the little things 2

Wake – eat – wash clothes – wash dishes – work – family – eat – sleep – repeat

Is this what your life looks like? Is this the mundanity of your everyday?

Family. Work. House.

A never-ending cycle with only the occasional holiday to look forward to. So then you can relax and really enjoy yourself?

Why is it that we have to wait for a holiday or a special celebration to really enjoy ourselves?

What does it take to make the everyday a joy too?

One of my favourite passages in the bible talks about the joy that can be had in our everyday.

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don’t skimp on colours and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it,

I love these words and I have taken them to heart. I am finding that the everyday can be a joy if you focus on relishing the little things.

Maybe you are so caught up in the everyday, that you don’t even know where to start. You don’t even know how to find something that brings you joy. Maybe start with these words above and see what you can come up with.

“Eat bread with gusto”

I love cooking. So you will often find me baking a cake for afternoon tea, or throwing together an Osso Bucco for dinner. But I know this isn’t everyone’s thing.

This enjoyment of food can be as simple as buying a chocolate you love for an after dinner treat. Or really enjoying the ritual of your morning cup of tea or coffee.

Instead of mindlessly eating, stop. Appreciate the presentation of your food. Savour the aromas, and then taste and enjoy.

“Dress festively”

Just today I am dressed in my favourite polka dot blouse. I have a thing for polka dots and every time I wear them it makes me smile. I also have a thing for red, which is sometimes a pair of red shoes, or sometimes, a bright red lipstick. Even painting my nails a fun colour can bring me joy throughout the day.

“Relish life”

Find ways to connect with the significant people in your life. Schedule that coffee with a friend that you have been meaning to call for weeks. Go for that family bike ride. Book the babysitter and organise the date night.

As the passage above says it is hard work staying alive, so make the most of each day. Find the little things that bring you joy. Cultivate them. Make a list if that helps you. Or put notes on the fridge, or set reminders, if that is the way your mind works.

It is amazing how joy in the little things can go a long way to making the mundane everyday not so mundane after all.

And on that note I’m off to paint my nails!

Jodie