Our Lives Are Happening Between The Big Events

We tend to recognize the big moments. The birthday. The finish line. The breakthrough. The announcement that gets its own photograph and several exclamation marks. I love a milestone. But I’m starting to think some of my favourite parts of life include the smaller things too. 

There is so much happening in day-to-day life. A grandchild showing you something whimsical. A good conversation that goes nowhere in particular. The comfort of being with someone around whom you can simply be yourself. These moments can pass quietly while we’re looking for something more impressive.

One thing I love about spending time with little kids is their ability to become completely absorbed in what is right in front of them. A book. A toy.  A kitten. The dog. They don’t need the afternoon to advance their personal brand. They are busy discovering that something squeaks, and frankly, the rest of us could learn a thing or two. I have spent plenty of time pursuing breakthroughs while a small person beside me was having the time of her life with a cardboard box.

I want more of that attention in my own day. To hear the whole story. To notice how good it feels to move my body. To enjoy a hug without reaching for my phone. I know life gets busy, and some days require us to keep moving. But even then, I can choose a few moments to stay in the right now instead of treating them as background noise.

Please ask yourself: what happened today that I would love to remember? It might be something ordinary. Let that count. Keep your dreams, make your plans and climb your next mountain. Just look around along the way. There are people to love, ridiculous things to laugh at and moments you will never get again. I want to notice mine while I’m still in them.

- Kim