It Matters to Me: “The Little Things”
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sometimes life gets so busy, engulfing and chaotic it is easy to think you have time for only the “big stuff”. The new car, the “perfect” job, the ideal relationship with a significant other, the biggest house on the block, the latest fashions ... You understand where I’m going with this. But one thing that makes life as wonderful as it is, is the “small stuff.” After all, big things are made up of the smaller ones.
I remind myself in everyday situations to embrace those small, often overlooked things that bring so much joy to me — my love of classic rock, not only because I think the music is awesome, but also because of where that love came from. I have fond memories of riding in the truck with my older brother who instilled in me that appreciation of Skynyrd, AC/DC and Guns n’ Roses (just to name a few).
It’s the small, glittery heart tattoo that my niece applied to my arm. Not because I think it looks attractive on me but because of the excitement in her big blue eyes. She thinks she’s being a “big girl” with her aunt. She is one cool chick who already has put six of those tatoos on herself with the wet washcloth.
It’s the smell of an everyday item and the memory that accompanies it — my sunscreen because it reminds me of being at the pool and lake with my family as a young girl or a fresh, sliced tomato because it takes me back to my grandpa’s produce stand in the summertime where he had the tastiest peaches and tomatoes in the county.
It’s walking through Wal-Mart any time between mid-July to late August and seeing all the school supplies, not because I’m there to buy any for myself but because I remember the excitement of going back to school when I was a student, and seeing the faces of youngsters shopping with that same feeling. The little things.
It’s the precisely placed Razorback sticker on the back of the vehicle I wait behind in traffic. Though I’d rather not be sitting at the red light, that small red, hairy beast is a symbol to me of the huge love, support and excitement shared by many Arkansans.
Logically, focusing on the small things makes sense. When you have a huge goal or dream, starting with the small details is what makes the journey successful. Small step by small step.
The little things. It’s waking up much earlier than I am accustomed to, but knowing I am about to escort my nephew to kindergarten for the first time makes it more than worth it.
It’s bypassing the huge, overrated store or restaurant or material thing, because the small, local or more down-to-earth things sometimes are more comforting in the end. It’s remembering your friends’ birthdays, sending that one more e-mail or note when you’re ready to be done for the day. It’s the enjoyment of showing the world your superstar skills even if you are just in front of your own mirror at home with nobody around.
It’s honking as I drive past the sweaty, weary construction workers on the side of the road just to give them a smile. It’s riding around in the car with my sister, visiting because we need to “catch up.” With no worry about today’s pricey gasoline or our to-do lists, this small thing is no “small thing” to take for granted.
Whether it is a photograph, a specific area of town, an aroma, a brief memory, a 3-minute visit with a friend ... I encourage you to embrace the small things that bless everyday life.
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