It truly is the small, almost inconceivable moments that matter most in life. It brings to mind the theory posited in Jurassic park where they talk about the movement of air from a butterfly’s wings combined with the movement of air in the deserts of Africa combine to collide with the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean which can create the most powerful hurricanes ever.
There is nothing in this world that melts my old, tired, broken, darkened heart faster than my granddaughter climbing up into my arms, squeezing my neck as hard as she can, saying “I love you papa” and softly kissing my cheek. It just crushes and obliterates the concrete walls I’ve built from years of hardened confrontation, mistrust and the horrible things I’ve seen other humans do to others, myself included.
What’s more refreshing than a sunrise on a beach or a flowering plant that has blossomed from your own care and detailed attention? A walk in the woods or a traverse up a mountain? Great fields of tall grass that wave in the wind or the mighty roar of a waterfall? All these moments in time, precious memories…wow! That started to sound like Bladerunner…
This. I tried expressing this same sentiment, the extraordinary in everyday life, in one of my own articles. I think it's one of the most important experiences in life, and what all the anti-kid DINKs are missing out on. No amount of late morning wake ups, or easy exits, or weird food experimentation will make up for even a 2am smile from a 6 month old!
This piece was a great reminder that every day can be a gift. "let's embrace the beauty in simplicity, finding joy and wonder in the small things, for it is there that the true richness of life unfolds. In the ordinary, we find the extraordinary" I know I am guilty of getting wrapped up into thinking constantly big picture, and forgetting the small things make much more of an impact on my overall well being. This usually takes a conscious effort from me to really try and disconnect from the mundane and really appreciate everything around me, but life truly is amazing!
I was the only parent around that dreaded school start in September and lived for weekends and snow days.
Now retired and with kids grown and gone, I’ve transferred that feeling of wondrous and fun curiosity to my dog. I don’t feel like I’m missing the kids so much.
"They are beacons during times of uncertainty, reminders of the inherent beauty and goodness that surrounds us."
Love every bit of this! I just went deep in my last piece, and my notes lately about the magic of ordinary days. Now, a nana, it's even more beautiful if possible?
Everything you wrote is a reference book to living and breathing with gratitude through all the hard things of life. Great read! ox
My kids are grown now but.... when mine were little they were like clowns to me. Just silly
I laughed at everything, okay sometimes I have to cover my mouth as I was scolding or giving stern advice or instructions.
I see now with the only two grand girls I have (I have more but I think I already shared that my younger daughters husband is a prick) I really enjoy that same humor in children. Just their sweet brains and all that they have to share. So much astonishing information.
Over the past ten years, my dad at age 99 shared with me some very funny discussions and I was surprised to see myself in his reactions. Some things are excellent, I love that they share each and every thing they encounter and I encourage it.
Appreciate the perspective to enjoy the everyday, to find meaning in the so-described "small" things. I find that for me, this often happens retrospectively. Often in the moment, it's hard to do more that respond in kind (with a smile, a laugh, a declaration of love or admiration); but when I take the time to reflect on these moments, that's when their value is truly unlocked. Gratitude as a practice.
Some of the best moments of my day are when I tutor a 5 year old and engage with her imagination during playtime. I get lost in her daydreams, and enjoying those simple magical moments. ✨
Couldn’t agree more. It’s these little things that ground us, the small corner that we can control and shape. Not that long ago, I wrote something similar about Dad jokes and washing dishes, though it’s not nearly as eloquent.
Living away from the hustle and bustle of city life out in the country has allowed me to wake up to the birds singing the most beautiful songs. Each flower that blooms is so exciting as you anticipate spring. Even the annoying snails covering our house today from the weekend rainstorms remind us that all around is a fabulous creation. My husband and I sit outside each evening, tracking the sun as it sets, breathing in all life. Staring into the millions of orange, almond and pistachio groves all around us thanking God for His bountiful blessing of delicious food. The golden mean surrounds us, and is a reminder of God’s artistic hand.
Excellent! Thank you for sharing and I too find great pleasure in the simplest things experienced almost daily. It’s very deep and spiritual and thank God many times for these great experiences ♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻
interesting coccept you quote at the start Andrew . . . and not necessarily untrue either . . . ““we see things so often, we see them less and less.””
Agreed. I try to look for the beauty in everyday, complaining has never be hard for me but feeling grateful takes intentionality.
I have that issue with complaining as well.
If I don't wake up and intentionally begin the day with gratitude, the rest of the day is filled with complaint.
At least until I realize my mistake.
Believe me you are not alone!
It truly is the small, almost inconceivable moments that matter most in life. It brings to mind the theory posited in Jurassic park where they talk about the movement of air from a butterfly’s wings combined with the movement of air in the deserts of Africa combine to collide with the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean which can create the most powerful hurricanes ever.
