The delight that can be found in nature.
The Beauty of Noticing Small Joys
I’ve been described as “wholesome.” I think it’s usually meant as a compliment. Or simply an observation. Probably not an insult. Although, sometimes there’s a part of me that would rather be described as exciting, mysterious, perhaps even dangerous. “You never know what you’re going to get into with that gal!” Maybe needing to be bailed out of jail a couple of times for having too much fun. That sort of dangerous. Not the kind where bad guys with guns chase me.
But the truth is, while I do love to travel and have grand adventures far from my everyday life, I also find awe and fulfillment in the small, fleeting moments of daily existence.
The Power of Finding Joy in Simplicity
At one point, my significant other admitted to me that he had a moment where he thought I was “simple-minded.” I don’t think that was meant as a compliment, but over time he realized I’m not actually simple-minded; I just tend to notice and revel in the little things, whereas others may not.
Exploring the mystical elf houses of Iceland, nestled in the country's stunning landscapes and steeped in folklore.
He’s right. I’m easily amused. I adore “cute” things. The whimsical and unexpected. Wind chimes. Fairy gardens. Twinkly lights. Anything smaller than it should be.
This is why I fell in love with Iceland. Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, rumor has it that more than half the Icelandic population believes in elves. I can’t say that I share the same belief, but I want to. I fully appreciate their homage to these “fairytales” with miniature homes scattered across the landscape and activities centered around the possibility of their existence.
Reconnecting With Childhood Wonder Through Nature
It brings me back to childhood when everything was new and exciting, the world was full of magic and miracles, and I was overflowing with hope and wonder. This is part of the reason I’m so drawn to nature.
I didn’t grow up with many material possessions, but I rarely wanted for anything because I had an abundance of nature around me. My entire childhood was spent exploring—the beach, lakes, rivers, creeks, forests, meadows, and fields. Hanging out with other kids meant building forts, playing games, and creating adventures from whatever we could find. We rode our bicycles for miles through backcountry roads (much to my mom’s surprise when I told her recently).
Children enjoy exploring the great outdoors, fostering a love for nature and adventure.
What I couldn’t experience in my own life, I read about in books—or wrote my own adventures. Creativity, sometimes born out of necessity, turned the ordinary into the extraordinary. Thanks to that, I’ve rarely been bored.
Overcoming Disappointment by Finding Magic in Everyday Moments
As I’ve gotten older, like many of us, I’ve experienced my share of disappointment. Disappointment is a tough emotion. Maybe for all of us. It’s hard to know what to do with it. It reminds us that things didn’t turn out the way we’d hoped. And sometimes, we can’t do a thing to change it. Over time, too much of that can eat away at our ability to hope and dream. I’ve spent time there, sinking into what can only be called despair.
But luckily, I don’t get fully stuck there because I always remember: if we pay close attention to the present moment, magic and miracles still exist everywhere, all the time. Especially in nature.
The first snow of the season. Leaves drifting to the ground. Tulips poking through as spring awakens. A cool breeze on a hot day. Jumping into a body of water. Climbing to the top of a mountain and seeing as far as the eye can see. The daily rise and fall of the sun. Birds singing, no matter what’s in the news. Plants growing in the most unexpected of places.
Relaxing outdoors, reading a book with a cup of tea, enjoying a peaceful moment in nature.
Noticing the Little Things That Bring Joy
And outside of nature? A stranger’s warm smile. An unexpected compliment. A whimsical garden gnome. A dog excitedly wagging its tail. A baby cooing. Hugs. Kisses. Laughter—oh, how I love an ab-defining chortle!
That initial taste of quality chocolate, wine, or popcorn (popcorn gets me every time). A book (or movie) we just can’t put down. A piece of art that speaks to our soul. A coincidence so perfect it reminds us that maybe, just maybe, something greater is at work. Or maybe not. Either way, it’s delightful.
Really, when it comes down to it, it’s all nature.
A Call to Bring More Joy and Mindfulness into Your Life
Right now, many of us are struggling to find hope and something to believe in. We think we have to do something big. Or that someone else does. But what if we all do something little, and that adds up to something big?
This week, I invite you to join me on a magical quest: Notice the small things that bring you delight and savor them. Extra credit if you intentionally bring more whimsy and adventure into your life.
Cliché, but dancing like no one is watching in the comfort of your home can be quite a joy.
Find joy in the little things you usually take for granted. Bake a delicious treat. Go for a walk or bike ride somewhere new. Host a game night (or day). Plant something. Go on a picnic. Draw. Paint. Dance. Express yourself however feels right.
Play isn’t just for children—it has serious benefits for mental health, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Let’s rediscover the magic hidden in the everyday moments. Because when we do, we just might find that the little things were always the big things after all.
Written by Amanda Stemen, MS, LCSW