It’s the Little Things…
The Little Things Matter
Saturday morning —- I am up early --- made my bed --- reference:
Admiral William H. McRaven University of Texas Commencement Speech 2014
The little things matter
It is rainy blustery day - took a shower -- visited my coffee spot – Poggio – talked to my pals: Diego, Freddy, Vivi, Jorge -- filled the tank --- gluten-free bakery --- talk to my daughter --- talk to my daughter-in-law --- pedicure --- went to San Anselmo. There's a coffee shop there, four talented musicians are there on Saturday morning, jamming. The place is crowded * A couple had an extra chair at their table * They offered the it to me * I didn't know them but we chatted like old friends * I was wearing a jacket that I had won at a horse show * Turns out they were into horses too * thanked them for the chair * wished them a great day * left some money for the band * went to the next little town * walked around Phoenix Lake.
It had just rained and the lake and the creeks were full of water. All was green, fresh and peaceful. A true oasis from an otherwise chaotic and sad world. The air was fresh and pure.
When I returned to my car I took a deep breath and thought to myself --- this has been a wonderful morning.
I just don't think we pay enough attention to the little things. I felt good about this day. It's not that I accomplished anything big. Didn't complete a transaction, didn't make any money or solve any fundamental problems. I just did little things but all the little things were really quite pleasant. My reward was a feeling of joy and calm.
There is so much in the world that is big. Everything is outsized – Ukraine – Russia – Gaza - that guy that lies all the time (just can't figure out why we allow him to dominate the narrative when none of it is true.) Contrary to the dominance of the world, this morning, my day, was full of little things. A day filled with the miniature and people that I love. I felt good about acknowledging them instead of focusing on the big things. Little things deserve attention.
I was concerned about what I might write this week. As I sat in the car with the rain coming down, my car filled with that soothing sound, I thought about the little things. Those were the things that warmed me on this chilly day. It’s 10:00am and I have the whole day ahead of me to accomplish big things. Or maybe I will just focus on the little things and let the big things take care of themselves.
When we have accomplished little things, stayed in touch with those we love, done some personal care things our day is already an accomplishment. Emboldened by the understanding that completion is already a part of my day. Perhaps not in a global context, but in the context of my life, I feel replenished and complete.
It's the little things