The little things in life are what make up everything. It’s a statement that is technically backed up by science. I mean, everything, no matter how big or small, is made of tiny particles of matter called atoms, but of course, I’m not here to talk in the literal sense. I’m here to talk about the figurative meaning behind those words.
By taking a more figurative perspective, so much can be revealed about people and life in general. When you focus on all the small moments, everything can appear so much more significant and purposeful.
Take milestones as my first example. If you’re like me, then college graduation is approaching. It’s a huge moment in life, and it’s a no brainer on why that is. Obviously, everyone wants to celebrate all the time and money they’ve spent obtaining an education. However, in my opinion, graduation is only important because of all the little, individual things that went into your time here.
I simplified it down to time and money earlier, but that’s not all there is to remember when reaching this milestone. Personally, I see graduation as the end of an entire life stage that provided me with experiences and shaped who I am as a person. It’s the result of all the decisions I’ve made, my hard work and my struggles, but it also symbolizes a change that makes all my memories, laughs and friendships worth more than gold.
Even the small pleasures like being so close in proximity to everyone and getting student discounts end by graduation. I could also just be nostalgic, but I truly don’t think it would be special if it didn’t mean the end of a life stage that’s comprised of so many little events.
Marriage is another milestone that is just as easily applicable in my eyes. Sure, I’m not married, but I know that love and commitment isn’t just built in a day. It’s built from a foundation of small things from start to finish. In general, I believe love itself is comprised of all the little things. It begins with a small interaction that leads two people into a relationship. Then, it’s built up through actions that grow in importance. Love and marriage are created by making a million small decisions with someone else in mind, whether that be what to eat for dinner or what TV show you want to watch together, and all the small actions that show how much you care. Yes, marriage and love are huge and special, but they’re only so because of all the small things that have built up to that moment.
I’d even go as far to say that the little things in life paint a picture of self identity. It’s common knowledge that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at how they dress, carry themselves and speak. We make those judgments every day interacting with new people. However, that’s not all that makes up a person’s sense of self.
Little things that you may never think of can help you gain insight into who someone is as an individual. Consider what draws their eye, the kind of music they listen to, how they decorate their space and even what’s on their TikTok “For You Page”. Habits are another small, but critical part of being. They’re personal decisions we reinforce every day, and they quite literally affect how we live as people. If you want to change, you have to start small and work on something that you can build up in increments.
These things create an identity special for each and every one of us.
The small things matter. The sunlight and a gentle, spring breeze make me happy, so I’m going to stop to enjoy them as they come. I understand that everything is built upon little things, so when I’m overwhelmed, I break down problems into smaller pieces. By paying attention to the little things, I find a small amount of peace in a chaotic world. Life has become beautiful when I stopped trying to rush towards the big moments and just enjoyed where I am now. Everything comes at its own pace, and time will pass anyways, so why not take a moment to cherish the things we have now? I don’t want to be so caught up in the business of everything that by the time it’s all said and done, I haven’t stopped to enjoy the experience of life.
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