In this day and age, most of us are too busy to recognize the small things in life that bring us the most happiness. We are too quick to see the negative side of things as opposed to the positive.
This section is dedicated to bringing these otherwise insignificant daily happenings to the forefront with the intentions of encouraging humankind to stop and smell the roses. These little things should not be, but often are taken for granted. Sometimes it’s ok to see the world through slightly rose-tinted glasses. We’d probably all be a lot happier if we did.
It’s the little things… before I get out of bed, I think of one thing for which I am thankful. It is amazing how this one simple step can change your day. Joy is an inner note that you sound as you move through the day. You will have joy only when you focus on having it and settle for nothing less. 


My corporate work day is much more demanding than my husband’s flexible sales schedule; he also really enjoys cooking. I often take for granted the fact that he always prepares a nice hot dinner, does much of the house cleaning and runs whatever errands I need throughout the day. I usually chalk it up to the fact that he has the time during the day to accomplish these things while I do not. However, I forget how lucky I am to have a husband willing to do these tasks while many of my friends do not (even if their husbands are unemployed.) These little things make a huge difference and also allow us to cherish the time we do have together since the chores are mostly already done. He is also very much involved in helping me start my own entrepreneurial endeavor (since, again, I don’t have the freedom to accomplish much of the work required.) Although www.ReunitedWeStand.com is mostly my baby and should be my burden, he is the important element I need in order to get things done. He’s a great catch… and I’m keeping him!
I live in a rural area, a dying small town with few amenities and rampant ugly rumors dispersed regularly by the walled-in, limited lives. It’s easy to see the problems every minute of the day, but I have learned to close myself off and create my own world within the world. This has enabled me to find the tiny things that make it all worth while. First, my pets who have access to a fenced back yard bring much laughter and joy. Sitting out doors in the wee hours spring through fall, and yes even sleeping on a cot sometimes, has been an unexpected surprise with the incredible beauty of the stillness! And the bright stars overhead! Then there’s the night wild life wandering the dimly lit streets, such a raccoons and Ferrel cats. They stop and peer so curiously at me watching them before racing off to their next destination.
I have lived in major metropolitan areas before I returned to my hometown in Kansas. Even in cities we can enjoy the subtle beauties of nature for it is nature that brings us the most refreshment to our tired souls. And yet, we take it so for granted because it is there each and every day. And then when it changes, we complain because it’s too wet, too hot, too cold, too windy–or whatever. Rather, we can embrace all of those variation and differences, and do the things that make those changes important in giving us balance and substance. Right now I am loving the many layers of blankets and coverlets I deliberately pile on for the lack-of-heat bedroom (too costly on my limited budget to heat it), and to feel the special type of warmth a wool blanket gives to my skin is simply indescribable! With the various textures and natural fabrics (never, never a synthetic) to chose from, even the dogs find a coverlet they claim for their own feel-good! Grab a good book or magazine and turn on the bed lamp overhead, and you can’t make me move from my comfy and secure winter haven!
It’s when the blips in life occur, that I suddenly notice that which I take for granted. A sudden head cold or twisted ankle, and I realize that I have been taking for granted my healthy body. An unexpected overload in my schedule, and I am acutely aware of how easily I take for granted my time. The rare occasion of writer’s block, short tempers, and rash decision making all point to taking for granted the ability to solve problems creatively. Thank you, blips in life, for reminding me to be mindful, grateful, and (even if only for a moment), not taking life’s gifts for granted.
I often think I need to make a certain amount of money to be happy, but that’s not the case. I have a quality life that I unfortunately can take for granted. I get to run my own business, create my own schedule, go the the gym whenever I want. I can work from home on the snowy days, but yet sometimes I still catch myself wanting more money. I have the best gig, and appreciate my life and the support I have to do what I love and fulfill my passion. It’s not about making millions, it’s about the quality of life.
– Susan Vernicek
