Noticing the small things
Hey everyone and happy Thursday! :) I hope everyone is having an amazing Thursday so far and enjoying their week. This post was really fun to write and actually practice! As someone who is always hustling to get things done really efficiently and quickly, it was really interesting to pause a bit or turn on the "slow motion mode" button in my life to just be more present. Before, I would wake up as early as possible and get through the entire day with just working on productive things and projects and academics.
But lately, I've been taking the time lately to notice the small things. It honestly might be because I'm a perfectionist, but it might also be because it helps me remain in the present moment. For me, noticing the small things is noticing the breeze that is blowing against my hair. The breeze feels really calming and cooling on my skin in the sunny Californian air and also makes me feel like a moviestar with my hair blowing backwards hahaha.. These small things, like wind for example, makes me feel more grounded in the present moment and helps with a lot of stressful thoughts!
Small ways to notice the small things around you:
Notice when you stand up and sit down. How does your body feel?
When you're feeling tired or about to feel, take a second to notice how being tired feels and how good it feels to fall asleep.
Whenever you're eating something, take a second to notice what you're eating and use your 5 senses.
Tip: Whenever you notice a small thing in life that makes you happy, note it down!
Why should we notice the small things more in our lives?
You might be wondering, doesn't this have to do more with mindfulness? You're correct, but mindfulness (at least in my opinion) is incredibly important in the self-harm recovery journey. When we're experiencing such difficult times in life and constantly facing urges, it's easy to forget to appreciate the small wins and the small things. That's why being mindful about small things can be important as it adds up over time. Being in the present moment has also been proven to lead to a more peaceful mind and help us feel happier.
Discussion questions:
1) What are some small things in life that makes you happy?
2) What are some ways you can start noticing small things in you life?
3) What's your favorite flower and why?
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1) I'm not sure about small things. I'd have to think about it for a much longer time.
2) Probably by connecting to my senses. But I have a question... I'm someone who's senses go into overdrive when anxious (sounds too loud, colors too bright, etc.), how could I practice this without it sending me into anxiety?
3) If I had to choose, I'd say tiger lily or the aster
@Lexloveslife
Hey Lex <3 I hope you're having a good day. I think it's ok that you think about small things for a longer time! I get what you're talking about with your anxiety affecting your senses. That's really difficult first of all and I'm really sorry that you have to face that.. I'm not exactly sure if there's a solution to your problem besides being more mindful and more present when you're not in a high-anxiety state of mind? <3 And when you are in that state of mind and can't tune into your senses, it might help to take it really slowly like with grounding. I looked up both of the flowers you mentioned and I absolutely love tiger lilies now!! They're also a character in Pocahontas hehe. Take care <3
@TheAtticusFinch
It's been so long since I've seen Pocahontas oh my gosh! I thought she was a character in Peter Pan but either way... guess I know what I'm doing this weekend! Thank you for the idea. Yeah I think grounding could work before trying to find the small enjoyable things in life. Maybe I could get my hands on a meditation and dedicate some time. With things being a bit frantic, that's been harder. Still, I think you're right that slowing down first is what I should try
@Lexloveslife
Ah yikes just realized that should say whose not who's lol
Hii!! Thanks for this great post!!
1) What are some small things in life that makes you happy?
The second before drifting off to sleep - it's very peaceful. I also find the sound of pencil against paper lovely.
2) What are some ways you can start noticing small things in you life?
Looking at the 'smaller' picture, I guess :p
3) What's your favorite flower and why?
Hydrangeas! ^^ I also like other purple-ish flowers, like hyacinths :3
@Hydrangea03
Hi Hydrangea <3 Thanks for suggesting this post in the first place!! I would love to hear any other ideas that you may ever have in the future, this was certainly a fun post to write. Oh my, I can really relate to the sound of your pencil against paper. It's definitely a really guilty pleasure for me since I try to go paperless with everything I do (I take digital or typed notes hahaha). I tend to always fall asleep too quickly or just forget the feeling of almost falling asleep, but I'll try and be more mindful at night to see if I notice it! Looking at the smaller picture, lmao I laughed a bit but yes if you find a way to wisely do that, I think that'd be cool. I just realized that hydrangeas are flowers (spoiler: I don't know much about flowers at all!!?) and I have them in my backyard!! :) Thanks again for suggesting and always feel free to suggest more posts in the future.
Ahhh you have hydrangeas in your backyard- lucky!!!! They must be so beautiful 🌸 @TheAtticusFinch
