Appreciating the Little Things

March 29, 2016

A few months ago I started one of these lovely blogs about the little things in life. I should have finished it, but of course, me being me, I put it off and never did. Being that I wanted to write at least once this month, I decided to finally put my thoughts down where it can be read.

So many times we get caught up in life that we forgot to look at the little things. Don't worry I know I am just as bad at this as anyone else. I guess one of my goals in writing this is to become more accountable. Now that all of you, how ever many that may be, are reading this, I know people have seen me commit to trying to do better. Sorry if that was confusing.

What do I mean by the little things? I'm sure it isn't hard to guess. The beauty around us, including the stars, the ocean (sorry...), the scenery, all of it. Regardless of where you look you can see beauty around you. For me, it gives me a little hope. Looking around I am reminded that God created this beautiful place and He thought I was worthy enough to be put here with it. No matter what people say to knock me down or the self doubt that overcomes my thought, I can be reminded that my Heavenly Father and brother Jesus Christ wanted me here. It was not by some chance.

What else are considered the little things though? Well recently I have started to really pick up on what those things are. About a month ago I started a thankful wall in my room. No one knew about it. I told the first person just this past Sunday. Every night I picked something that I had found during the day that I was grateful for. No matter how bad my day was, I had to find something. No matter how big or small it was, I was able to find at least one thing to put up on my wall. One of the days I was struggling with homesickness, and found myself grateful for something like FaceTime. Other days I was simply grateful for being able to dance.

The little things are what get us through. The little smiles we see throughout the day, or the people who make us smile or laugh. A common question I am asked is why I put up with people picking on me. Now don't get me wrong, it does get to a point where it is no longer okay, but until it gets to that point I am actually okay taking the brunt end of all the jokes. Though it is teasing me, I can see that it helps someone through their day. Maybe they'll learn a better way to smile later on, but until then I can use the harmless teasing. And hey, let's be real I am pretty easy to poke fun at.

I am never going to be perfect at finding all the little things in life, but I promise that I am doing my best. Maybe tomorrow, look just a sliver harder for something that made you smile, that maybe wouldn't have been noticed before.

One of the other little things I want to point out is you. When I first started this, I felt beyond silly. I never thought anyone would read it. When I see even one view on my page, it makes me smile. At least one person was willing to read and hear what I had to say. So thank you. It means the world to me. Even when I don't always make sense and ramble on for what, probably, seems like ages, there is always at least one.

I love each and everyone of you. I miss my friends and family back home more than you could ever know. Please know that I am where I am suppose to be and that it is because of the Lord that I am here. He knew what He was doing when He put me here.

I normally wouldn't do this, but I want to give a special Congratulations to my brother and new sister-in-law on their marriage. I am so happy for you two and can't wait to be apart of your lives along with your soon to be new little girl. I can't wait to meet my little niece when I get home.