Monday, January 24, 2011

It's the Little Things




 images via
As part of my New Year's Resolutions, I've been trying to focus on enjoying the little things in life.  Those things that usually come and go before we have a chance to acknowledge their presence or the impact they have on our day.  It's funny how often these things happen when we're open to seeing them.  These are a few of the "little things" I've been enjoying lately.  What's on your list?

a hug from a loved one
checking everything off my "to do" list
finding the perfect shade of lipstick/gloss
coffee
a sincere compliment 
an afternoon snack
a fabulous outfit
comfortable shoes
a feeling of accomplishment when you've done something notable
finding money in the pocket of your jeans
a phone call from an old friend
laughing so hard your stomach hurts

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is the little things and we need to take time to appreciate them :)

annelise said...

Little things make all the difference. I love hearing something funny from the person you least expect. That unexpected laughter is the best.

Have a great week. x

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

awww what a sweet list. This is part of my resolution too, I try to do this everyday. It's nice to always have something to smile about. Have a happy day. =)

Gabriel said...

We've got a good thing here because I'm enjoying giving hugs to loved ones.

Lindsay said...

What a great set of goals :)

Anna @ IHOD said...

Sucha good habit to practice. I love the old phone!
just a few on my list:
Fresh flowers on the table
a new nail polish
an email from an old friend
my sons giggle...
Happy Monday:)

Anonymous said...

great list!

and that picture totally has me wanting a phone like that for my bedroom!

Kristen said...

a hug from a loved one is high on my list. an embrace that says so much. i hug all the time.

torrie said...

~ Lots of healthy cooking, with a little extra for my lunch the next day.

~ Checking off little home improvement/cleaning projects... FINALLY.

~ Talking more (1:1) with my kids.

~ Sporadic season 1 (got it for Christmas) episodes of our favorite show, Parenthood.

~ Reading.

~ Our beautiful weather.

~ Finally chatting with my neighbors, that have lived there for quite some time (but we haven't said more than a quick intro.).

~ And I must include- taking pictures and finally being able to share them... with my new phone:).

this free bird said...

I love this post Val - and I'm right there with you:

- a walk outdoors in the middle of the morning
-tea with a friend i haven't seen in awhile
-reading a good book
-carving out time to try a new recipe
-enjoying a day with no agenda
-playing scrabble with the chef on his iphone...for hours. hehe

xo,
C

Josie said...

Valerie, your list is utter perfection. I love finding the perfect gloss shade! My list includes:
-Being ahead on homework
-Having the best food in the dining hall all on one day
-Weather that is just warm enough to wear flats with my skinnies rather than boots

xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Amber said...

hugs always perk me up too

Joanna said...

What a great list! Right now I am loving..
spicy chai lattes
being completely addicted to a great book
energizing morning workouts & lazy nights
inside jokes :)
reruns of favorite shows
the return of 50s fashion
going out late for just dessert and coffee!

Jess said...

Love this list! I've been sick lately, so haven't enjoyed too incredibly much about it ;) But definitely enjoying how much my hubby takes care of me when I'm not feeling up to par! It's definitely the little things, you're right....

xo

PursuitOfLLT said...

random phone dials from bloggers across the country? haha so sorry about that. I actually managed to call 6 people on saturday from my purse. I think my bberry hates to be locked?!

ANYWAY...so current little things I love
-crossing off things on lists and making new ones.
-vacation on saturday.
-skinnytaste.com
-special k chocolate pretzel bars, yum!
-finding free books for the kindle, thank you amazon!
-my brother bobby's engagement...planning is starting and it's exciting!
-$6 movies at the showplace icon downtown. love movies :)

oh and i still laugh about the patrick story. who knew are bartender was such a lush?!

Lisa Griffin said...

this is always such an important thing to remember!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Tabitha said...

For me it's a handwritten letter, when my husband takes care of carrying all the grocery bags (and insists) and when he sends me flowers even when I tell him not to.

Marcie said...

I couldn't agree more. I've been dominating in the afternoon snack department lately. Actually, in the eating department entirely (as I am waiting at 10:40pm for my pumpkin bread to come out of the oven). I have issues.

I love laughing until my stomach hurts too. best.feeling.ever.

xo Marcie

Lyndsy said...

Such a lovely idea :) I love, love, love that last photo - is that at your house?

Kirsten said...

This was from Real Simple (I think January) and we posted it on our fridge:

Each time I walk into my apartment—even if I’ve been gone for less than a minute—my three dogs leap on me, kiss me, lick me, wag and bark, and show me their chew toys.

I find it inspiring: Life throws a lot of junk in your direction, so you might as well get your kicks when you can. Now I try to acknowledge every small-but-happy event (my kid’s half-birthdays, good doctor’s visits, even when a mosquito bite stops itching) with at least a cheerful word or gesture. I believe that if dogs could speak, they’d say, “You should have a cupcake for that.” That’s a worldview I can get behind.

Kirsten said...

Trying to live my life like that.

Kristen said...

these are great! good for you. they look like big things to me though, or little things that make a big difference :)

Destined For Now said...

I love "little things" lists. So sweet!

Annie said...

great list. The first and last are definitely 2 of the best ever :)