The Little Things That Aren’t Little
- micheleandu4
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Little Things Aren’t Little
Moments of presence, together, yet alone in reflection
People sometimes assume I’ve learned profound wisdom from our challenges. Maybe in small ways that’s true.
But what steadies me isn’t a big answer or a grand plan. It’s the quiet rhythm of ordinary things, and even then, I don’t get it perfectly. I notice small shifts, progress here and there, and sometimes I stumble.
The Rhythm of Ordinary Things
Going for a walk.
The rhythm of my steps.
Passing a stranger and saying good morning.
Noticing the weather, sun, clouds, rain, breeze, and simply appreciating it.
Petting a dog.
Peaceful, meditative music that sets the tone in my soul and home.
Stretching or a few simple exercises like squats or abs, not to push or add stress, but to move in a light, fluid way.
Prayers of gratitude.
Letting go of expectations to have all the answers or plans for the future.
Actively setting aside hurts and burdens to be present in today.
And always, a quiet awareness of my Savior’s presence with me, walking with me in both the ordinary and the unexpected, steadying me, shaping how I notice, listen, and show up.
These small things are not small. They are my anchors. They help me notice progress, however subtle, and remind me to walk on with patience, acceptance, and intention.
Presence Matters
They also remind me how presence matters, not just for myself, but for others. Unity doesn’t require agreement, sameness, or even understanding.
It begins with noticing and valuing difference. A shared hello on a walking path. A thoughtful conversation with a neighbor. A child’s curiosity. Even small acts of kindness in everyday life can weave connection and harmony.
Curiosity and attention allow us to truly see others, their perspectives, their humanity, their differences, without needing to fix or change anything. That, I think, is the heart of everyday unity.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Even the extraordinary feels grounded when we are present.
The big moments, travel, adventure, faraway destinations, they matter too. But being rooted in the small things makes space for all of it to unfold naturally.
Presence creates room for opportunity.
Consistency makes space for joy.
Gratitude turns ordinary acts into something sacred.
Living this way isn’t about perfection, answers, or grand gestures. It’s about what’s possible. Showing up fully to the everyday. Noticing the breeze, the change of seasons, the laughter of children, the calm of a quiet home. Embracing both the common and uncommon. Finding peace in the ordinary while leaving space for the extraordinary.
We don’t arrive. We progress. We notice small shifts when we thrive and when we struggle, and we walk on with intention, patience, and focus on growth, walking forward alone yet never truly alone.
Because when we do, life flows. Connections deepen. Joy persists. And the small things, paradoxically, carry the greatest weight.
What small things anchor you in your day? I’d love to hear how you notice, show up, or find presence in your everyday life.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or email me if you’d like to connect more personally.
This was a great read.
The smalls things that anchor me is God first. He sets the tone for the day. Before I do anything I read 3 chapters a day, and try to extract something from the passage I can apply to myself. I then say a prayer asking for direction to keep me close to him and away from my flesh. This is important because I tend to rush into the day with my own plans and worries, and in the past I get lost in what I want to do instead of his will. This allows me to take time to talk to that person that “randomly” contacted me. Or focus on working out because I “just…