So many times you hear that the grand gestures in life are what matters most. That's what shows someone really cares about you. Or, if not grand gestures, then the expensive things, leading many to believe that money buys happiness. The more you or someone else spends, or the bigger the even, the more it means, and the happier you'll be. I say there wrong. I have learned that it's the smaller things in life that really matter to me, so I thought I would share some of those things with you.
For starters, nothing puts a smile on my face faster than hearing one of my babies say they love me, or giving me a hug or kiss. Well, actually, usually, just my kids in general. We dance and sing and have a good time listening to music, which is cheap entertainment, and it outs all of us in a better mood. Sometimes, after they go to school for the day, I find videos they've taken with my phone the day before, which cracks me up. And, nothing makes me prouder of them than seeing them accomplish something they've been working on. Joseph made As on his last two major school projects, learned how to swim and roller skate, and is learning how to play the electric guitar. Caleb has learned that you have to behave in school. And, Ruthie has learned how to peddle her big girl bike. They are always proud of themselves, and I of them.
My favorite thing to do is to sit outside. I usually sit on an outdoor swing, first my grandma's and now mine. A friend came and built me one of my own over the weekend, and was amused because I was excited like a child on Christmas morning. Something me and most of my friends like to do is what we call "visiting Penny-wise " Basically, it means we walk two houses down and sit on the sewer on the side of the road. It's peaceful there, though, and somehow, it's one of my favorite things to do. Not to mention, sitting on the porches, laying on the trampoline, and pacing in the yard. None of these things cost anything, but they all put me in a better mood.
I get excited, too, though about accomplishing things for myself, like when I get a passing grade on a paper at school. Or, when I complete a class. The other day I was super excited that I got my ninety days key chain. I"m happy when I find a new book to read and when I complete it. Starting a project that needs doing, such as re-doing Ruthie's room helps me to feel motivated to do more. Finishing a project makes me feel accomplished. And, oddly, when we watch game shows and I know the answers, I get really excited. It makes me feel like I'm retaining more than I thought.
And, lastly, but certainly not least, my folks and some of the other members of my family always make things seem a little brighter. My best friend phone tags me from jail and it automatically puts a smile on my face. I get a letter from him and I smile and laugh the entire time I'm reading it. I watch TV with my grandma or movies with my kids and feel content. Other friends, Facebook me, call me, or text me, and I'm happy to get to talk to them. And, re-getting to know my neighbors even seems like something to enjoy, these days.
See? None of this involves tons of money or grand gestures, but all makes me just as happy or happier than if it did. I've learned over the last two years that both people and possessions come and go with quickness, so you have to enjoy everything for what it is. And, you have to enjoy it every moment that you can, while you can. Maybe I'm wrong, but I doubt it. Maybe other people need the money spent and the huge declarations, and all that goes with it, but not me. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. And thanks for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment