50 small things in life that aren’t actually that small

I was talking to someone recently who reminded me about the small joys in life. Sometimes it takes a total stranger to open our eyes to the everyday things surrounding you in your life.

Our lives can become so mundane that we can often forget the little things and how they make an impact. We become so focused on our big goals, big dreams and big plans, we overlook all the people and little passing moments that get us there.

So, here is a list I compiled of ‘50 small things in life that aren’t actually that small’. You can always write your own and see just how many everyday moments are cherished memories. You’d be surprised.

1. When someone holds the door open for you.
2. When someone compliments your outfit.
3. Getting a sticker (your inner child would love it).
4. Ticking off the final thing on your to do list.
5. ‘Get home safe’
6. Someone remembering a detail you told them ages ago.
7. Hearing ‘I’m proud of you’.
8. Getting a text from someone you haven’t heard from in months.
9. Making plans with friends.
10. Watching people pass you by as they carry on with their own busy days and you take a moment to breathe.
11. Hugs
12. Having a belly laugh when you found it hard to even smile.
13. Not setting the alarm in the morning.
14. Someone cooking for you.
15. ‘Tell me about your day’
16. Car karaoke (don’t lie – we all do it).
17. Inside jokes with friends.
18. Someone waiting for you when you stop and tie your shoe.
19. When they remember your coffee order.
20. Finding a bargain in a store.
21. ‘This made me think of you’
22. When you arrive indoors just as it starts raining.
23. When all the traffic lights are green as you drive.
24. When you wake up in the middle of the night and realise you have another few hours before you have to get up.
25. Hearing ‘good morning’ (personally, one of my favourite things).
26. When you watch a TV show and realise the new season has just been released and you don’t have to wait like everyone else did.
27. The sun shining on your face.
28. Looking at the stars.
29. Having an empty email inbox.
30. Free stuff (college students know exactly what I mean)!
31. Getting the right amount of milk in your tea/coffee.
32. Getting a seat on the Luas after a busy day (especially a window seat!).
33. Finding something you thought you lost ages ago.
34. Seeing an old couple hold hands/link arms as they walk together.
35. That fresh sheet, cold side of your pillow feeling.
36. Seeing children play in the playground.
37. Having the bus driver wait for you as you run to catch the bus.
38. Hearing someone laugh.
39. Seeing someone smile.
40. When someone asks you to talk about something you’re passionate about, and they let you get excited and loud, and ramble, and they just listen.
41. When someone is talking to you, and they don’t look at their phone, or they put it away to talk to you.
42. Waking up to blue skies.
43. Realising someone has put effort into learning about the things you’re interested in to talk about it with you.
44. Listening/ adding music to a group playlist.
45. When someone looks at you and know something isn’t right.
46. The warm glow in your heart when you see someone you love.
47. When your friends and family get on well together.
48. Coming home after a long day.
49. Seeing a familiar, friendly face in a place you don’t know.
50. The feeling of knowing that you can always try again tomorrow.

My point is, there is magic in every passing moment. I’ve recently found that life is passing before my eyes and I’m forgetting to slow down.

How do I ground myself? By writing down all the little moments that made me smile throughout my day and remembering how the smallest things can make the world of difference.

Life is magic. Let it happen. Take it all in. It might not be a fairy tale, but I promise you – it’s a story worth living.