Finding Joy In The Little Things

In the midst of a pandemic and constant negativity on the news and social media outlets I feel now more than ever it is important to grasp onto finding joy in the smaller things in life. This year has taught me that when I was forced to slow down, I was able to really look at what is important to me and my time. 

When the pandemic hit and we all had to go in to quarantining there was a quote circulating around that said, “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” Really think about that. In a way this pandemic has given me a gift because things are never going to go back to normal but I have learned that the things I was giving my time and attention to were 1. pushing back problems in my marriage 2. filling my schedule with wasteful activities or events to feel busy and productive 3. not allowing me to actively live my life. 

Do you ever feel like you are merely existing and living your life for others? Whether it is your kids, friends, significant other, family, work. Life passes you by. To be honest, I am a people pleaser and thought I was happy because I was helping my loved ones and being there for everyone but myself. I was not enjoying the things that are most important to me. I was not taking time to really be with my husband, I was not being a good dog mom (sounds silly I know but I got so used to just opening a back door vs. playing with them or taking them for long walks), I was not dealing with problems from the past and those problems came to a full head when Rob and I were with each other 24/7. Baseball season and off season are both consistently busy for us and when the pandemic put us in to this bubble our issues that we kept burying away caught up with us. 

I was forced to take a step back and analyze my life. I was not appreciating our new home, the smell of coffee in the AM, nature, walks with the dogs, time with Rob, all of the unexplored trails around Austin, and all of the free time on my hands. 

I believe we get so caught up in the external things like our social lives and things money can buy that we forget about the little things in life. We get so lost in everything else and get into this space of feeling depressed and anxious that we lose our sense of pure happiness. 

So, how do you find joy in the little things?

Take some time for you – 

• Journal
• Take a hot bath
• Learn a new hobby 
• Create a morning & evening skincare routine
• Go for a walk listen to your favorite music or podcast

Time block QUALITY time with your family & significant other – 

• Intentional dates with your significant other. Even if it’s just 30 minutes, make room for you both in your day.
• Catch up on your favorite shows or have movie nights
• Cook in the kitchen together
• Bake delicious deserts
• Go for a walk and catch up 
• Truly cherish your family, friends and SO

Travel (YES, I know we are in a pandemic but there are so many places you can go as a family or solo to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us in the U.S.) – 

• Staycation
• Road trip 
• Get in your car and go for a drive 

Expect less + Focus on the present moment

The moment you start living in the present is when you truly allow yourself to only focus on the now and be happier. I am not saying you will be happy in every moment of the day but when you are worrying about a meeting that is 3 days from now you are missing out on time with your husband, lunch break with your kids, taking away from your hot bath, and so much more. Life will continue to pass you and this is time you will never get back. 

To find joy in the little things in life start acknowledging what you have in front of you and start appreciating it. Avoid being so fixated on past failures or future problems, and stop doing things that do not bring you joy, friend. 

Xo Natalie Z