After telling her one of the profound, brain wrinkling thoughts I had that day Baylee responded with, "That's really good, Ann. You should start a blog." In that moment I thought it was so sweet and supportive that my roommate and best friend thought that what I had to say was important enough to be read by all of the internet. In retrospect, she might have been tired of listening to my simple, cliche truths about life. Either way, here I am. Starting a blog. So here goes.
I noticed recently that so many things in life are only valid if they are big things. Actions are only noticed if they make a statement. Words are only listened to if they push buttons. Events are only fun if there are unbelievable stories told after. Life is only good if your big moments are good. So, we look for big moments.
We put emphasis on the first kiss and first dance. We tell people to remember what happens on their big day - whether that's a graduation, wedding, interview, or promotion. We ask friends about the moment they knew they would be friends forever. We ask couples how they met. We think life will be better once this one huge, life changing event happens. We act like life is full of big moments, and you have to stay focused on making those big moment happen. The big moments are what define our lives, after all. Right?
Maybe not.
I think life is defined by small moments.
We learn each other through the small things. In the simple moments of watching someone clean their room, listening to their favorite song in the car, hearing them laugh at that joke for the millionth time, talking to them about their favorite book. These small things add up to who a person is.
We trust each other through the small things. Your forever friend isn't the one who always compliments your shoes; she's the one who checked on you every day when your grandmother was sick. Your significant other is not solely defined by the line he used when you first met; he's the one who makes you laugh in the middle of the most boring day. These small things add up to a relationship.
For all the big moments in our lives, there are a thousand small ones. For all of the grand gestures, there a thousand small actions. For all of the profound statements, there are a thousand comments. We put so much emphasis on the big moments, the important days, and the huge speeches. But why? Is that what makes us appreciate each other? Is that helping us enjoy life to the fullest? A full life isn't defined by how many big moments you experience. A full life is defined by how you experience the most ordinary days. Finding hope every morning, seeing good in every smile, knowing love in every moment, that is a full life. And I want to live it.
