Charles W. Chestnutt once told – “We sometimes underestimate the influence of little things.”
I couldn’t agree more. In this fast paced life, day after day, we take out such less time or sometimes no time at all to appreciate the little things. The things that make us smile. The things that affect us in most sub conscience ways. Things that help us grow. Things that influence us, as an individual.
Hence, I thought of writing about some things that I’ve noticed past few weeks and I’m sure you can relate to a thing or two for sure. Let’s begin.
- Ticking things off a list. I cannot insist enough on how good that feels. When I’ve made a list of things to do/buy/complete with an end date and the feeling of crossing things off one by one. And finally seeing it complete. From smallest of day-to-day tasks to something you might have written years ago.
- Giving a friend a hug. This is something each one would have given or received at one point or another. It can heal better than a thousand pills together. And the feeling of being able to be there for someone when needed most, one of the most priceless gifts one can ever give.
- Being shared some personal problems by someone whom you aren’t even close to. But yet, you stand there listening to someone vent it out to you. Just being there for someone. Makes you feel like you are indeed doing something nice with your life. Happened with me one evening recently, after my dance class. Felt like I could be there and just support.
- Learning new things each day. As much as big efforts and stepping-stones are important, so are the learning on day-to-day basis. Be it about some new technology or about a new culture or simply a new word for the day. It really makes me feel one tiny step better than yesterday. Why? Because I feel I’m growing. With each new thing I learn, widens my perspective tiny bit more.
- Trying things outside comfort zone. So recently, I decided to help with a TechCamp. Being from engineering background, thought it should be something that I should be able to do. But the catch was, it was for kids, and it was mentoring them in another language (German). Thanks to my very minimal knowledge of the language, technically, it was something outside my comfort zone. This was not something where I need to talk and have a conversation with someone who knows some English words. Anyhow, this turned out to be the best decision in last few days. The thrill of trying something new, using my limited skills to its best and ending it with having a connection with the little kids, gives me another sense of happiness altogether. Step out. Do something that scares you. Or something you think you might not be really good at. And enjoy this feeling.
- Being able to out-do yourself. Say there is a task that needs to be done. And a certain time is given/expected. And you finish it even before the deadline. Even after years of work, this does give you that tiny bit of happiness and self-confidence. Gather it. Enjoy it.
- Sending someone a message that helps them at THE time of need. And fits the situation perfectly. And then receiving a simple thank you for helping them with that one message you sent. Made my day for sure!
- Maintaining an expense sheet and finally after months seeing something +ve in there. Enough said. We all know how awesome this feels!
- Planning a vacation. The thrill of simply being able to decide and plan a vacation months in advance. Being able to pay for it. Being ready. Gives me goosebumps (from excitement!). Doesn’t it for you?
- Talking to someone who is considered below the standard line (according to society) and making them feel nice and you feeling nice yourself. I’ve seen some real jerks who treat cashier or cleaning lady for example in such a shitty way. And the same thing turns into something so nice if you just have a small talk with them. Ask them about their day. Their plans and so on. Treat them exactly how you treat someone with fancy car or your boss. People are people. And a lot of times, sadly it’s forgotten by many just based on their job profile.
- Saying a simple thank you. If someone did even the smallest of thing for you, thank them. If you feel they made you smile. Thank them. It not only makes them feel good, but see the positivity that flows within you with such a simple act.
- The feeling of seeing 0.5 kilo less on your weighing scale. So you have been cutting down on some junk, a little bit of sugar or you have been simply been active. And one day you see a change. Wow! The feeling! 🙂
- Dancing. I have been dancing since I was a kid. It always gave me the happiness that nothing else could. Ever. And not too long ago, I started dancing again. In an actual school. This feeling is simply the best for me. What’s even more fun, is the imagination that I have, as to how I might look dancing. But the reality is simply different. Or so I’ve been told (:D) Nonetheless, this is the feeling I’m not giving up on. No matter who says what.
- Overcoming the insecurity of being the only brown person in a party. It felt so good at the end of the evening that you were no longer judged on your skin color. But simply appreciated for you. By default, the feeling of insecurity has been instilled sub consciously while growing up in India. That brown skin is inferior. Learning how to be yourself and being proud of being you more importantly, is one of the nicest feelings I felt.
- The feeling after having a complete conversation of over half hour with someone in a foreign language. I cannot express how overwhelmed I feel when I see the learning from years coming into reality. Feels amazing when someone says you’re way better than before and improving well, when it comes to this language. Anyone who is learning another language will definitely feel with me.
- Hearing some really good music or maybe some favorite songs on way to work, and entering with the biggest smile. Love this feeling! Why? Because it spreads so much of genuine happiness when you greet someone in the morning.
- And finally, out of many other things, the feeling of hearing that you are loved for who you really are. I think nothing can beat this. You being accepted for exactly who you are. Exactly how you look. And exactly for being you.
Here were some of the little things that made my day and has been making my days even brighter. It’s time to appreciate little things and make most of them. Because only when you are positive and grateful for little things, bigger things come into light. Bigger picture is after all made from the little pieces of puzzle, which are the little things.
Keep smiling and stay strong! 🙂
P.S. Let me know what else makes you happy and leave in the comments below 🙂
P.P.S. Share it with someone who is looking for something to be happy about 🙂
Cube of Life 
Love It 🙂 I love the way you write.
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Hey, thanks for the sharing this! Sometimes you feel like you don’t know where your life is going, and it just feels amazing when something makes you realise it’s all good, that you just need to change your perspective and get on with life, that it’s all gonna be worth it. I had subscribed to your blog long back, but the mails used to vanish in the long unread inbox, glad that I opened this.
Vimal Kaurani
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