From little things, big things grow

Too often are our lives inundated with many stressors - long commutes, the internet, flooding inboxes of questions like “What’s for dinner?” or “Are you AI?”

In these, we often turn to seeking out something big to boost our day. If you’ve read my previous entries, you’re probably familiar with this recurring theme I’ve brought up: whilst big is commendable and worth celebrating, relying solely on finding them however isn’t a sustainable, nor healthy way to live life.

By the time we’ve accomplished something that is a big milestone, the outcome is either short-lived or not what was anticipated. With so many areas that impose stress and deprive us of energy, we must find strategies to swing the pendulum in our favour to lower stress and promote more energy, but how?

If you answered by seeking out the small things, then congratulations, you are correct!

Ripples of Happiness

Smaller moments are, on their own…small. Insignificant in the schemes of clockwork routines and the game of life, they present themselves to us openly, but too often do we dismiss them for not being significant enough.

Think of how many of these do you encounter throughout a given day. Perhaps you:

• Lifted an extra 2.5kgs heavier for your working deadlift set 🏋️

• Learnt a new skill

• Solved a problem you previously struggled to fix 🔧

• Cooked an omelette that didn’t stick to the pan! 🍳

• Heard the tune of a birdsong 🐦

• Spent time with a family member or friend and enjoyed their company ❤️

• Received a complement or kind gesture from someone

• Listened to your favourite music 🎵

• Savouring a warming cup of tea 🍵

• Received a cuddle from your pet 😺

• Admiring the view of a sunrise or sunset 🌇

Add these all up and it turns out, your day doesn’t need to be big or extravagant for you to feel happy. Plus, by appreciating these smaller moments, you’re able to feel more content with your current day to day life, be more energetic, fulfilled and happier overall.

I stumbled upon lots of these small moments along my hike at Kaipatiki Reserve last month. Let’s see what endeavours transpired in this micro-adventure.

In the Undergrowth, Another World Prospers

As I began my hike within the Kaipatiki Reserve, it wasn’t one grand moment that made me think, wow this is awesome! Trekking through the reserve was initially like another forest trail. Overtime however, what started as one chance encounter, cascaded into a myriad of small moments that made me appreciate the subtleties of the trail.

Mushrooms of all shapes, sizes and colours sprouting up in small pockets, gazing up towards the majestic Kauri trees and admiring its bark and canopy, stepping off the beaten track and weaving through fallen branches and logs from times past, pondering at the strange make-shift tent perched off the side of the track. Near the end, little animal and Disney figures watched from the branches of trees.

All these elements culminated in a walk that you could argue, made it feel like you were living in your own adventure yourself! A peaceful, perilous free one at that.

Despite the track’s abrupt ending and a detour, I was left feeling recharged and satisfied, almost like I had stepped into another world for a short time.

Compounding Effects of the Small and Subtle

So when you go about in your day, take notice of those small moments and admire them for what they are. What comes your way is also important to share to others, so when you can, go out of your way and do a small deed for someone or something you care about in your day, be it for a family member, a friend, your pet, colleague, mentor, or even an act of self-care for yourself! Small they may seem, their effects amplify when compounded over a period of time. Just like compound interest!

It’s as the Grey Pilgrim himself once said “I've found it is the small things; everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay... simple acts of kindness, and love.” 🧙‍♂️

Any tiny thing that gives you joy or fulfilment throughout the day, accept it. Those small things could - intentionally or not, influence you to accomplish your big achievements down the line - or even lead into them!

What sorts of small moments do you appreciate or make in your day? 🌱

📺 Recent Movie/TV Watch: Re-watching Harry Potter: Recently finished The Order of the Phoenix 🪄

🌱 Lesson of the Week: Recognise when to work hard but also when to allow yourself to rest and recover

📖 Learning Experience of the Week: New Zealand has the world’s steepest street in Dunedin, with an incline grade of 34.8%!

🏆 Highlight of the Week: Enjoying one of the best burgers during the Ponsonburger event - More on this in a future entry!

Thankyou for reading! I hope to see you in the next Tale. Until next time! 🧙🏻

Critters

🖌️ Creations of the Week:

Electroblob’s Wizardry Minecraft Addons - Mods and Resource Packs