I remember being assigned a short story to read in 9th grade that comes back to visit my brain every so often. I have no recollection of the title or the author, but I remember the premise.
We follow an individual through a day where they are feeling good and take pleasure in small things. They happily acknowledge the feel of their feet on the sidewalk as they walk in comfortable shoes. They appreciate the sunny, pleasant day and the sound of leaves rustling in a light breeze.
This individual takes advantage of various opportunities to do something nice for others. Buying a stranger a coffee, holding the door for another person, and returning a wallet to a person who had lost it.
Of course, it was nice enough to read, but I was wondering what the point of it was until we arrived at this person's home and they compared notes with their partner, who had returned at the same time. The partner had taken the opposite approach, taking pleasure in the fact that they probably got someone fired (among other things).
The story ends when they agree to switch roles tomorrow....
Let's just say I had some problems with that whole premise. But, I suspect that was the whole point.
Permission to Enjoy the Simple or Mundane
Aside from the shock value of two people deciding to take turns as to who gets to do nice or not nice, I actually think more about the story before the 'big reveal.' The main character takes notice of and appreciates a series of things that may not seem like that much of a big deal - and it seems to improve their happiness.
How often do you (and I) tell ourselves that it is absurd to be pleased with something because it is too simple, too easy, or just not really all that important?
We probably do this at least as often as we let something small irritate us and make us unhappy.
I tell you what - I hereby grant myself AND you permission to truly enjoy the little things too so we can offset all of the molehills we turn into mountains when we're not happy with what is going on.
Some Little Things
I was tempted to title this section "stupid little things," but thought better of it. Why? Because, if I do that, I am still not giving myself permission to actually enjoy them without apology. There is no reason to apologize here! We can just let ourselves be happy because we like what we like.
Don't make it more complicated. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks.
I found a mechanical pencil that feels REALLY good when I write with it. The lead doesn't break and it feels sturdy enough that it will last for a long time (as long as I keep track of it). I like it. That makes me happy.
There's this piece of music that features piano and cello. The cello plays a beautiful turn in a musical phrase that makes me think about good things. I like it and it makes me happy.
We have a black cat that has moved onto the farm and we’ve named him Hoover. Why Hoover? Well, you should see him suck up the food! Anyway, Hoover loves to “ankle polish.” I think he’s learned to not get in the way when I’m walking now, but it’s actually kind of nice to have a cat do that figure eight thing around your legs when you’re standing still.
That’s just three little things. Each of them is an example of a little thing that I have recently appreciated. And, I actually took some pleasure in recalling each of them and putting their memory into words.
Is that what they call a “two for one?”
I Challenge You!
I recognize that you may be going through some rough times right now. I also understand that this challenge may seem like it is trying to make like of big, bad and difficult things that are going on around us. And if you feel that way, that’s okay. You don’t have to accept the challenge.
However, I often find that allowing myself to take joy in little things helps me to deal with the negative feelings and difficult stuff. Please note that I am not trying to tell you to forget the challenging stuff in your life, nor am I asking you to pretend they don’t impact you. Instead, I’m telling you that this is one way you can work to get your ledger balanced between the person who strolls down the sidewalk and smells the roses and the other one who storms into the room demanding satisfaction.
I challenge you to make a list of three little things that have made you happy recently.
You don’t have to share it with anyone. You don’t have to defend what you put on the list.
You only need to remember the feeling you had when those little things meant something good to you.