I have been thinking a bit about noticing the small things lately - and how we take so much for granted. Like in the movie Amélie, the main character (Amélie) decided to cultivate a taste for small pleasures, such has dipping her hand into sacks of grain, cracking créme brulée with a teaspoon, and skipping stones at St Martin's Canal.
And really, I think we should all take a leaf out of her book. And as that saying going "stop and smell the roses". Although it's rather cheesy, I do believe they're right. Even if you don't actually stop, but notice the small things while you're on the go.
I try to keep this as my mentality, as it really does help you to appreciate everything around you - the things you have and the people in your life.
But, to refresh my appreciation, I have written a list of the small things I enjoy:
Joy - (start with a couple of big things) but joy, not just the happy feeling you get when everything is good, but true joy! The overwhelming sense you experience when things are truly grand.
Friendship - the friendship of those around me, especially those who are close to me. No words can properly explain the gratefulness to have friends who accept me, for me. And not just their friendship in general, but the small things they do to keep me accountable help me become a better version of myself (even without noticing they're doing it).
Rain - first of all I probably most enjoy the way it makes things look, the trees and grass look greener and colours just look richer and more full of life. As well as the smell. I mean, who doesn't love that smell! (and good thing, considering it's been raining quite a lot lately)
Mail - there is this line for the movie 'Paul Blart, Mall Cop' and it's when the interrogator asks Paul Blart's daughter for her cell phone. She confesses she doesn't have one, and then says "I prefer hand written sentiments". To which I agree to 100%. There is something special about letters, maybe because it is such a rare thing now that technology is insanely advanced. But the excitement of first receiving mail, and then writing a reply, getting to use my wax seal (which I will also mention), then waiting in anticipation for the receiver's reply, then repeating the process. I currently have two fairly constant "pen pals". One of whom lives in China. I think receiving mail from her is one of my favourite things - the excitement of stories being exchanged across countries, as well as the fact that she is sitting on the other side of the world, and has taken the time to write the letter by hand and not just using the internet. I must also add, as much as I love receiving letters, there is nothing more exciting then receiving a package! (especially if it also includes a letter). The excitement of unwrapping the package to reveal the joy it contains inside. Seriously the best.
Wax Stamps - obviously, I love the moment after you've pressed your stamp onto the puddle of wax and lift it up - just to see the perfectly shaped embossing of your stamp. I also love the smell of the wax as it's melting onto the envelope.
Blankets (especially super soft ones) - okay, this sounds silly. But I love the feeling of being all snuggled up in a cosy blanket. Even if that means I need to turn my fan onto full blast on a (even just slightly) cool day, just so I can wrap myself up into a cocoon of blankets (only emerging for food).
That moment when you take the perfect photo - if it's the perfect timing or just the perfect shot, in the perfect location, in the perfect situation or you are just extremely happy with a photo. What ever and where ever it is, no matter how many times you see it, it just makes you so happy (and excited) about photography. And it can remind you that you should keep going, even when things get tough.
The sound cameras make when the shutter goes off - okay, so I understand that this probably won't make sense to the majority of people. But that sound when you press the shutter button down - pure satisfaction. (also, I found a video of different shutter sounds. I can't believe it's a thing!)
The smell of freshly baked bakery items - I don't know what it is, but freshly baked goods tingle the senses. (and usually makes you hungry).
Empty cinemas - not that I got to the cinema much anymore, but the feeling of freedom - that you can laugh as loud as you want, make obvious comments without being judged and large array of chairs you can chose from (and get the perfect seat/view).
Lighting matches - so i'm not the biggest fan of people playing with fire, but I do love lighting matches. I love the second right after you strike the match and the flame flares up, as wells as the smell of matches/candles after you blow them out.
Smiles - I love when you are out and about and someone's smile just catches your eye. Whether it be directed at you or not. I think it's important to smile. This is probably weird, but sometimes I like to flash a quick smile to strangers, especially if they're looking a bit down in the dumps. One other thing I love, is when people smile while reading books or text messages. I don't know what it is, but seeing people happy makes me happy.
Encouragement/Compliments - well, of course I think encouragement in general is super important. But giving someone random encouragement as well as compliments is super important. I LOVE giving out encouragement and compliments, especially to strangers. Although, it has become quite a habit and I do it without thinking (but I guess that's not a bad thing) and sometimes I will give out a zillion compliments in a day. I have had a few people compliment about how much I give encouragement and compliments. (mind you I am terrible at taking compliments. person: "compliment". me: "oh, um, thanks" *awkward feeling*.
But I think making the effort to encourage and compliment people is important, it's something we should all do. Because for all we know, that was exactly what the person needed to hear. So I strongly urge you to give it a go, because it will not only make that person feel good, but you will also feel good! Trust me!
Live music - I have written about this before in my other blog. But I absolutely love the atmosphere of live music. For me, it feels like home. I love just closing my eyes and soaking in the sound; let it flow through my body, tingle my ears and resinate in my bones.
The way certain songs make you feel - i'm not sure if this happens for everyone, but for me I can get so caught up in the emotion of a song, or the way the certain song makes me feel. Like seeing someone get so emotional over a song, or putting so much of their self into a song, or when there is a basis and meaning behind the delivery of the song. I am very easily affected by music, any small change in pitch or tonality can really get to me. Oh boy, can it get to me.
There are so many other things I could list off, like dancing crazy in a public place, life changing stories exchanged with strangers, the way the sun looks as it's setting after a cloudy/overcast day and how the rays of light disperse across the sky through a big fluffy cloud, and the moments of realisation we sometimes get, and the remembering of things you had forgotten or were trying to remember. But I will stop for now, or I will just be rambling on forever.
I would also like to say that my Facebook Page for my photography is up and running! So I would be so, so grateful if you would go and check it out and possibly like it.
And I know what you're thinking - "uh glee". But seriously, I would almost have to say that this is almost (a lot) better then the original (sorry if that offends any of you). But in all honesty, I have listened to it practically on repeat for the past few days. There is just something about it, and the guy has a lovely voice.
☼
