Notice the Little Things

“It’s the little things that matter the most.” We’ve all heard the saying but do we really think this saying has legitimacy? Sometimes (especially on a Monday morning) I feel that there is no meaning or purpose for the day. Maybe the meaning and purpose for today is not something big or grandiose. Maybe it’s the little things, the details, that give the day meaning and value. Today I’m going to smile at someone to try and change that person’s mood. I’m going to appreciate taking my son to school, paying bills, and even daily works tasks. These are the little things that give meaning to my life.

Take Action

You have the choice to take action. You could spend your whole life waiting for the right day, the right time, or the right circumstance to “come along”. We are all faced with choices every day, every hour. Think of a goal, large or small. Then think of one action you can take toward that goal. If you are not taking a step toward anything, the day can seem bleak and purposeless. Who wants that? I never want to be a stagnant pond — how about you? What ripples are in store for this morning, this day, this week? Pressing on toward the goal…

Show Appreciation

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” ~ Ralph Marston. All of us need to know that we are important and that our contributions are valued. To receive the respect and acknowledge we want and deserve, we must acknowledge and respect others. Today I want to make sure that others, including members of my family, know how much I appreciate them!

Relax the Need to be Right

“It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time. Anger and laughter are mutually exclusive and you have the power to choose either.” ~Wayne Dyer, author and speaker As I’ve said before, joy is a choice. Laugher is a choice too. Why would you choose anger? Is it because you want to be recognized as being right? Holding onto anger causes loads of stress. Have you watched as someone who is so angry and frustrated clenches his fists? The knuckles turn white. Letting go of those tightly clenched fists would be so relaxing. I’m going to strive to let go of being right all the time. I’m going to relax my heart and realize that if I believe that I am right, that’s enough. It is truly narcissistic of me to think that the world will share my every opinion or that I have the obligation to the world to prove my point of view.

 

Today I’m thinking about noise. Noise comes in many forms, such as loud voices, background noise or too much clutter in a room. My husband will testify that I am very sensitive to sound. I know he initially thinks I’m being bossy when I say turn down the radio or television but when any sound is at a certain decibel it physically hurts me. Look around. Have you filled your time, your days and your surroundings with noise and clutter? Only you can create the space and room to prepare for joy. I’m going to clear one area of my home from clutter and clear a part of my day for quiet.

This morning I am remembering that I am responsible for my own joy and happiness. You too can thoroughly embrace this idea — it can make you feel powerful. You have the ability to bring joy into your life. Anytime you feel as if you have been taking life too seriously, remember funny scenes from a television show or movie. You can look up funny scenes on YouTube and watch anytime. Today, I choose joy. Will you?

Do you hold your breath as you concentrate on something? I’ve seen people hold their breath when doing strenuous exercises or when they get nervous or tense. Several months ago I flew in an airplane for the first time in over 25 years. I was anxious about it, to say the least. It wasn’t that I was afraid of crashing — I was, instead, afraid of being afraid. I feared that I would be overcome with, well, fear. I have often suggested to others to remind themselves to breathe. It sounds funny to have to be reminded to breathe, but when we don’t breathe deeply, we are denying our cells (including the ones in our brains) the oxygen they need for optimal performance. I took my own advice and focused on breathing when I felt that first little bit of turbulence. I made it through two flights by simply reminding myself to breathe. Use calming breathing techniques throughout your day. Remind yourself. You will be amazed at the difference in the results of interactions if you intentionally breathe before phone calls that may be anxiety producing, before speaking at a meeting, and before addressing a person whom you know is difficult. I’m reminding myself today to breathe.

Ever hear the saying, “you can’t see the forest for the trees”? That’s what happens when you have a problem that you can’t seem to solve. You become too close to it and can’t see your way to a solution. Take a “day off” from the problem. When the problem comes to mind, tell it that you are taking a day off. Your mind continues to work on the solution at a subconscious level. I’ve done this and been surprised at what solutions arise the following day.

Sometimes a change of scenery is needed. Even a day trip to a different part of the state or region can be refreshing. I’m going to set out after work with a tent and a couple of other items for an overnight at a not too far away resort. A campfire and no television sounds to me like the makings of a period of refreshing. I’m not making a weekend of it and actually have an appointment tomorrow afternoon in “civilization”. I read somewhere that a new place gives us new images and ideas to add to our reality. I’m thinking that at this point even refreshing the old images and ideas will be well worth the short drive and little bit of effort this brief respite requires.