I never really appreciated all the effort she took to do these simple little things for us, but now, I can honestly say that I do. (Sorry it’s about 20 years late, Mom!) I am amazed how doing this one simple task has changed my mornings. A simple New Years’ resolution that is really paying off. Did you make a resolution for the new year? It doesn’t have to be big. I think that’s the problem with a lot of people today…everyone thinks too big. Just because it’s big, doesn’t mean its better. In fact, I’ve found that in my world, what gives me the most happiness are the little things. Quite honestly, I’ve found that the bigger the ‘thing’ is, the more headaches it usually causes. For example, my house… it’s big. (You know, compared to say, a microwave.) It has big, expensive problems like leaking showers, a broken water heater, a busted stove and carpets in need of replacing. Or, how about a car? There’s another example of something big with big issues. Gas costs a fortune, new tires, new brakes…the list goes on. What about new cars? Sure, they can be great! They can also be a big car payment coming out of my bank account every month which mean more hours of working to pay for said new car and less hours of me enjoying life.
Now, conversely, the little things…oh how they are wonderful! A $5 pizza after a long day at work and not having to cook dinner…amazing! An inexpensive night out with friends, dancing and laughing…fantastic! Yummy coffee, my slippers and a good book on the couch…heavenly! Hearing my favorite song on the radio on my way into work… mood lifting!
For me, life is all about the little things. Fancy creamer in my coffee. Hugs from people I love. Kids lunches made the night before. A good run with a friend while dreaming of donuts. (Sigh...Donuts…there’s always room for donuts!)
Resolutions don’t have to be big. Changes in your life don’t have to be big to make a big difference. Sometimes, just doing something small can ease the weight from your shoulders (like me making lunches at night.) Small changes can ease you into a whole new phase of your life. Something as simple as taking a 15-minute walk every day can do more good for not only your health, but for your self esteem and mental strength, rather than trying make yourself go to the gym for two hours, three times a week, and then realizing you can’t keep it up because it was just too big for you to tackle. This was one of the ways I was so successful in my weight-loss journey. Instead of saying, “I want to lose 50 pounds this year,” how about, “I want to lose 10 pounds over the next three months.” Think little. When you hit your 10-pound mark (most likely long before your three-month deadline), the feeling of success and achievement will overwhelm and inspire you to keep going. Then, you can readjust your goals and go for another 10. Breaking it down into smaller, more do-able goals allows you to actually succeed at what you’re trying to achieve.
Perhaps you want to go on a vacation but can never seem to save enough money to get there. Maybe you should alter your plans and look for less expensive trip options with layaway payment plans. Or, perhaps do a local weekend road trip with an old friend instead of your beach vacation to the Mexican Riviera…you might discover some things you never knew. (Like perhaps where Big Foot’s hidey-hole is!)
What I’ve found to be true is that the little things usually lead to much bigger things…like self-satisfaction and achievement of goals you never thought possible. For me, running just one mile eventually led me to running 13.1 miles in a half-marathon. It's those little things that lead to the bigger things which then bring you to the BEST things…the truest things that bring the most happiness, peace and joy in our lives.
So when you’re thinking of the next big thing for yourself this year, try something new: think about the next little thing instead.
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