There is nothing in this world that melts my old, tired, broken, darkened heart faster than my granddaughter climbing up into my arms, squeezing my neck as hard as she can, saying “I love you papa” and softly kissing my cheek. It just crushes and obliterates the concrete walls I’ve built from years of hardened confrontation, mistrust and the horrible things I’ve seen other humans do to others, myself included.
What’s more refreshing than a sunrise on a beach or a flowering plant that has blossomed from your own care and detailed attention? A walk in the woods or a traverse up a mountain? Great fields of tall grass that wave in the wind or the mighty roar of a waterfall? All these moments in time, precious memories…wow! That started to sound like Bladerunner…
Wonderful!
I try and keep Jung's take on modern man in my head as much as possible to remind me to lower my gaze to see the beautiful and miraculous.
“Modern man can't see God because he doesn't look low enough.” - Carl Jung
This. I tried expressing this same sentiment, the extraordinary in everyday life, in one of my own articles. I think it's one of the most important experiences in life, and what all the anti-kid DINKs are missing out on. No amount of late morning wake ups, or easy exits, or weird food experimentation will make up for even a 2am smile from a 6 month old!
Not even one.
No comparison.
It's like comparing apples and the divine.
This piece was a great reminder that every day can be a gift. "let's embrace the beauty in simplicity, finding joy and wonder in the small things, for it is there that the true richness of life unfolds. In the ordinary, we find the extraordinary" I know I am guilty of getting wrapped up into thinking constantly big picture, and forgetting the small things make much more of an impact on my overall well being. This usually takes a conscious effort from me to really try and disconnect from the mundane and really appreciate everything around me, but life truly is amazing!
I'm so bad at ripping my focus from the big picture and concentrating on the small, the details.
But that may be a blessing in disguise.
Since they're not so familiar, sometimes it's easy to see the blessings in the details.
Wow, great perspective. Because they are unfamiliar, they can stand out and become more obvious...
I was the only parent around that dreaded school start in September and lived for weekends and snow days.
Now retired and with kids grown and gone, I’ve transferred that feeling of wondrous and fun curiosity to my dog. I don’t feel like I’m missing the kids so much.
Thank you for this reminder!
"They are beacons during times of uncertainty, reminders of the inherent beauty and goodness that surrounds us."
Love every bit of this! I just went deep in my last piece, and my notes lately about the magic of ordinary days. Now, a nana, it's even more beautiful if possible?
Everything you wrote is a reference book to living and breathing with gratitude through all the hard things of life. Great read! ox
this is great and so true.
My kids are grown now but.... when mine were little they were like clowns to me. Just silly
I laughed at everything, okay sometimes I have to cover my mouth as I was scolding or giving stern advice or instructions.
I see now with the only two grand girls I have (I have more but I think I already shared that my younger daughters husband is a prick) I really enjoy that same humor in children. Just their sweet brains and all that they have to share. So much astonishing information.
Over the past ten years, my dad at age 99 shared with me some very funny discussions and I was surprised to see myself in his reactions. Some things are excellent, I love that they share each and every thing they encounter and I encourage it.
Appreciate the perspective to enjoy the everyday, to find meaning in the so-described "small" things. I find that for me, this often happens retrospectively. Often in the moment, it's hard to do more that respond in kind (with a smile, a laugh, a declaration of love or admiration); but when I take the time to reflect on these moments, that's when their value is truly unlocked. Gratitude as a practice.
Some of the best moments of my day are when I tutor a 5 year old and engage with her imagination during playtime. I get lost in her daydreams, and enjoying those simple magical moments. ✨
Couldn’t agree more. It’s these little things that ground us, the small corner that we can control and shape. Not that long ago, I wrote something similar about Dad jokes and washing dishes, though it’s not nearly as eloquent.
https://open.substack.com/pub/makennagrace/p/pete-and-repeat?r=1vkyax&utm_medium=ios
uhg. ai art.
Living away from the hustle and bustle of city life out in the country has allowed me to wake up to the birds singing the most beautiful songs. Each flower that blooms is so exciting as you anticipate spring. Even the annoying snails covering our house today from the weekend rainstorms remind us that all around is a fabulous creation. My husband and I sit outside each evening, tracking the sun as it sets, breathing in all life. Staring into the millions of orange, almond and pistachio groves all around us thanking God for His bountiful blessing of delicious food. The golden mean surrounds us, and is a reminder of God’s artistic hand.
Blessings to you today! ✨🙏💞🤗
Thank you!
Great reminder!
It does take effort throughout the day to stay “slow” see the little things, to really stop and sniff those roses!! 😊
… my day is so much better when I count all my blessings!
Excellent! Thank you for sharing and I too find great pleasure in the simplest things experienced almost daily. It’s very deep and spiritual and thank God many times for these great experiences ♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you!