There are 24 days left until I drive back to Wilmington for the summer. I'm trying to make them count without losing sight of the simple, everyday joys. I was reminded last night how life is far more than last minute projects or wishing for the weekend. Celebrating the little moments -- like the anniversary of a great friendship or a successful outcome to a meeting -- are necessary to living a life of happiness. Enjoying these cherished snapshots of life can be challenging, so below are three ways to find joy in the little things.
1. Write your joys down.
At the end of the day, write down three things you are grateful for or experienced during the day that had you slowing down and enjoying the moment. These can be a kind smile or word, coffee with an old friend, or a picturesque skyline on your drive into work. They don't have to be over the top or exceptionally unique, just lovely snippets of your life. This exercise opens your eyes to the little moments rather than constantly waiting for the next big thing.
2. Breathe and engage in the moment.
You can only enjoy the unique moments if you are paying attention. If you are in a situation where you default to staring at your phone, I encourage you to put it down and be present. Take a deep, solid breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. Look around you. What is new? What is different? What is beautiful about your surroundings? Is there someone around you reading a book you love or wearing a pair of shoes you think are wonderful? Tell them, ask them, engage with them. You'd be surprised of the beauty found in green tinted trees just starting to bloom or the quick flash of a smile of a person caught in pure moments of enjoyment.
3. Always have essentials on hand to celebrate or turn the day around.
While I will freely admit to disengaging with my surroundings or not being as grateful as I could, this is one rule I follow adamantly. I always keep champagne in my fridge to celebrate the little things like promotions and exciting news or to simply turn a frustrating day around. Champagne for me reflects the mood I seek in times of frustration or celebration; it is bubbly, different, and classy. Your simple way to turn a day around doesn't have to be champagne, but something that takes you away from 'the struggle' (i.e. balloons, flowers, a special coffee drink, etc.).
How do you enjoy the everyday moments?
Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram with your favorite way to enjoy the everyday moment. Share this with people who could use some celebration in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx
