee place, journal about gratitude, sniff the roses in the park, or stop to admire a scenic view.
Instead of crashing in front of the TV with a beer after work, too exhausted to do anything, start that project that you have been putting off, play a new game with your kids, or try to cook something you have never cooked before.
Most people coming home tired after work are not physically tired after work, they are just drained of energy and uninspired.
Start trying new things and exploring yourself and the world around you. Have conversations with strangers and try new classes and new workout routines. The world offers a great deal to explore, and you may just find something you really enjoy doing.
The world is ripe for the picking right outside your bedroom window.
But you don’t have to try new things right away. You can just take a moment to appreciate the activities you already do and the things you already have. This alone can restore your vigour and vitality.
You may find that your life is already quite full and wonderful, and that you have just gotten used to the routine and comfort of it and the habit to ignore it.
You will be surprised when you look around and realize all the joyful, beautiful things that you already have.
Appreciation Is Important
You see the beauty in the world. You feel full of joy and gratitude, both wonderful feelings. Appreciating the little things helps you find happiness when it seems that there is none. You will never completely despair, for there is so much to love and live for.
You will start to feel so much better when you become more receptive to the beauty of the world. Even the little things will become special to you. You will be full of joy and happiness as you look around you, absorbing the preciousness of the world.
Hopefully, by now, you have regained somewhat of a childlike innocence and curiosity with which you view the world. Instead of focusing on all the unimportant worries and cares of adulthood, you focus on the beautiful little things in life. You can let go of mundane cares and worries to let in some joy and a sense of freedom.
Instead of drinking alcohol, drink in the world around you. There is so much out there to experience, to appreciate, and to love. As you begin to appreciate the little things, you will begin to feel more alive. The dullness of depression will suddenly dissipate when you become aware of the worthiness and beauty of the world. Your passion for life will become stronger.
Are you stuck? Need help?
But if you find yourself stuck in it, please ask for help. Reach out to a friend, a loved one, your doctor, counsellor, priest, or myself for help. You are not alone and there are people ready to help you get unstuck and start living your best life!
About the Author:
Dr. Christine Sauer MD ND is a retired physician and naturopath as well as a Certified Brain and Mental Health Professional (on the Teaching Team of Dr. Daniel Amen MD), a Licensed Neuroencoding Specialist (Dr. Joseph McClendon III), Havening Techniques® Practitioner and a “Mental Health Thriver”, a multiple bestselling author and engaging speaker. She is working as a Holistic Mental Health & Brain Health Trainer, Coach and Educator and is specializing in helping people to “sparkle” (to live their best life) – and to overcome depression and anxiety by using a combination of knowledge, science, nature, experience, fun, art, and love.
Website: https://DocChristine.com
Facebook Group “Sparkles”: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sparklesisters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristinesauer/
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