Throughout my college journey, I have become increasingly aware of how much I underestimated the small things that make my life a little easier and a little better. It may not have seemed like much to me as a child, but these five things now bring me a little extra joy and a few more smiles...
1. Family Phone Calls.
Don’t get me wrong— I loved talking to my family on the phone as a child. However, now that I’m older, I find myself overjoyed when my grandparents check in on me or my cousins call me to create plans. In a hectic world where everyone is running around and filling up their schedules, it’s nice to get a phone call from someone you love rather than a simple quick text. To me, it means a little more and it gives me a chance to hear a voice I may not have been able to hear in a while. During a time where calling is fading fast and texting is the main source of communication, a phone call means more than any text or social media post.
2. Letters in the mail
What’s better than getting a letter in the mail as a kid? Getting a letter that’s not a bill, credit card sign-up info, or an appointment reminder from your dentist. Mail that isn’t junk and doesn’t cost you money is pure gold. It doesn’t even matter if it’s a card or a scrap of paper— a piece of mail from someone I know and love can make my entire day.
3. Envelope Gifts
Kids often determine a gift’s level of greatness based on the size of the gift; the bigger it is, the better. Envelope gifts seem to make them sulk a little bit because there’s no wrapping paper to tear and no toy to play with right then and there. As adults, an envelope gift often means money, an exciting gift for any adult. Of course, I still love to open presents, but I certainly don’t sulk when I’m handed an envelope on my birthday.
4. Gifts I Need
I never pictured myself getting excited when I find fuzzy socks in my stocking or putting a crock pot on my Christmas list. I wanted “cool gifts” like Ferbies and the Pretty Pretty Princess game. Socks for Christmas would have seemed outrageous! Now? It’s become one of my favorite stocking stuffers. That and a gift card for gas.
5. Coupons/Sales
If I had more time, I would get into extreme couponing. I love getting coupons in the mail, I love those giant end of season sales, and I love ReatilMeNot. Saving money is fantastic! If I find a place that I love to shop or eat at, you can bet I am on their email/mail list for coupons. There are few things more satisfying than saving a significant amount of money when shopping, especially if you’re a college student. My wallet is currently holding a sea of coupons, and I don’t even know where all of the coupons can be used. I only know that I want to be prepared to save money no matter where I go.
