The Little Things

I found this tea towel at one of my favorite boutiques the other day and just had to get it for my oven door, and since I do have days that are less than favorable, I wanted this little reminder that it is those little things that make me the happiest and bring the most joy into my daily life.

In eastern philosophy, the more one dwells on the negative, the more that negativity becomes part of his/her soul, until it eventually takes over. It can be hard to stop that cycle of thinking and there are certainly days when I begin to dwell on the negative, but when my mind turns to those little things that bring joy into my every day, the cycle stops and is replaced with optimism and peace.

Here are just a few of the small, seemingly insignificant things that make me smile and remind me that life IS good:

the sunrise through the kitchen windows

the sweet touch from Chris as he wakes me up every morning and sits on the edge of the bed to talk before he leaves for the day

the eager hugs and kisses from warm little bodies each morning

the mountains surrounding our home, and how they never fail to impress each time I walk back home from the mailbox

good friends, uplifting discussions, spontaneous conversations with neighbors outside while the kids play

laughter, giggles, squeals of delight

the excitement and nonstop chatter surrounding the kids when they arrive home from school each day

the peace inside the house when I have it to myself

the unexpected, touching conversation with a child while we're fixing dinner together

listening to a little one read out loud

taking the time to savor a book, listen to music, or play piano

freshly changed sheets on the bed, soft pillows, and the stars - always there, out the window for me to enjoy as I fall asleep