In the world we live in today it is so easy to become distracted from what's really important. The world we live in today is fast paced, always changing, and it seems there is always a deadline to meet. With all these deadlines how often do we as a society enjoy the "little things". The way the world is changing it does not appear the busyness is going away. So where do we find the time to enjoy the little things? Too many people are caught up in the idea of doing the "big things" like traveling and buying expensive toys to take up their time. If people focused and found enjoyment out of the little things people could find more overall enjoyment.

Personally, I have struggled in the past with finding enjoyment out of the little things. I found myself saying over and over, "I'll get to that when I have a free day" or "Maybe I will do that next weekend". The problem is I very rarely ever have free time. I don't even know what free time really is. I am a full-time college student taking on one of the toughest and demanding majors, a full-time college track athlete who has eight practices in five days and travels on the weekends to compete, I have super high expectations for my grades, work a part-time job, and try to find time for family, my boyfriend, and friends. This summer I am working a full-time job 9-5 every day. I have never really been one for spare time.

If you know me, you know I live by my planner. I have always been very organized and must always have a plan. I don't go anywhere without a plan. I found myself and sometimes still do find myself running from point A to point B. I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. I love being surprised, but it's nearly impossible to surprised me. Once I get the hint something might be off I won't stop asking questions. Mostly because I am so busy I can't help but think what if this happens when I am busy. I eventually found myself too caught up in my own life to actually enjoy all the things around me. I have been living an "A to B lifestyle" almost my whole life.

Growing up both my brother and I have always been overly involved. Shout out to my parents because I don't know how they ever kept it all straight. Ethan and I have been participating in sports since we were five. We attended youth group on Wednesday nights and Sunday school growing up. Ethan and I both played on league and tournament teams for baseball and softball for years. Our weeks were filled with practices and our weekends growing up were dominated by tournament ball. Between middle school and high school combined we participated in eleven different sports, both worked part-time jobs, and were involved in multiple clubs and organizations. Our family was always running an "A to B lifestyle"

I started asking myself when I was going to find time for all these "big things" I imagined. The answer is there is never going to be a good time for the "big things", you must make the time. Until I can find that time I have started finding enjoyment in the "little things" in life. I have found more happiness living in the moment and enjoying the little things than I ever thought possible. God has abundantly blessed us with so many of the these "little things" that are giant blessings. Sometimes they are so little they can easily be overlooked.

One of my favorite little things I find the most enjoyment is watching the sunset on my way home from work every night. Think about it, you have to drive home from work every night anyways, why not look up at the beautiful sky? I love the nights we have family dinner. We are all so busy that the few nights we get to all sit down together and laugh and tell stories is a huge blessing alone. I am blessed with great health. That is something I feel too many people take for granted. Everyday there are people fighting for their lives, people that may never be able to walk again, are battling cancer, are living their life living off a thousand different pills, and simply people's lives that are altered forever based off uncontrollable accidents. Be thankful if you are lucky enough to live a strong and healthy life. Running track is something I am uncontrollably grateful for because there are kids out there that wish they could run and physically can't. We are blessed to have men and woman that are strong enough to live a life far away from the people they love most to protect us and gives us a freedom that is undeniably beautiful. I have amazing friends that can make me laugh at the drop of a dime and are always there for me. I have a loving family that supports me in everything I do. I have the opportunity to attend college and get an education I can be proud of, some kids around the world and even in the United States do not get that opportunity. There is a lot to find peace and happiness in.

In the world we live in today it has become way too easy to overlook all the beauty right in front of us. Take time to stop stressing about the next deadline and focus on the now. Don't let the "A to B lifestyle" run your life. I did that for far too long. The more you focus on the now the happier you can be. Yes, the big things like traveling, buying a new house, and experiencing the big things in life are very exciting! (I am not down playing them). The big things don't happen all the time or everyday though. My challenge to you is to seek happiness and enjoyment in the everyday things. Find the "little things" that make you tick and bring a smile to your face.

Take the next step in living your extraordinary life.

Till Next Time,

Riss

P.S. feel free to list one of your favorite "little things" in the comment section. I would love to hear them and maybe you can help someone else also.