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Monday, March 19, 2012

Appreciate the small things.

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I'm so excited to be back from my little birthday hiatus. 

Although it's only been four days, it's felt like an eternity for me. 

Could I be obsessed? 

I think not . . .



As I wrapped up my birthday and indulged in my many gifts, there was one thing that stuck out to me the most. 

Yes I received some fantastic gifts and surprises, but that's not what made my birthday special. 

What made it and everyday of my life special are the small, thoughtful things that are done for me; the things I didn't expect, ask for, or even remember I wanted.

For example, my father-in-law knows how much I've been wanting to put a garden in the backyard. I've seriously been wanting to do it for over a year but just haven't gotten around to it. (That and everything I try to grow and maintain dies) 

So what did he do? He took matters into his own hands. 

Coming by our house early Saturday morning, he pulled my husband out of bed and made him accompany him on his mission to buy me flowers. I thought it would be another floral bouquet (I had already received like seven) that I had no idea where it would go,  but to my surprise they came back with a beautiful rose bush. 

To say I was delighted is an understatement.

You see, my in-laws speak mostly Arabic so our communication is quite limited, so for him to remember that I wanted a garden and then be determined to get me just that brought tears to my eyes. It wasn't the gift that mattered, it was the thought. The knowledge that he cared enough to remember.

He cared about the "small things."

The funny part is, most people who meet me think I'm some ultra-privileged woman who has to have the best or I'll throw a hissy fit. 

This sentiment always offends me because it's simply not true. I don't need a new pair of diamond earrings or a Louis Vuitton bag to be happy. 

My happiness comes from God and the small, wonderful, little things that happen to me everyday.

Things like:
The beauty of the sun
My husband replacing the toilet paper roll or refilling the soap dispenser
Ducks swimming in the lake
A thoughtful note or comment from my readers
Encouragement
A new day
Friends and family
You . . .

You see, when we start to appreciate the small things in life that's when we truly start to live. Yes big shiny gifts and gestures are fun, but they only last for a moment. The shiny gifts become old/rusted and the big grand gesture becomes old news if not topped by something more magnificent. 

Get my point?

It's the small things in life that are memorable. 

You know, the little text throughout the day just to make sure you're okay. The special cooked meal when you arrive home from a grueling day. The affirmation that you're doing a great job at this or that. A bike ride on the beach as you watch the sun set over the ocean. I could go on and on . . .

So which side do you find yourself on?

Are you the demanding diva or the appreciative admirer? 

Believe me, the latter is better.

I hope you will take today to learn to appreciate the small things.
 Let go of all the big "NEEDS" and demands and just be happy. 
Your life will be better for it.

16 comments:

  1. I find that the small things delight me even more than the big things sometimes! Happy Belated Birthday! Sounds like it was awesome!!!

    XO Kelley
    http://www.keepsittingpretty.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I agree. I feel like sometimes the big things aren't worth as much as the thought put into something small.

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  2. Great post! Love the message. Definitely need to take the time to appreciate the litte things! Happy Birthday!

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.oliveandanarrow.com

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    Replies
    1. I try to remember to everyday. It's so easy to just take them for granted.

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  3. I love this post! Have a great day!

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  4. This post was so inspirational and wonderful! I love how you take a second to reflect on the small important things. I know exactly what you mean when you say they small things. I think every body should take a second to appreciate them every day.

    Amanda Rose
    http://sewmuchtosay.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Amanda! It really truly important. I can find so many things to complain about in my day. It's so much easier, but I'm trying to make a conscious effort to appreciate everything. : )

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  5. That is so so sweet that your father-in-law put the garden in for you!!!! What a wonderful surprise to come home to. I hope you enjoyed your birthday break. I hope you got to eat some yummy treats too =)

    - Sarah
    http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. It really was. I was so so happy. I definitely appreciate them so much more. To know that they care about me and I'm more than just their son's wife makes me happy.

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  6. great post, great message, we are very fortunate people and we should definetly learn to appreciate little things in life!

    http://www.yuliconversations.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. We really are. Everyday and everything is such a gift.

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  7. Happy belated Birthday! ... MIne's in 2 days!

    xoxo,
    Taylor

    taylormorgandesign.blogspot.com

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  8. Happy Be-lated Birthday...lovely post...I'm appreciative for the sun in the sky...to feel the warmth on my face as I leave the house after a chilly winter...Thanks for sharing, as always.

    Hugs.
    Lola

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lola! The older I get I really do appreciate the sun. I never gave it much thought before but it has a way of bringing so much joy!

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