I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the little things, how tiny, small, nearly imperceptible things in our day-to-day lives can make all of the difference in the way we feel. I’ve been thinking about how grateful I am for sunshine and clean air and cold drinking water; for a hot breakfast and a sweet card in the mail and puppy snuggles at an unlikely moment. I’m thankful for a really great workout counterbalanced by homemade chocolate chip cookies. I feel happy when I go for walks and spend good quality time with people I love and add life-giving plans to my calendar. I feel joy when I really connect with my husband (even over the silliest or smallest of things), when I laugh with a friend over the phone, and when I complete a tough project at work. I am grateful for clean sheets and great-smelling candles and Mexican food, for a new notebook and a hot bath and loved ones I can count on. When the world seems too big and terrifying to take on, I remember the little things, and that makes all the difference.

Image via Jeff Mindell for Studio DIY