The Little Things

As we embark on 2021 (finally) one thing stands out about this past year; it’s the little things that matter. The big things that happened in 2020 were mostly in the form of upending and often traumatic events; a deadly pandemic, racial reckoning, high unemployment, and widespread isolation, to name a few. But the big events that usually mark our years; the graduations, weddings, and holiday gatherings, either didn’t happen or took place over the now ubiquitous Zoom platform. Without even the usual weekly events (Monday night book club, Tuesday soccer practice) time became a little fuzzy and I often felt unmoored. But what came to the forefront, and what I hope I can continue to treasure, were the little things.

A cup of coffee with just the right amount of creamer, a morning snuggle with a dog which becomes an excuse to stay in bed just a little longer. An overheard late night conversation between brothers who get to sleep a little later than normal on school mornings. Discovering the two-in-one benefit of listening to a book while walking the dog. Sharing a drink with a neighbor you’d only said a brief hello to pre-pandemic in the driveway. The sun on your face during a break between Zoom meetings. Reconnecting online with old friends you hadn’t spoken to in decades. Waking up to snow (and knowing you have nowhere you need to go). Cleaning out the garage and in the rare occasion you went anywhere, driving into order instead of mayhem.

Wishing you a year filled with little joys.