Celebrating little things that bring us joy

Wolseley

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/03/2025 (197 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Most everyone I’ve talked to agrees that we are living in challenging times. Trying to make sense of what’s going on in the world these days can really take a toll on our health and well-being. So I’ve been making a concerted effort to focus on the little things in life that bring joy. And I’ve realized that the more I do this, the easier they are to see – a reminder that love is stronger than anything, and that community-building is needed now more than ever.

The mother of a friend of mine died a few weeks ago. Amidst the grieving, she needed to clear out an apartment of furniture, household goods, clothing and years’ worth of living. She contacted me, desperately hoping to find a way to ensure that her mother’s things found a new home with people who could really use them. I immediately contacted a few people I know through various community connections, who arranged to have a team of volunteers with a big truck come by a few days later. Those items, that life’s worth of things, will go a long way to easing others’ struggles to create a home – to start a new life – thanks to people giving their time to make it all come together.

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A teenage girl I know spent one recent Friday night helping her mother bake vegan banana chocolate chip muffins in bulk for distribution on a downtown community walk. She drew a pretty little image on each of the brown paper bags. A heart. A flower. A smiley face.

The recipients of these will never know the stories of this mother/daughter team: the time, care and love they put into the muffins they made and packaged for so many. They won’t know that the mother is a single parent working two jobs, that they have loads of responsibilities caring for people and animals because their hearts are so big they insist on doing as much as they can.

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A neighbour sent me a Valentine’s Day greetings video last month. She consistently creates joy for everyone in the neighbourhood, decorating her yard – front, back and side – every season and for every occasion. Even during the bitterly cold days of winter, walkers and those driving by can enjoy the sight of hearts dangling, a snowman playing piano, or a basket full of hearts for anyone to take. Area residents are grateful for the visual fun, especially the children. And perhaps more importantly, she reminds all of us that no matter what is going on in the world around us, we can find and appreciate moments of delight.

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In 2019, the legendary Patti Smith did a live version of her old song People Have the Power and it was recorded with a huge choir. The YouTube video continues to circulate on social media, and every time I see it I play it again. Every time I watch and listen I’m filled with hope again. Because it’s a beautiful reminder that in each of us there is great capacity to have an impact.

We forget sometimes that, to thrive, we need love. It’s as essential as having air to breathe, food to eat, and a beating heart to exist.

There are those in our communities doing things every day to make someone’s life better, brighter. Flash mobs of care and generosity. It’s said that what we focus on grows. Imagine a world that highlights those stories.