It’s the Little Things That Make a Difference

Have you ever heard that saying before? Today I was reminded how easy it is to be happy when you value the little things in life. It takes more awareness and an attitude of gratitude to recognize the little things. I have to say that as much as I love the big things that I’m able to have in my life, I get as much or more pleasure from the little things.

Long after I forget birthday and anniversary celebrations and long vacations at great resorts, I’ll still remember things like these:

• When my ex-husband and I lived in Mexico,  and we were on a deserted beach with the dogs having a picnic and watching the whales breach right in front of us.

• The sound of my 15 year old Yorkie contently snoring next to me.

• Walking my beach in San Diego accompanied both ways, right off shore, by a huge seal-for an entire hour!

• How every time I taste tiramisu it reminds me of the first time I tasted my friend Antionella’s tiramisu at Capo San Giovanni (it’s worth the trip to Cabo!).

Those little things will never be forgotten.

I think if you ask kids what their favorite memories are with the special people in their lives, you may be surprised to find out that it’s not about spending a lot of money, but making a special connection. When my nephews think about me, they don’t think about the gifts I’ve sent them from Hawaii or China, they think about spending time just with me, early in the morning, playing with their dog when I stayed at their house for Christmas.

I remember several years ago on Oprah, seeing a father and his two young children who had recently lost the mother. The mother had left them videos for various times in their lives so they would still feel her presence as they grew up. They had made sure to fit in all the fun vacations and a trip to Disney World, before she got too sick. They wanted to give the kids as many happy memories of their mom as they could.

When Oprah asked the little girl what her favorite memory of her mother was, she expected to hear one of the things they had just discussed. Instead, she told them about a night when her mother was too tired for dinner and the two of them enjoyed a bowl of cereal together in bed. The whole audience was in tears, and I’m getting choked up just thinking about it. I’ve never forgotten that story.

We never know how often the little things we do in life become important and cherished memories for other people. So today I took a some time to have lunch outside and enjoy the sunshine and the chirping birds. It didn’t take much time or a lot of money and it didn’t take any preparation. I got to watch the birds and I saw two rabbits and I had some time to smell the air and watch the clouds go by.

It really is the small things. So do something to brighten your own day today and take a few minutes to surprise someone else while you’re at it.

Until next week, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below.

If you would like personal mentoring, send me an email detailing what you would like help with.  As your mentor I hold a bigger vision for you than you hold for yourself.  When you have faith and a team that believes in you, it gives you courage.  When you don’t have to do it all yourself, all things are possible for you. Commit today to go for your dream 100%.

Lynn Pierce, the Success Architect, has taught people how to combine business and personal development to reach the pinnacle of success and live the life of their dreams for almost 30 years. In addition, she is also the founder of one of the most exciting annual events for women entrepreneurs, “Empowered Women’s Business  Summit“. Now she shares her keys to success and life mastery with you. You can get her special report, “What Do You Stand For? A No B.S. Guide to Creating Your Own Personal Manifesto” at http://LynnPierce.com