Get excited over the little things

Day #59 from my Fall into Better Habits series

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I get over the little things. It may annoy the hell out of some people, but for me...

Getting excited means I have an eternal source of happiness.

The more I hone in on the details, the happier I become. I will literally spend an hour searching for cake plates in the perfect shade of green for my daughter's birthday party. I will meticulously plan new games centered around the guest of honor. Then I’ll develop an elaborate system of prize levels as I ceremoniously stuff treats into cellophane bags labeled with each guest’s name. I’ll bake their favorite treat and blow up enough balloons to rival the movie Up. Each year I think, “This is the best party yet!”

And yet, each year it gets even better.

(#best day ever!) image by Deb Plotkin

I’m known for my parties because I put all my heart and soul into the planning and implementation of each one. I focus on the person we are celebrating and do everything in my power to make them feel extraordinarily special. And it’s not just special occasions, I’m like this all the time. The other day, I told my peeps I should have been a cruise ship director.

I’ve been known to film Civil War reenactments for my kids’ school project. I’ve covered the entire living room in blanket tents for a sleepover. And, I learned the fine art of making balloon animals just to see my kids smile.

You may not want to plan over-the-top events, but you can be just as happy. In today’s Baby Step, check out my simple technique to experience maximum happiness with minimum effort.

BABY STEP

23 years ago today, my daughter blessed me with her presence and she has remained an endless source of joy for me. When she was an infant, I would sit for hours and marvel at the details God put into my Baby Girl. I noticed how perfectly her little toes lined up. I saw how the Angels sprinkled a light dusting of freckles across the bridge of her tiny nose. I wondered how long it took to get the shape of her lips just right.

You see, when you look at everything around you in wonder, then everything is always new and exciting and amazing.

So, I’ll keep getting excited over all the little things in life and I hope you’ll join me. Because each day really is the best one ever.

(#God is in her details) Image by Bill Plotkin