Penny Post #16: The Little Things

Overflowing with blessings.

These days, I struggle writing just one sentence in my gratitude journal. There are several moments during the day that are worthy of that coveted one-sentence spot. Just yesterday, I had several encounters that were incredibly life-giving.

There was Laurie, Kerinne, Kristen, and Lloyd whose generosity at breakfast was so appreciated. There was a lovely conversation with family back home in celebration of my youngest brother’s birthday. There was the slow-and-steady folding of warm laundry that soothed my whole system. There was Cameron’s patience while I requested several accommodations in our day’s plan. There was Trin whose friendliness at the dry cleaners’ buoyed me for the rest of the day. There was Long, whose description of her name bubbled so much laughter for us both. There was a yummy lunch that satisfied all my cravings. There was a butterfly or two that brightened my vision. There was Steve at the Trader Joe’s register whose attentiveness inspired my own. There was a young girl whose infectious energy prompted her to dance in the Trader Joe’s parking garage. There was the comfort of unpacking groceries and organizing it all in my new Ikea containers. There was a delicious tub of Talenti ice cream for dinner. There was the most mature and robust conversation about my future at the end of the night which left me with the sweetest dreams.

It’s the little things. Yet the little things - breakfast, laundry, Cameron, Trin, Long, butterflies, groceries, and more - fit together to make a big difference. A big difference that is a testament to my gratitude practice. When I go through my day searching for what to be grateful for, sometimes every moment is gratitude-worthy. Those little moments add up and encourage you to find even more. It is as if this never-ending treasure. If you have not already, join.

I echo my dear friend who inspired me to recognize the “bees” in my life, those who nourish me no matter where I’m found. The “little things” above are bees who come to pollinate and spread seeds of joy to be carried by the wind.

In ending this essay, I find myself reaching for some deeper meaning among the bees, pollen, and petals. Yet the meaning hides in plain sight: there is goodness. We just have to find it. And finding one instance of goodness means finding an endless supply of goodness.

In goodness,

Kiera