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| Simple little things too can make a big difference |
Happiness is something we all seek, but few, very few of us, actually attain it. Because most of us fail to notice or realize that it is right in front of us, all around us. We remain so invested in waiting for seemingly “big” moments to arrive that we fail to notice the small, everyday moments around us! Too often we ignore, overlook or take for granted, the simple and the ordinary. While to some people, they might seem mundane and meaningless but to some others, these simple and random little things that often go by unnoticed, could mean the world! "Why would one need something grand but complicated for happiness, when simplicity brings so much more?", they believe. Once someone takes a moment to appreciate, he/she will discover that it's the little things in life that please the most.
Simple pleasures are indeed life's treasures.
Like the pleasure of taking an afternoon nap under a tree shade in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life,
or waking up to chirping birds in the early hours of a morning.
Like the pleasure of watching the sun rising over an untrodden road while taking a morning walk,
or sitting on a river bank and watching the sun go down while the birds would be heading home!
Like the pleasure of drawing lines or letters on the sand.
Or like the pleasure of caressing the dew-washed grass with the palm on a winter morning.
Like the pleasure of befriending street dogs;
or book hunting on the streets of Old Delhi on Sundays.
Like the pleasure of receiving a handwritten letter or card from your significant other;
or like leaving a "I love you" or a "thank you" note for your loved one. Such simpler but thoughtful gestures of affection expressed regularly, would mean a whole lot more to them than something grand done on select few days of a year!
Like the pleasure of watching a baby sleep, taking tiny breaths and the soft noises he/she makes;
or holding the baby against your chest and gently patting on his/her back, while also feeling his/her heartbeat.
Like fumbling around for a candle and matchbox during a power outage and then upon lighting it, making funny images with the shadows of your hands on the walls.
Like the pleasure of riding a bicycle on an empty, newly paved road with a cool breeze wafting over your face,
while also taking the time to observe and absorb the beauty of the surroundings.
Like the pleasure of growing plants and tending to them
or the pure bliss of getting into a warm blanket on a cold winter night.
Like the pleasure of munching on hot pakodas accompanied by a cup of tea on a rainy evening;
and watching several thousands of raindrops falling gracefully from the sky;
Or sitting on the bed with knees up to the chest and watching the rain fall kindly on the window glass and leaking down gradually with different speeds, as if they were racing with each other;
Sliding the hands out of the window, following the rain drops and listening raptly to their sound.... using the rain as a lullaby;
... and then raising your head up and looking through the window as soon as you realise that there are no longer sounds of rain drops falling on the window.. the rain is gone... hearing nothing but silence. So going back and nestling up in the bed for a few minutes more.
Like the pleasure of singing and dancing for no good reason, thereby bringing out the child in you once more;
or making a harmless prank call or two to friends or even to unknown persons!
Truth be told, there is no particular recipe for happiness. Life is, in fact, full of several such fleeting moments of pure joy; happy are those who celebrate them!
Yes, such little joys are indeed the things that make life worthwhile.
... and these simple things, including a smile and a nod, make all the difference
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