Finding pleasure and joy in the little things:
A lot of people who don’t know me very well would use words like “simple” “ditzy” and maybe even “ignorant” to describe me and my youthful enjoyment of the world around me. People who know me better know that’s not the case. I actively chose to act this way toward my world. I can be as somber a person as any, but why would I WANT to do that? Next time you find yourself in a bad mood why not ask a similar question. Why act like a Scrooge? What could possibly be so bad that you could no longer enjoy all the wonders of the world?
Recognizing you can find happiness anywhere:
When was the last time you spoke with someone who thinks like a child? A person who finds fascination in the clouds and the rain. Someone who sees the joy in discovering an overrun puddle. A puddle that has created a water current leading to a low spot, and now resembles a tiny river for ants. It’s an exciting feeling, finding that little miracle of nature and knowing that you were there to witness it, while others kept bundled up inside cursing about the bad weather. To a child a storm is just as enjoyable as a sunny day. Don’t you want to find enjoyment in all things? Don’t be selective, if something is beautiful acknowledge it, and enjoy it. Look for all the beauty you’ve typically missed out on and you’ll find it. Next time you get in your car look for the sunbeams that cut through the sky, if it rains imagine a tiny leprechaun at the end of the rainbow, if it snows build a damn snowman! And go get a carrot so he can have a nose! Then take a picture J
Albert Einstein once said He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. So wake up, and open your eyes, and let the beauty of life surround you. This is easy.
Taking part in the small things (aka-how to have fun):
Now before you can do this you’re going to have to cast aside that “grown up” attitude of disinterest. Getting involved with all the world has to offer takes a little courage, and a lot of not caring what other people think of your silly-ness. I refer back to my examples using children, because they seem to care less what we think about societal conventions, and focus on what simply makes them happy. If they enjoy glitter, you know it’s going to end up all over your carpet, and your walls, and their face! Children clearly have no qualms about expressing the things that bring them happiness, so why should we. If anything we are only adding to our own unhappiness by denying ourselves the simple joys. So when you see your favorite color of glitter, and hear it calling your name, dive at it head first and just enjoy. I can guarantee anyone seeing you rolling around in glitter will enjoy it too!
The other day I saw a chalk drawing on a sidewalk that said “hopscotch ahead” with an arrow pointing in the designated direction. I was tickled pink to see this! I thought to myself oh that’s so fun, that someone would come out here and draw a game of hopscotch! It made me smile, and made others smile too! That enthusiasm was contagious. Wouldn’t you have liked to be a part of it? True happiness is worth catching. And worth transmitting for that matter!
So don’t be modest, happiness isn’t for the faint of heart. Jumping around like a fool WILL make you smile. And probably make others laugh a little. But that’s ok, you’re radiating happiness and they are catching it. It’s a good thing! Don’t take the simple pleasures of life away from yourself. Try to be more open minded and a little more spontaneous, and you’ll find all sorts of things that are right up your alley! No matter how old you are, it's time to go play.
Always jump in the puddles! Always skip alongside the flowers. The only fights worth fighting are the pillow and food varieties. -Terri Guillemets
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