"Little Things"

"I've got an infatuation with the little things

They make me feel good - Why should I feel bad?" 

 

 I love this song for being exactly what it espouses: it can be one of the 'little things' that make my day.  A simple, bright, upbeat song that cheers me up even as I re-play it in my mind.

 

Since senior year of high school I have kept a running "Happy List" in a now falling apart, coverless notebook.  It began as an attempt to affirm myself and my life in the midst of a difficult situation, as I quoted kind emails friends had sent me, or reveled in old memories.  As it grew I simply added anything that made me happy from "half wet sand that both sounds and feels neat to walk on", "sweet tea", "Sister Hazel" (of course), "the smell after it rains", along with statements of gratitude for amazing friends, family, and experiences.  Now, eight years later I have 1,130 'little things' (and counting!) to be happy about.

It's the little things that make up a life: The wildflowers on a camping trip, the nickname a friend creates out of love, the games I have played in the pool with one of my campers.  In noticing the little things, I can remember how full to the brim I am.