*THIS POST IS BEING UPDATED——check back soon :)

*go back to ‘aesthetic lifestyle…’ and link to here (under H3 on the art of noticing: “…Noticing the little things.”)

I’ve been practicing gratitude lately. I heard it’s the secret to happiness, manifestation and all that good stuff. The thing is, I used to think I had gratitude, but it was weak. So here I am, trying it truly.

This is a guide on how I’m falling in love with myself, my life and all the little things around me. A lot of it comes down to simply appreciating the small things and practicing the fine art of noticing.

Staying present.

But let’s skip the intro and get to it then.

Table of Contents

Appreciate the Small Things (why should I?)

Appreciating the small things is loving the journey. Because no matter where you are, there are little wins hiding in plain sight.

Here’s why I like the little things:

I’m Happier

Appreciating the small sht is a gratitude practice. So I’m sitting here, writing, and reminding myself of how stoked I am for the cozy heater next to me, the coffee, the iPad my friend lent me.

These things are so easy to forget. But when I remember to appreciate them, I’m in a state of gratitude.

I’m happier.

Explore More:
➤ How to Be Happy-go-lucky

I Feel Present

Nothing better than staying grounded in the present. An appreciation for the small things helps here.

Appreciating the little things takes intention and focus on what is in this very moment around you. It’s noticing the space you’re in, the state of your health, your life…recognizing the full context of your life (not all at once).

The more I pause and scan my surroundings, the easier it is to find things I’m grateful for. With enough practice, it becomes easy and then turns into a habit. Eventually, it can become a core part of your personality.

Patience

The more I focus on the little things around me, the more I realize how important they are——and how impatient we’ve become.

Everything is on-demand and short-form.

Get rich quick, go viral, heal spontaneously, find love in one moment…I’m thinking those big events are actually a culmination of tiny moments over time. At least, if you want things to be sustainable.

Apparently, Small Things Add Up

Big wins or overnight moments are not sudden. They’re a collection of tiny moments stacked on top of each other and experienced over time. And if you don’t pay attention, you’ll miss them. I say, don’t miss them.

When you pay attention to the little wins, you love the process. You’ll appreciate how far you’ve come and notice how small moments compound into bigger ones.

How to Appreciate the Little Things

Practice Gratitude (no, I mean really)

I’ve been getting into the habit of intentionally and consciously practicing gratitude——everyday, throughout the day. This is a big part of what’s motivating me to write this post.

I’m experiencing firsthand the impact that gratitude is having on my life, mood and energy.

It’s seriously some good sht.

I’m finding that gratitude is often found by appreciating the little things. But it’s more than just logically noticing them.

You need to emotionally feel them too.

Take time to sit still (maybe with some calm music or a meditation) and truly appreciate what you have——no matter your circumstances.

For example, the fact that you’re able to pause and read this article on your phone or computer in whatever space you’re in. That’s cool. That’s appreciating the small things. And that’s a gratitude practice.

Have More Things You Appreciate

If you’re struggling to find things you appreciate, try collecting more things you deeply value.

Curate your life and surroundings to match your vibe, values and taste. Be picky. Try minimalism to start slower and more focused.

The more aesthetic I make my life, the more inspired I feel.

(and by aesthetic, I mean having an appreciation for beauty and then making space for your personal style and taste)

Appreciating the aesthetic beauty of stuff and moments leads to more motivation.

Explore More:
➤ Lifestyle Design 101

Live Slower. Be Present.

Everything feels fast and on-demand. Movies, deliveries, food, dating…it’s all quick. So what a great time to go in the opposite direction.

Slow living is my remedy to short-form everything.

I’m not perfect but I try to hit pause and appreciate the moment at least daily. I like to eat slower, notice the way the sun comes in, watch the whole video or podcast…maybe even smell some roses.

Slow living is a lifestyle change, but even a little present moment appreciation goes a long way.

Explore More:
➤ The Benefits of Doing Nothing

Do More Things You Love

Do the things that make you happiest. Simple, right?

In theory, totally. But sometimes I avoid doing the things I truly love. Especially in my creative work when things like fear or perfectionism get in the way.

Other times, it’s just laziness or a lack of prioritization.

But it’s funny, when I do prioritize the things I love (and the stuff connected to my values and goals), I become more passionate and start appreciating things more.

This is actually part of my new year’s resolution (prioritize my passions and big goals).

Explore More:
➤ 6 Habits for Lasting Happiness