As we begin to return from the holidays and fun, it is easy to get caught up in our old routines, stress, and chaos that life throws at us. However, it is important to take a step back and look at life from a different perspective at times. Focusing on the positive aspects of life, rather than the negative aspects in life, can help to make you a healthy and happier person in the long run. So here are just a handful of some of the awesome, everyday things that I think we need to acknowledge more.
1. Kindness from strangers.
Around the holidays, this act becomes more apparent. This makes any other time that a person does it, even more special. So whether you are the one receiving the kindness, or the one dispersing the kindness, realize that there still are nice people out there.
2. A first kiss.
There's something so special about the suspense of a first kiss. You and the other person eventually have that realization of, "Wow, this is going to happen." And then your heart starts to beat a little quicker, time seems to pass slower, and your finally your waiting was worth it. Even if it happened to be the worst kiss of your life.
3. Eye contact.
Eye contact seems to be few and far between these days, but it is essential to human interaction. It tells the person that you care about what they have to say, and are tuned in.
4. Time spent away from your phone.
With everyone constantly in need of being connected to the outside world, it makes time spent without the internet, or your phone, significant. You spend time interacting with people more, and being in the moment.
5. The feeling of accomplishment.
There is nothing better than working hard to reach a goal, and finally achieving it. Whether it be in school, in a job, or just a personal hobby, this feeling makes all the time and effort you spent worth it.
6. Compliments.
It is amazing to think how a few simple words can brighten a person's day.
7. Other people's favorite things.
I find it truly fascinating to hear people talk about their favorite things and what they like to do. They get a spark in their eye and their voice gets a little higher, and you can sense the level of passion they have for that certain thing that they are talking about.
8. Lessons learned.
Although the journey to these lessons can be difficult, it is essential to move on and become a better person from these lessons, because everything really does happen for a reason.
9. A beautiful sunset, or sunrise.
This beauty just makes you realize how incredibly awesome the world is. Enough said.
10. Butterflies in your stomach.
As a kid, I never liked this feeling. As I've grown up, I've learned to love it. It's actually one of my favorite things because I don't get to experience it as much. It relates to the feeling of being uncomfortable or the feeling of being excited, both in which bring new experiences.
11. Splurging once in a while on something you've been wanting forever.
This goes back to the feeling of accomplishment a little, but I always have a list of items that I'd want but would never buy for myself in the back of my mind. So when I have the chance to save for it and actually purchase the item, it gives me a sense of adrenaline and satisfaction. (Maybe this one just relates to me because I am a hardcore shopaholic.)
12. Old friends.
One of my favorite things are catching up with old friends and reminiscing about past memories. There is a special bond you will always have with them that no one else will ever understand.
13. New friends.
New friends bring so much mystery. You're always learning something new about them, and always making new memories and experiences. After being in college for a semester, this was one of the biggest things I have learned to appreciate.
14. The smell of coffee in the morning.
As a coffee lover, I love to start the day with my favorite medium roast. A coffeemaker is essential to any place that I am living.
15. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
The radio can be a risk sometimes because you never know what good, or bad songs they're going to play. Personally, the type of music I listen to effects what my mood for the day is, so there's nothing better than turning up your favorite song and jamming to it.
16. Crying.
Even though a person cries when they're sad, it helps to express their emotion and what they're feeling. It shows that the person cares for what they are crying for.
17. Dreaming.
It's always fun to dream of the impossible and think of what could be.
18. Home.
It's a special place in your heart that you will remember forever. No other location can replace it.
19. Endings.
While I am not very fond of endings, sometimes it is for the best. Endings open the door for other opportunities in the future.
20. Beginnings.
You never know what you're going to get yourself into when you begin something, and that is one of the most exciting things about life.
