Life is only once and what is there in it if we don’t live the way we want. It is alright to keep working for your family, living for your daughter, living for your son, living for your husband, living for your wife, living with your mother, living for your father and so on. There is nothing wrong in living for others but just think for a moment and ask yourself, “Am I living for myself?” Mostly the answer will be no but, hey that is okay. Learn to appreciate the small things in life as those small things are what your life is made of. When you look back in time these small things will be the big things and you would proudly say, “Glad, I did those things.”
What is really appreciating the small things and what benefits that you will get?
Appreciating the little things means focusing and paying attention to the things and events that happen in your life on a daily basis which you will nurture it. Those small pleasurable things which will put on a big smile on your face whenever you think of that are the little things. It means developing the attitude of gratitude for those everyday little things and that you get easily, you take for granted and much more. Having this attitude of gratitude will not stop you from getting negative impact but will give you the outlook to look on the bright side of life.
What research says about gratitude?
Recently several types of research are being conducted on gratitude and researchers says this as a new field of study. In the study, participants who keep a gratitude journal writing on a regular basis were studied from those who hadn’t. These results show that people who regularly write gratitude journal had a more optimistic view on life and better well being, always experience positive moods and also help others a lot. They even exercise a lot, studies shows. They stay healthy in both physically and mentally.
Attitude of gratitude builds your resilience
When we show gratitude to our loved ones or a complete stranger we are sharing the positive vibes within ourselves and also with the community. Reciprocating this will create a positive environment thus enhancing ourselves in meeting new people and creating a bond. Sometimes this bonding changes into a very special bond earning you some valuable people in your life.
What can you do to appreciate the little things in life?
Well, there are many ways to appreciate the little things in life. Let me share what I do.
Maintaining a gratitude journal
Keep a separate journal and write down the things that you are grateful for that happened in that day. It may be a cute message from your friend, a delightful meal that you had, saving money, a memorable trip, weekend excursion or a short trip, or even helping a complete stranger and much more. Spend some ten to fifteen minutes for this every day. After a few weeks, this will evolve into a habit and you will start to spend some extra time. You will feel the change in yourself gradually. You will be aware of all the things that happen in your life and will start to appreciate them at the right times.
Celebrating the little things
We all have those big things like wedding, birthdays, graduation, promotion to celebrate for. But why not celebrate the small things that happen in everyday life. Some examples would be celebrating a nice weather by an outing with your friend, giving a special treat for your pet, arranging a dinner for the neighborhood just to celebrate the night. These small things will remain in your memory forever giving you happiness.
Slow down and enjoy a bit. Living in the moment is one of the great things that we forget to do in our busy schedule. Take time for yourself, enjoy the little things and feel the change. It won’t happen in a night but it will come with patience. Patience is the key to all. And practice. Everything in this world is achieved by constant practice and determination. If you are enjoying a day keep enjoying every day. If you are writing down the things for a day keep writing the things that you are grateful for never missing even for a single day without giving some petty excuses. People who give excuses will keep on giving excuses and they never change. But you are not like that. You are special. You are unique. You are capable of achieving the great things that you have aimed for. Never give up because somebody laughs at you. People who laugh will be laughing but never care for them and keep on living your life the way you wanted.
Thanks for reading. Good luck. 🙂