Sometimes people overlook the little things in life. Whether it is a polite smile or someone holding the door for them, people tend to miss things unless they are huge and in their face. This really is a sad way to exist because there are so many small things that are hugely significant in the grand scheme of life.

Stop and smell the flowers

People nowadays are so busy rushing from here to there that they do not take the time to notice the small stuff like pretty spring flowers or the smell of a good cup of coffee. Have you ever actually paid attention to a cool breeze on hot summer’s day? Sure, you like the break from sweating, but do you really stop to enjoy it? What about a soft and gentle rain? Your children’s laughter or the silly things they do are sometimes overlooked by busy parents. The biggest favor you can do yourself is to stop and pay attention to some of those little things once in awhile. Try bending over and smelling those flowers or looking up at the clouds and just breathe. 

Polite gestures

How many times has someone held the door for you and you…forgot to say, “Thank you”, because you were in a hurry? The odds are it happens more often than you think. Another example is someone gets you a cup of coffee and brings it to you, this is a polite gesture, not something they are obligated to do (unless you are at a restaurant). Even something as simple as a stranger smiling at you is a polite gesture that people take for granted. It is almost like people today feel as though they do not have time to be polite. You never know when a polite smile can make someone’s bad day just a little better.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice comes in all forms; both large and small. For example someone might give up their place in the checkout line because you have less items than they do. This is a sacrifice because that means they will have to wait even longer before they can check out and go home. You might see it as something they should do anyway. Another example is your spouse might want to buy something they really like, but let you spend the money instead. They are sacrificing their personal happiness so you can have something you really want. What about when your family member lets you have the last dinner roll at Thanksgiving dinner? Such a simple gesture, yet they did it for you. All those little sacrifices are taken for granted by people every day, yet they are so important. 

Most people have heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses”, but they do not give it much thought as they rush around during the day. This is truly an unfortunate way to live. Think about it this way: you notice a rude person immediately, yet a polite person goes unnoticed. You should always make time for those little things because its the little things that really add up. Sometimes, it is those small and seemingly insignificant things that make life just a little bit sweeter.