Little Things

Changes in routines provide unexpected pleasures.

First, cutting cable TV proved beneficial in these ways: over $100 savings per month; huge reduction in annoying advertisements; near absence of fear inducing news reporting. The peace of mind this brought to my life was staggering. I still get the news but more factually and edifying than TV news programming.

Second, time management is less pressurized. The important things still get done but without the drama. Well, almost no drama. With the important things under control the little things fall into place easily.

Third, expectations are more reasonable and appropriate. Calm emerges.

Fourth, time is available to inspect topics put off, discovery of important thinking increases. Pondering does indeed produce moments of intersection with the profound. Richness follows.

Fifth, watching others from a calmer perspective, is very entertaining.

Many years ago, I chose to rise early in the day, 5 am now in retirement. Before retirement it was often 3:30 or 4 o’clock. To make this happen, bedtime came early, around 9 pm. Morning hours gave me time to wrangle details without interruption before the heat of the day’s activity buried me in work and interruptions.

In retirement early hours provide calm reflection and writing. Also, research and in-depth reading occurs. This is the time my brain follows facts and themes. Meanings become more evident and powerful. With accomplishments by noon, the afternoon is for recreation, napping and free form pondering. Good things come from that environment.

Little things become more apparent and meaningful. Placing all of these things in context unveils their importance and value.

Routines can organize our lives. They can also hide from view what is important. The price is too high for that. Change routines to discover what has been missing. The little things have big value. 

Find them. Appreciate them.

September 15, 2022

 

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