Every time you turn a corner, someone offers their take on what life is all about. They may tell you the key to happiness, a method for success, or a lesson they learned. There is a constant flow of diets, motivational podcasts, self-help book recommendations, and the like.
While I feel it is good to always challenge ourselves to grow as individuals, I don’t necessarily agree with these takes. I’ve found my take on the “secret” to living.
Life is about what happens in the “in between.”
When I reflect on some of the best moments of my life, they consist of unplanned, spontaneous occurrences. Some of the most pivotal conversations I’ve had I went to without an agenda. Many core memories I share with my wife include the ones where we were fully immersed in the moment we were in.
Miraculous and momentous moments don’t wait for you. Instead, they happen when you least expect them.
I learned about finding joy in life in the unexpected moments when I worked with disabled children for many years. Particularly, I remember a story where I helped a boy struggling with emotional outbursts. One day, he accidentally broke something very important to his mother. He immediately
This moment was huge for his individual growth, but it also taught me something invaluable: Some of our most memorable moments happen when we don’t plan for them.
Think about the prettiest sunrise or sunset you’ve seen. I bet you came across it when you didn’t seek it out. Maybe it happened when you went on your daily commute, or walked your dog in the park. Regardless of the circumstances, the sheer beauty pulled your focus into that moment.
To maintain a more positive outlook on life, I encourage you to look for the glimmers, the opposites of triggers. Jot a gratitude list down at the end of the day. Actively choose to be a bright light in someone else’s day. When we open our eyes to miracles, we’re more likely to see them.
Life is too short to not find beauty in the little moments. Keep looking for them in the in-between.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
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