How I Found Myself Savoring the Little Things

Published by Barbara Ratti in self development · Sunday 16 Mar 2025 · 5:30
Tags: self, care, mindfulness, personal, growth, gratitude, happiness, life, lessons, well, being, self, discovery, positivity, mental, health

How I Found Myself Savoring the Little Things

Have you ever paused in the middle of an ordinary day and thought, "This is it—this is life"?

Not the grand adventures, milestones, or simple, fleeting moments that pass unnoticed.

Maybe someone smiles at you, and you feel a connection. Or perhaps you notice a beautiful tree, and you feel the majesty of nature.

I've caught up in the chase for something bigger more times than I can count.

I used to believe that happiness was somewhere in the future—a goal to reach, a place to arrive at.

But over time, I've realized that the most meaningful moments are happening right now, in the middle of an ordinary day.

And now I want to be "normal"—a "normal" person who loves a "normal", perfect moment. A "normal" perfect life.

This realization has brought me a profound sense of joy and connection to the present.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

There was a time when I rushed through my mornings, barely noticing anything between waking up and checking my phone.

But I didn't live fully. I focused on doing something but not being myself. Not being fully lived. I wasn't satisfied.

One day, I followed my intuition and started to slow down.

I noticed how the sunlight painted soft patterns on my kitchen table, how the first sip of coffee felt like a small luxury, and how the quiet hum of the world waking up made everything feel peaceful.

That shift—choosing to notice—changed everything. I thought I was living in a magic world. Connected with everything.

I started to use my senses to feel everything, like when I was a child, and I observed everything around me with a sense of magic.

A typical day is full of these moments, but we have to be present to see them. The sound of a loved one's laughter, the warmth of a cosy blanket on a cold evening, the smell of rain after a hot day—these are not just ordinary occurrences, but the things that make life rich and beautiful.

When we tune into our senses, we realize how much beauty surrounds us, and this realization fills us with a deep sense of appreciation and mindfulness.

Awareness Creates Depth

I used to think life needed to be extraordinary to be meaningful. But now, I see that depth comes from paying attention.

Washing the dishes isn't just a chore; it's the warmth of the water on my hands, the quiet rhythm of scrubbing, and the satisfaction of a clean plate. A simple walk around the block turns into an experience when I notice the crunch of leaves underfoot, the breeze on my face, the way my body feels moving through space.

You Are Enough, Just as You Are

For the longest time, I thought I had to do more to be enough. I compared my life to others, believing I needed grand experiences, success, or something remarkable to validate my worth. Sometimes, I felt like I wasn't doing enough or being enough.

That quiet ache of self-doubt sat heavy in my chest, whispering that I needed to be different, better, more. It was painful. I felt under attack from myself—a horrible feeling. I couldn't trust myself.

But then, I started paying attention to the small, beautiful ways I existed in the world—how my laughter filled a room, how I showed up for people I loved, how I desired to help others, and how I found joy in simple things. How I loved nature and real connection with people. I began to see that I didn't need to achieve or change to be worthy. I was already enough, just as I was.

Sometimes, I have doubts based on some wounds from my past, but I'm working on them using self-care strategies during the day. For example, I use my senses to focus on the magic around me and feel connected with each part of myself, including my shadows. I also practice mindfulness exercises and journaling to process my thoughts and emotions.

It's not easy to accept shadows but I'm improving and that's important.

A meaningful life isn't about chasing something extraordinary perfect; it's about realizing that how you live, love, and experience the world—exactly as you are—is already special.

Embrace the Ordinary

Instead of constantly looking for something bigger, I'm learning to cherish what's in front of me. The life I have right now is full of moments worth savouring. A quiet morning with a good book, stretching after a long day, and sharing a meal with someone I love make life beautiful.

So take a deep breath. Look around. Life isn't just about milestones; it's about the moments in between.

And those moments?

They're worth everything.

I encourage you to start your own mindfulness journey today.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary.

You'll be surprised at how much joy and gratitude it can bring into your life.

If you want to add more magic to your day, try starting a gratitude journal—just a sentence or two about something that made you smile. Take a walk without your phone and notice the world around you.

Light a candle at dinner, even if you're eating alone, to make the moment feel special.

Play your favourite song and really listen. Find ways to turn ordinary moments into something meaningful. When you start noticing the little things, you'll realize how much beauty has been there all along.

Remember, a meaningful life isn't about chasing something extraordinary; it's about realizing that how you live, love, and experience the world exactly as you are is already special.

A Final Thought

You don't need a different life to feel fulfilled—you need to start seeing the one you have with new eyes. Every day holds something beautiful worth noticing, something to be grateful for. The more you slow down and pay attention, the more you realize that happiness isn't elsewhere.

It's right here, in the small, quiet moments that make up your life.