“Enjoy the little things, for one day you make look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault~
I was greeting one of my clients a few weeks ago when my client’s mother said “I read your blogpost and loved it!” I smiled, appreciating that she noticed the time that I took to write it and asked what her favorite part was. She confidently said, “I stopped going through the candy isle at the grocery store and my daughter doesn’t have tantrums anymore! Who would have thought a simple thing would help our trip dramatically!
I thought about about how profound that statement was. Who would have thought a simple thing, would impact our lives so much? Here are some simple things that can be added to your day to day lives that will make an impact, sometimes with out you realizing it!
In life…
- Take the time to take 3 deep breaths before you walk out the door in the morning, or before going into a stressful situation.
- Leave for work 10 minutes earlier, and take your time driving to work, possible take the scenic route.
- Go to bed a 1/2 hour earlier or get a good nights rest.
- Go for a run (Exercise releases endorphins which makes you feel better)
- Savoring the moment and enjoying what is in front of you; instead of getting ready for the next thing in our day.
In your marriage..
- Be grateful. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, think about what you have.
- Turn the TV off, put the cell phone down and turn off the music during meal times. Spend a few moments just being with your significant other.
- Get out the good china, just because!
- Give your significant other an unexpected compliment.
- Give up the remote to the TV, or listening to your favorite radio station in exchange for the other person to watch their favorite show or listen to their favorite music.
- Bring their favorite snacks along on a car ride.
With your children…for your children
- A hug, kiss, or high-five before they leave for the day.
- Recognize and affirm when your child(ren) are doing something positive.
- Example: You are working hard on your homework.
- Example: You cleaned up the bathroom after your shower.
- Letting them know “I believe in you“
- Listen, (turn off the electronics), just listen to how their day went.
To Save Money…
- Set thermostat to a few degrees higher in the summer, or a few degrees lower in the winter.
- Watch your expiration dates on food so you are not wasting/throwing away food
- Avoid ATM fees, get cash back at the store or keep enough cash on hand to avoid using another bank’s ATMs.
- Instead of buying books, borrow from library
- Drink more water (instead of soda or other expensive drinks)
Just as all of these above suggestions can make a positive impact in our day to day lives, so too, there are negative things or actions making a negative impact in our lives. Examples include, surrounding yourself with negative people, not making a full stop at the stop sign to look for kids or pedestrians, or a sarcastic or hurtful comment made out of frustration or anger.
My challenge to you is to add something simple to your day, to promote being happy and healthy.
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. – Vincent Van Gogh
A small leak can sink a great ship. – Benjamin Franklin
Best Wishes,
-Jennie
