Glowing Grey

In a world that can glorify and hyper focus on the big moments – graduations, weddings, promotions, retirement and holidays – it can be easy to overlook the beauty of the mundane.

We can often find ourselves searching for the next significant event or planning a new goal or project, believing that happiness lies within these big moments.

I find so much of my time over the last year or two has been focused on preparing for 2025, a time when we are looking forward to downsizing our home and hopefully retiring.

Whist having goals and dreams for the future is important, taking the time to enjoy the in-between helps us to appreciate the simple everyday moments and not underestimate the value they bring to our lives.

THE VALUE OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Quite a number of years ago I read a book called “Everyday Matters” by Danny Gregory and it was the spark that rejuvenated my creativity at that particular time in my life. Danny never considered himself an artist, but after a family tragedy he decided to teach himself how to draw. His choice of subject matter to practice on were the simple everyday items around his home. Kitchen utensils, the contents of his medicine cabinet or his breakfast all found their way into his sketchbooks.

What accumulated over time was a collection of all the little things that made up the in between moments of his life that would otherwise have been forgotten. Although the items featured may have been small and/or trivial, collectively they formed an anthology of his choices, his tastes and the world in which he lived.

“Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.” – Bob Marley

I used to keep an illustrated journal when the boys were younger. I would draw an item from around the house and write about the day. It’s a little sad I no longer do this as looking back through my sketchbooks is like going down memory lane. A favourite handbag, a flower from my grandmothers funeral, an ugly egg timer with a journal entry lamenting my busy day at work and cooking eggs on toast for my family for dinner because I was so tired.

Life is a series of moments, and while the big events can be exhilarating, it’s the small, everyday experiences that truly shape our lives.

Consider some simple daily rituals: our morning coffee, a walk in the fresh air, or a quiet evening with a book. Though these may seem insignificant at the time, they are the moments that ground us and bring context and value to our lives.

SEASONS OF CHANGE

The road from Point A to Point B in life is rarely straight and linear, instead made up of a series of winding and often challenging twists and turns. I prefer to look at them as cycles with each one having a distinct beginning and end. Between each of these cycles are calming periods of rest before we head out once again in search of our next great achievement.

But when we are more present and begin to feel the change in momentum, we can enjoy the quiet moments before the next cycle begins.

I love this time of year. Spring always brings with it an energy of growth and renewal. The coolness of winter has now gone but the oppressive humidity and heat of summer is still weeks away; months if the weather gods are smiling on us.

The flowers are now in full bloom and the array of colours fill the landscape and their heady scents fill my nostrils as I breathe in the fresh morning air. The local magpies have hatched and their incessant requests for food can now be heard in the mornings as we take our daily walks.

My morning ritual of tea and reading/journalling can now be enjoyed on the patio as I watch and listen to the neighbourhood come to life. The roses I rescued from my MIL’s garden have responded to my extra care and attention and are now rewarding me with fragrant blooms of red and yellow.

It is in these moments that I find contentment; enjoying all the little things that may otherwise be taken for granted or go unnoticed when my focus is not on the here and now.

But the seasons are now beginning to change again. The calm before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas/New Year period is coming to an end. I hold it at bay as long as I can but there are now plans to make, events to attend and parties to organise.

SMALL MOMENTS BIG IMPACT

Age brings with it the wisdom of a life lived.

If I could go back in my life I wouldn’t change any of the big milestones I have achieved so far.

If I could go back in my life I would change my attitude towards the little things as I now realise how much depth and value they have added to my life.

“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” – Brene Brown

Life is not just about the big moments but also about the countless small ones that fill our days. The dilemma being the big moments are usually the chosen ones that take pride of place in our memories. So how can we elevate the everyday to a place of similar importance?

We can learn to draw them or even photograph them and keep a visual reminder for years to come, or we can simply take the time to pause, breathe, and sit in the richness of everyday life.

The in-between moments are where life truly unfolds, and finding joy in them can lead us to a more meaningful and fulfilled existence.

Until next time,

Thank you for reading.