The little things

Have you ever noticed how situations in your life have a tendency to tip to one end of the scale or the other?

Either things will seem to be going really well or there seems to be one thing after another that doesn’t quite go according to plan. I suppose one could argue that this is based on perception. When you are in the midst of a situation, you can’t see the forest for the trees. I think that the balance is indeed there, and it is in the little things in life. Since I have had a week that required solace from those little things, I thought I might send out a reminder for others who find themselves in a blue funk. You see, the little things are the part that never go wrong.

No matter how daunting the day looks when I awake, I am spurred on by the promise of a walk with my dog. Dogs are never in a bad mood. As I walked the dog through the vineyard this week, I was awed by the changing panorama every day as it unfolded before me. This year has brought even more colour than in previous years it seems, but then perhaps I am just looking more intently for inspiration. Simon on the other hand only requires that I let him out the door for inspiration to strike, and if I throw his toy then he is over the moon. Those few minutes in the morning are precious time for me and when the leaves on the vine go golden and the sun rises just as we strike out, making a spectacular start to my day. It is impossible to have a bad walk, and the sunrise is never wrong.

When I was a kid, there was a saying I remember hearing, “There isn’t much a cookie can’t fix.” I am sure the people trying to fight obesity would have a field day with that today, but you know, taking time to enjoy one of your favourite kind could just be enough to get you through a tough day. Even if your mishaps included burning a homemade batch, there is always Mr. Christie or the local bakery to turn to in a pinch. If you pair it with a cup of hot chocolate or maybe even a glass of milk (especially if you are a dunker) then the world can suddenly seem brighter.

One of my best girlfriends says there is nothing like a good cup of tea to ease your soul. Much of that remedy has to do with sharing the company of someone else and their cup of tea, but on a lonely day a cup that reminds me of her with my favourite Rooibos blend can do the trick almost as well.

So, when Murphy comes knocking at your door to enforce his law of everything going wrong, remember that he only controls the larger things in life. The forces of the universe can only conspire against you so much. It is like the force that removes the socks from the dryer, only one from the pair goes missing.

Take a deep breath and enjoy the laughter of your children, a hug from a friend or a smile from your pet. These are the the little things that make the world go round.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.