Little things of joy

This journey is yours, enjoy each and every step.

Human tendency is to look for more—whatever we have, we want a little more of it. When this thinking applies to material things, it could be considered greed. However, when we seek a little more joy, inner peace, calmness, kindness, generosity, and other qualities that benefit both us and those around us, it’s a different story.

I am all for the big goals, for big goals, ambitions, and growth. Working hard for a bigger house, a better lifestyle, an enviable designation, a good paycheck, wonderful vacations, fancy cars, gadgets, jewelry, wealth, and great fitness is perfectly justified. We need dreams and should work toward them. But while moving toward those targets, we must remind ourselves to enjoy the journey.

We need to ensure that when we reach those goals, we’re healthy enough to enjoy them. Take care of your physical and mental health regularly instead of waiting for your dreams to come true. Whether the outcome of your efforts brings joy or makes you feel it wasn’t worth pursuing, you should have the satisfaction that the journey was fun.

There are many little things in life that allow us to have fun and take short breaks. Though they may seem like distractions to someone focused on the next goal, lighter and playful activities help us rejuvenate and become stronger. Whatever sparks happiness for you—hobbies for recreation, fitness activities, self-care routines, catching up with friends, cooking or baking, crafting, sewing, embroidery, spending pleasant time with family, helping someone, or simply being with yourself—make time for it.

In the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s not easy to focus on these little things to refresh ourselves and have fun. Our days are crowded with checklists and work or home demands. At times, it can feel overwhelming to think about anything extra for your own benefit, as the never-ending checklist consumes your attention.

While talking to a friend, I learned that she sets an alarm every 15 minutes in the morning, each linked to a specific task. Whenever it beeps, she checks whether tasks are getting completed in order. These alarms help her stay on track and leave for the office with some relief.

This is just one example of how life is becoming complicated and cramped with too many chores. Unless we take time to introspect, it’s difficult to prioritize. Reflection helps us decide what we need to work on and what can be delegated or omitted with minimal impact.

Taking time for yourself to appreciate life and enjoy it regularly is the key to maintaining the energy and strength you need for bigger accomplishments.

Life is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. You need to sustain energy and enthusiasm for the long run. Look for activities that add zest to mundane tasks. Make time for them and enjoy the little things.

—Anitha KC