Raindrops and Rest time ……..it’s the little things that often pack the biggest punch

As I sit here on a rainy Tuesday morning ,I am reminded once again, that pure pleasure and joy can be found in the simplest things in life.

For me there is nothing quite so comforting and restful, as the falling of rain.

The sound of the raindrops as they gently land on the leaves and paths outside.

The smell of the rain, that brings with it the promise of new things, freshness, rebirth and life.

The sight of the rain that signals a hearty dumping of renewed nourishment to all it touches.

For me – you just can not beat fully immersing yourself in the observation and enjoyment of a good rainfall.

For you – pleasure may be found in other things – but the point is that when we go chasing after “happiness” it can seem to elude us. But yet – simply by living our lives and engaging in activities we enjoy and spending time with people whose company we love, happiness deftly lands on our shoulder without us even realising.

As many who have come before me have often said – it’s the little things.

And many of you will be familiar with these wonderful lyrics from The Sound Of Music:

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with string

These are a few of my favourite things”

So today I invite you to make a list of your favourite things.

A little list of all you truly love in life.

It may contain people, places, things you love to do………..whatever is relevant to you. Just add to the list anything that plants a smile firmly on your face and fills you with the simple JOY of being alive.

And what exactly is the point of writing this list you may ask?

It is simply to remind you of all the things you LOVE.

Once you have the list, you can then set about making sure you spend more time doing, pursuing and enjoying those things.

It may also just bring you some awareness as to how “inexpensive”  many of those things that you really love often are. It was remarkable to me when I made my list that the majority of things listed were things that cost nothing:

* sitting listening to the rain

*playing Uno or Bananagrams with my family

* walking in a park and then sitting to watch the various bird life – especially the pelicans

* cups of tea and endless conversation with good friends

*making a pavlova to take to a friend’s house

* sitting quietly, meditating, in candlelight with beautiful aromas coming from my oil burner

* chatting to my Mum and Dad on the phone

* teaching a great tap class and watching the students enjoy making rhythms

*playing drumkit

* a lovely cocktail and a gorgeous sunset

* days in a cabin with no internet connection or phone service

* long hikes and bush walking

* chats with new and interesting people

*catching up with old friends who I haven’t seen in years

* lying in bed and watching the wind in the trees outside

*curling up with a great book or watching a favourite DVD for the 10th time

The list goes on and on and on.

Of course, there are a few things that have a little cost associated here and there, but for the majority of things on my list, the cost is negligible. But the rewards for me, are huge.

And this is something that I think is so important to remember.

We are constantly bombarded with images of things that we should “want”.

Things that we need.

Things that we should get.

Things that will make us more appealing.

Things that will make us cool.

Things that will make us happy.

But the real question is…..

Do you really need – or more to the point – want it?

Do you really think you should get?

Do you really think that it will make you more appealing?

Do you really think that it will make you cool………or more to the point, to do really think whatever it is – is cool in the first place?

Do you really think it will make you happy?

My point is this.

Often times people seem to work so hard and relentlessly in the pursuit of happiness. And this happiness seems to be tied up in all this stuff and things.

But what if, your happiness actually lay in all the little things – some of which you already have – but you have just not realised this yet?

Only you can answer these questions for yourself. And everyone’s answer will be different. But I find that it is a question that gives Pause for Thought.

So today – ponder the question

So today – write that list

So today – figure out what moments really bring you joy and contentment and happiness.

Because the answer may just surprise you.

Like they say: It’s the little things

So before I go I would like to share with you this wonderful quote which really illustrates my blog today:

Happiness is like a butterfly

The more you chase it, the more it will elude you

But if you turn your attention to other things,

It will come and sit softly on your shoulder

[ Thoreau ]

So now – as I return to observing the fullness of the rain, I bid you adieu and wish you an incredible day, full of the smallest, most delicious moments and things…….

Discover You. Love You. Be You.

Christine