The Little Things

by- Vanshita

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.”

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

We live in a world that is filled with chaos all around and living in it becomes an everyday hustle . People get too busy with their own work that we often forget about the things that provide meaning in our lives. These are what I consider , the little things . You know the feeling you get when you tell your dad about a certain fruit you like and the next day you notice your refrigerator is fully stocked with it ? Or when you’re walking down the road with your friend and your shoe lace opens up so your friend bends down to tie it up for you . Or when you visit your parents after a long time and your mom prepares your favourite dish . These are the little things, it’s the small things that people notice about you which others might not and these small things hold such big meaning . People listening to Taylor Swift's music just because I’m a Swiftie, them reading my favourite books because they know I go crazy about it , my friends waiting for me to finish up my work so that we’ll leave together , rewatching pride and prejudice with my sister because she knows I had a bad day . These small actions makes me feel so important and happy . It’s the intent that someone notices something about you and what matters to you and them going above and beyond to make that happen even if it’s considered as a small gesture. In general, it might seem insignificant , but in reality it holds a greater meaning.

In the current world, we get so busy with everything that we often forget about these little things and the joy they bring us. You’re tired after a hectic day , chai is your go to remedy . You’re going through something, a chat with your best friend is your solution. A cup of hot chocolate on a winter day , these are the little things that we often don’t pay much attention to but they hold the power to lift our entire mood.

Many studies have shown that the habit of appreciating little things often brings us joy which in turn improves our well-being. I usually remember people who’ve passed away, by the little things they did for me which helped me in creating a bond with them. I remember my grandmother by her habit of oiling my hair and braiding it whenever I said that I’m having a headache. Whenever I look back on to the memories I’ve made, it’s these little moments that brings me joy. Lastly quoting Barbara Pym,

The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one's home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.

Barbara Pym, Less Than Angels