Little Things Mean A Lot
I’m sure we all have heard those old sayings; “It’s the thought that counts”, or, “It’s the little things in life, that are the most important”. I guess we all say things like that, however, do we truly believe it? And, even more so, do we practice what we preach?
When my girls were little, my youngest loved to bring me flowers, she picked from any plant she found, in the yard. These included dandelions, as well as many other varieties, of what can only be referred to, as weeds. These weeds, often produced, some of the smallest flowers, I have ever seen. In her tiny hand, held by chubby little fingers, she presented me with these beautiful miniature bouquets. She always insisted that I put them in water, so I reached for the tiniest cordial glass I had in the cabinet, to serve as an appropriately sized vase, for this very special flower arrangement. In my adult life, no other gifts of flowers, even the finest long-stemmed roses, has ever meant as much to me.
In our current society, it seems that the focus is usually directed on the “bigger is better “concept. And, in some cases, that certainly is true. However, if everything was grand, or the biggest version of itself, it would most definitely be a scary world to live in! Balance is key, and the little things, if only by comparison, are the necessary compliment, to their larger counterparts. This is true for most every part of our lives. After all, how great would the lead actors be, without the supporting cast members? By example, our lives require supporting elements, to create the most satisfying existence.
That special piece of jewelry, a coordinating scarf or handbag, the delicate lace curtains, fresh flowers in a sparkling cut glass vase. Beauty can lie, in every corner, of our lives! Adding beauty, is a gift we give ourselves. How many times, do we run across an item, that is the last one left, of a set? You may have only one of Grandmothers’ tea cups or Aunt Millie’s beautifully etched, champagne flutes. If you’re not quite ready, to let go of the item, then use it! You don’t have to drink champagne from the flute, sparkling water or ginger ale will do. Sitting quietly, on the porch, drinking from that glass, will give you a wonderful feeling, of being special, which you are, but sometimes forget! That same flute, can be turned into a vase in a moment’s notice. Give yourself permission, to use beautiful things more, for many purposes. Take your coffee and tea out of your mug, and use the antique tea cup and saucer. Use clear glass bottles to store things like colorful bath salts, cotton balls, shells or sea glass? Simple storage boxes, stacked and tied together with ribbon, can add interest to any space, and be useful for extra storage.
We can sprinkle beauty in e
very room of our homes, in every area of our lives, with minimal effort or expense. And, why not showcase even those functional utilitarian items in unexpected ways? Perhaps your collection of wooden spoons could be beautifully stored and displayed, next to the stove, in a hand-painted terracotta pot, or large crystal vase. Beautify your ironing board with a fabric that you love, perhaps using a collage of old fabric scraps, that you just haven’t been able to part with? I visit my laundry room regularly, so I have placed things, in that space, that brighten up my time there. On the sink there is a vase with two large silk daisies. I have a collection of antique bird cages displayed above the storage cabinets. No room in the house, is exempt!
There are unlimited little ways to add beauty to your daily life! Look around and get creative! Seeing beauty, increases happiness, and we all deserve a little more of that! If you need inspiration, there are a lot of sources at your fingertips, full of ideas! (Think Pinterest and our blogs, of course!) So, take a closer look, and don’t overlook the little things! Not only will you beautify your surroundings, feel happier, you will also free up useful space, for storing the boring!
