The little things

“Cause its the little things that mean an awful lot” [3:26]

• “Little Things Mean a Lot” - Bettye Swann (a great song and the inspiration for this journal entry)

As I’ve continued to add more years to my life, I’ve noticed that there are times when many days go by and I don’t quite remember anything that happened. I become so absorbed in my daily routine, or the stresses/excitements of life, that minutes, hours, and days seem to pass by without me realizing. I think this can definitly be a good thing, that is if everything happening around you is good. However, during those times where you seem to be “off your game” or just not feeling yourself, one method I’ve used to help ground myself is taking a step back, and noticing all the “little things” happening around/to me. Doesn’t have to be big, for all I care it could be something as small as walking to class and not having to stop because all the crosswalks were green (something I’ve experienced while studying abroad in Korea as A) the waiting time at crosswalks takes forever, and B) I got pressed by a Korean police officer for crossing while the crosswalk light was red. So safe to say that I have not jaywalked since…). Nevertheless, this is not something I am constantly doing, as a matter of fact, me writing this journal has entry reminded me that I haven’t really been noticing as much as I would like to, but it is definitley a practice I want to continue.

Here are some examples (these may seem stupid, but hey, I guarantee you that there are some little things that make you happy)

Some little things:

• walking out of your apartment to nice weather. Context: there have been many times during my study abroad in Seoul where I exit my apartment to walk to class and am like damn, it is actually so beautiful here (referencing the weather, surroundings, and the city vibe)
• when you get the last burrito at Cafe J before they stop selling at 10:00am. Unbeatable feeling. Context: During my research at Notre Dame, there were countless times when I rushed over to Cafe J and missed the burrito selling deadline by a few minutes, however, the times when I did get the burrito made it all worth it
• nailing a parallel parking spot. Context: need I say more?
• when you get one of the window seats in Hesburgh Library. Context: conveted studying spot with a great view of the dome/campus. Too many times have I started on the 12th floor and walked down to 5th floor to no avail
• finding a parking spot between two cars you can pull into. Context: scouring a parking lot just to find an entry between two cars and not have to back in or out. It’s just so perfect.