What little moments do you live for?

It’s been such a lovely weekend. Not because we had a special occcaision or a holiday or anything ‘big’ like that. Nothing instagram worthy. This weekend was just a weekend at home, of cooking, cosyness and relaxing with Mr T. Yet sometimes those weekends, the non instagram ones, are the best of all. Filled with the little moments that make life worth living.

Now I have always been an advocate of adventures. I’d feel that long periods of home were boring and that my life had somehow stagnated. However as I have been focusing on rerooting and growing a stronger foundation in my life I began to thing about something Kurt Vonnegut said,

“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

So I decided to put some conscious awareness into just that.

One of my happiness project goals this year has been to invest time, appreciation and awareness into the little moments that make life worth living. The small things that make each day beautiful. Like taking time to play with my cats, making it important to spend quality time with Mr T beyond the regular Friday date night and enjoying the simple pleasures like trying to make more homemade food. Not to say I am a kitchen goddess in any way shape or form, far from it. I have just been indulging in enjoy it!

And the benefits of this goal have really surprised me. Not only do I feel more relaxed and re-energised when I take the time to consciously be aware of the little moments that add value to my life. I truly feel more content, rich and abundant. feel grateful and proud every time I go into my garden and see the fruits of my labor blooming. I appreciate the time spent at home laughing, creating and just being. I am more aware for example of the hundreds of small things Mr T does and now regularly thank him for his small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness. Time spent at home is less and less brain dead watching Netflix and cabbaging out. It’s quality time. Basically home is a nicer place to be and the more I do this the more of an adventure my life feels right here at home.

I have discovered a simple truth

When we take time to make the little things important our life is better for it.

There are many ways to do this. And it doesn’t take that much effort to refocus your energy in this way. And trust me the benefits are plenty! Here are 3 guidelines that I have used in my happiness project. I hope that they inspire you to find the little moments in life worth living for and improve your quality of life:

Be grateful

You might think you are grateful for your life (or maybe you are in the unfortunate situation where you don’t feel grateful for anything in your life), but what are you grateful for?

Intentionally notice the things you are grateful for and keep a record of them. I recommend a daily practice of writing 3 things each day you are grateful for. The more you look the more you will find that is good.

Make time for the things you appreciate

Just being grateful for something is not enough. As your become aware of the things you are grateful for you may also notice you don’t prioritise these things in your life. Last year I put a conscious focus into 10 of my friendships that I had neglected. Taking time to Skype with friends far away. Having regular friend dates. It enriched my life. But so does taking the time to invest in a hobby, a passion, walking in nature, cuddling your pet. Whatever makes your life lovely make the time to do it more. Put some time aside in your calendar to spend time doing something you love or that adds value to your life.

Prioritise hygge over ‘have to’s’

Living in Denmark has taught me the art of Hygge. Hygge is a Danish word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. Hygge takes effort. Whether its putting a blanket around you as you watch tv or putting flowers on the table and lighting candles for dinner on Wednesday evening just because you can, or prioritising that conversation with you 6 year about Ninjago characters instead of doing the washing up. Hygge makes life better. We often prioritise the ‘have to’s’ over hygge. And yes we have a lot to do and not much time to do it in. But sometimes it is ok to jump over the have tos and have some hygge instead. If you have been feeling like you are on the proverbial treadmill for a few days then you are definitely in need of some hygge. Sod the washing for once and go build a den and some lego with your 6 year old for an evening. You will not only feel better you will have made a lovely memory you will cherish in the years to come.

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The little moments in life often go unnoticed. Especially these days where the proving how amazing your life is online culture runs rife.

Yet in reality it is the little moments that become our fondest memories.

It is the little moments that make up the fabric of our everyday lives, that grow the strongest roots and without a doubt re-energise us when we most need it.