LITTLE MOMENTS

As I reflect on 2025 and welcome 2026, I am contemplating how to make this a year of hope and positivity. For me, the second half of life has a different feel. Little things seem bigger when life gets smaller. Many of us feel tired and weary. We're stuck in a cycle of stress. To counteract the effects of stress, I have realized that taking note of the unexpected small and simple parts of my own life, which are everywhere, are what contribute to the essence of a meaningful and happy life. Especially in this insane time, we need to recognize, acknowledge, and magnify these small moments. Of course the monumental experiences create lifetime memories. Falling in love, the birth of your children, your wedding day, the graduations of loved ones, getting your dream job, and buying your first house are the major events we appreciate and reflect upon with a smile. These events are intense and forever ingrained in our lives. They too, contribute to our joy. But don't let the little moments slip by unnoticed. Savor their value and practice gratitude. "Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were big things. The little things? They aren't little." (Jon Kabat-Zinn) *********************************************************************************** SOME OF MY "LITTLE MOMENTS" Coffee with a friend Getting a compliment from a stranger A walk in the reservation with my husband A heartfelt conversation with a friend Flowers for no reason A piece of good news from a close friend Being pain free, healthy, and strong Fitting into my skinny jeans My girlfriend's contagious laughter Attending any rock concert When a friend makes me laugh First cup of coffee of the morning A hug from my daughter A silly phone conversation with my sister Lunch with my niece/dinner with my nephew An interesting book discussion with my book group A freshly made bed The contentment of making my parents smile(when they were alive) The sunrise and sunset from my bedroom window Hearing my favorite song in the grocery store Any conversation with my sister that isn't about HEALTH! A call from my daughter just to have a chat about nothing Spending time with my grandchildren-it can be a minute, hours, or a day-I can't get enough A conversation with a person that confirms my faith in kindness, compassion, and hope My parents holding hands and discussing their active sex life (when they were alive) Seeing a fabulous movie or show Playing ping pong with my grandsons Canasta with the girls (especially the convos we have) Water that miraculously appears every night on my bedstand A well written book Watching a baseball game at Yankee Stadium My daily phone call with my mom(when she was alive) Discussing my latest watched tv shows with my college bestie A good pour A delicious meal at my favorite restaurant When my husband takes my hand to make sure I don't get hit by a car while crossing the street The first snowfall ***************************************************************************************************************** This Year my only resolution is to focus on the small moments as well as the grand ones. These moments give me hope and joy. I want the world to become a better place for my children and grandchildren. I want to believe in a wonderful future for them that I won't be here to see. WISHING EVERYONE A PEACEFUL, HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2026. PEACE OUT-ONE B