Yes, it is the time of year again when we start feeling the pressure to spend money and be cheery. But the holidays usually mean stress for most of us—our emotions run high, and we feel like we don’t have time to take a breath or live in the moment. But if you want to enjoy the holidays, that’s exactly what you need to do, and you can start by learning to appreciate the little things.
The Little Things Count
Joy is not found in one great big thing. While big things are wonderful, they are few and far between. They are not the things that make you happy from day to day. What does make you happy, day to day, are the little things. They are what counts, my friends.
- The Gentle Blessings
Remember the little things, or the small wins, as I call them, this Thanksgiving. They’re the little things that bring a smile to your face, whether it’s a text from a friend you haven’t seen or heard from in a while or watching children playing in the snow. It’s really anything that makes a moment pleasant, like coming home to someone else doing the dishes, having the door open for you, or getting home in a reasonable amount of time during rush hour. The little things add up, so don’t forget them and be grateful for each and every one of them. They are gentle blessings!
- Mood, Stress, and Awareness
Think back to a day when one good thing and one bad thing happened. Perhaps your barista spelled your name correctly on your coffee cup for the first time in ages, and then your boss got snippy with you at work. What experience from that day sticks out to you the most? Chances are, it’s your snippy boss. What about the day you came home to clean and fold laundry, but your partner broke up with you? When there’s so much on a bigger scale that goes on in your life, it’s far too easy to oversee the small blessings you are granted. But I tell you that taking time in your day to recognize those seemingly insignificant events will naturally raise your mood, decrease stress, and heighten your awareness of the world around you.
- Pay It Forward
When someone does something nice for you, remember to thank them. That shows gratitude. Thank the person who made your coffee. Thank the person who did the dishes or the laundry. If someone holds the door open for you, hold the door open for someone else. If someone compliments you, be sure to compliment them back. Not only does this kind of active engagement elevate your heart and soul to a higher vibration, but it’s also infectious as well.
- Engage More, Receive More
The more you engage, the more you’ll receive. If we all spent more time appreciating and being grateful for the little things, the world would be better. And that is something you can take to the bank! So take care this holiday season, and thank you for taking the time to read this!
Engaging more and receiving more is a compelling idea. It’s true that a collective focus on gratitude and small acts of kindness could potentially lead to broader societal benefits.
The concept of focusing on small blessings as a way to enhance one’s overall happiness resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that the accumulation of minor positive experiences can outweigh singular negative events.
The discussion of mood, stress, and awareness is particularly insightful. Recognizing small positive moments can indeed help mitigate the impact of larger negative experiences, fostering resilience.
The article makes a solid point about the importance of gratitude and paying it forward. Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, contributing to a more positive communal atmosphere.
Appreciating the little things is a valuable practice, especially during the holidays when stress levels are often higher. It’s a useful strategy for improving mental health and emotional well-being.