Covid
One thing that’s become clear to me as we approach the end of the ninth month of this pandemic is a renewed attention to and appreciation of the smaller things that happen throughout my day. This switch in focus has come about because I’m not leaving my home as much as I used to, nor am I seeing as many people face-to-face.
Like many single people I know, I’m spending more time alone. Fortunately, I’m in good health as are my friends and family, and I feel extremely fortunate for that, but there’s no doubt this situation we’re living in is taking its toll. I see evidence of these challenges in myself and in my clients. I’m sure that you’re feeling this as well.
Focusing on and recognizing the little things that occur throughout my day and that bring me some sense of joy or satisfaction help keep my spirits strong. For example, that could mean watching the birds mingle in my back garden. Or enjoying my afternoon tea as the sun begins its earlier descent of late fall. Or having my weekly telephone conversation with my good friend Jane, who lives in London.
Events such as these bring to mind the saying by Oliver Wendell Holmes, “Life is a great bundle of little things.” It’s true that over the course of our lives, we experience many more little moments of joy than bigger ones. And now, more than ever, we have time to savour these little moments, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. Of course, little things can also set us off, but for this week’s message, I just want to focus on the things that can make us happy and boost our mood.
Maybe you woke up unsettled on a grey day, but then the sun came out and promised a beautiful day. Maybe you were thinking of a friend who just happened to call at that very moment. Or maybe a stranger on the street pointed out that you dropped something that you would have regretted losing.
While we have minimal control over what’s going on now in our bigger world, we can exercise control over our own attention and focus. I hope you’ll give some attention to the joyous little moments in your life right now. Bask in a beautiful day, share a joke or a smile, do some little thing that gives you pleasure.