Sometimes I have a moment when I remember that there are so many ways to make an certain experience happier. And for whatever reason, I don’t choose to take advantage of those ways.
There are these little, tiny, almost insignificant steps that can bring more ease and joy to an activity. Steps that aren’t difficult or time-consuming. So why I don’t take those steps way more often?
Maybe part of it has to do with just how tiny and insignificant they seem. Like, why bother?
This morning while I made breakfast and chopped vegetables for lunch, I put on music and even, um, twirled around the kitchen a bit. (Bonnie Raitt in case you need the full, embarrassing picture.)
Usually I go about this part of my day quietly which is also perfectly nice. But adding music changes things, changes me, even if just for those few minutes.
Maybe I’m waiting to sing and dance around my kitchen until all of the Big, Important Things are just right. But of course that never happens — there is always something between here and there.
And waiting is so nonsensical, because all of those hoped-for changes are only designed to make me happy. And I can be a little bit happier just by singing “Luck of the Draw” while I make a smoothie.
Maybe when I’m already feeling cheerful, I’m more likely to take these steps. Which comes first?
I guess I don’t really want that to matter. I want to remember to choose the happifying steps either way. Because just acting cheerful is so stunningly effective.
Now I’m wondering how to plant reminders, something that says: Hey, remember how much more fun it is when you take the time to play a song? And maybe creating rituals around the tiny steps.
And I wonder about all the other little tweaks that can bring more light and fun and grace to my day.
All of it has these words of Thich Nhat Hanh swirling in my head:
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
Do you ever notice this or forget to do the little things that make you happier? How do you remember?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What interesting timing on this!
Just within the last 30 minutes or so, I was trying to settle in to do some writing, and thinking about how I should open iTunes for some music. But I didn’t do it.
And I even caught myself kind of questioning the choice, and wondering why I didn’t do it even after thinking I should. As though leaning over to unplug the headphones and turn on the speakers was just too hard. Or maybe that it’s too easy? Hmmm…
Well, I’ve turned on the music now, at least. I’ll have to ponder this some more.
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I often feel myself waiting for circumstances to be “just right” before allowing myself to relax and enjoy my hard work. But I’m realizing that means I’ll spend a lot more time waiting and a lot less time enjoying!
I bought myself daffodils last week (3 bunches for $5!) and put them on my desk. When I look up from my computer, they are right there. It’s such a small gesture, but I feel the difference. My world feels sunnier.
Oh, and I love Bonnie Raitt. I think I’m going to turn on “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” right now!
Creating rituals is such a great way to remember! Thanks for the reminder that it’s worth creating some even around the tiniest things.
So it happens to you guys, too… hope you find some brilliant solutions. This morning, I forgot to turn on music until half way through the vegetable chopping! And @Darrah – flowers are such a great reminder – I bought tulips a few weeks ago and they cheered me every time I saw them – enjoy those daffodils!