Bring Back the Little Things

Izzy Kate
Jul 15
5 min read

I've learned in life that if we all forget about the little things, we lose just a little spark of joy. When we choose to skip the little things, we are choosing the other route, lazy and unoriginal. Recently, I've been asking myself a question that I will now ask you. "Why can't we all take the time to do the little things that make life more enjoyable?" I'm guessing some of you may not be sure of what I am talking about. In that case, down below I decided to remind or introduce you to some of those things.

Unfiltered Love Without a Timestamp

I have said time and time again on this blog, that we should all compliment strangers more. Whether that be your waitress, someone walking past you on the street, or a new person you've met, it spreads love. Another obvious way to spread love is by telling your family you love them more often. Honestly, when I think about it, I don't tell my family I love them enough. I know it's bad, but I tell them when they do something for me or when they say it first, but I rarely just take the time to remind them. Think about it, how often do your friends or family tell you that they love or appreciate you? Probably not as often as you may realize. The feeling I get every time someone tells me I matter to them, truly is a feeling I wish to spread. Then again, you don't necessarily have to say you love someone it to show it. Something I like to do (for family) is hold their hand. Every time I am out with my grandma, I make sure to hold her hand. She deserves to know that I love and appreciate her, so holding her hand is the least I can do to.

Secondly, I know for a fact that my sister doesn't agree with me on this, but I prefer this anyways. As much as I enjoy texting people, I like calling people without warning, more. Now, some of the time they won't answer, but most of the time they do. I like to call people without warning because that's when I've learned I meet the most unfiltered and real version of themselves. On top of that, the people I randomly call enjoy it. They also call me randomly in return. It caused me to realize that they must've been randomly thinking about me and wanted to check up on me the same way I do with them. This is what I call "unfiltered love without a timestamp", which is exactly why that is this category's title. There doesn't need to be a set time or way to show your love. This love doesn't have to be romantic love, as I have shown, it can also be familial, friendly, or even self-love.

Soft Feelings, No Shame

I'm a softie and I have no shame in the game. That's exactly why I have no shame in telling you the "softie" things I do that I think no one should be afraid of admitting! First and foremost I sleep with a stuffed animal every night. His name is Alfredo and he is a highland cow Squishmallow. Not only is it more comfy in my opinion, but it opens up a nostalgic part of me. I can't tell you how many people I know who sleep with stuffed animals but are scared of admitting it. The reason I think that is because it is thought of as childish. So what if it is? I'm still a kid, am I not?

Now, on the topic of soft feelings in particular, I am an emotional person. If I see a video of a dog reuniting with its owner or the main character's love interest dies in a movie, I will 100% cry. I wanna preface by saying that I'm not encouraging everyone to be emotional. Some people very rarely cry or get emotional, and that is okay. Just like it's okay to be an sensitive or emotional person.

Can we bring back those messages saying "I saw this and thought of you"? Getting those messages can light up my day. This is because not only did you see something and think of me, but you thought to tell me that I am on your mind. It's just so sweet and attentive in my opinion.

Things I Made Instead of Texting Back

Handmade cards rather than store-bought ones show how thoughtful someone is. Taking the time to write down your dreams in a journal allows you to look back. Time capsules create a fun way to look back on memories years later. These are all things that I have done throughout the years. Let me explain! For example, almost every year I make my family members (and sometimes my friends) homemade cards for their birthday! It shows thoughtfulness. You didn't just pick out a premade one at the store, but you took time out of your day to make someone something special just for them.

A couple of other things I did instead of “texting back” include writing poetry in my notes app. It’s something I enjoy doing to use my mind creatively. Some poems that I write about relate to my dreams and what I think they mean. To remember some of my dreams I write them down in a ‘dream journal’. By writing them down, I spend time trying to determine what those dreams are trying to tell me. In a sense, it makes me feel closer to myself if that makes sense. It gives me a reason to think why my mind might've chosen to show me that.

Main Character Energy

I know that not everyone will agree with this category, but I strongly believe these are important moments in many peoples' lives that I want to bring back. For instance, I think we should all bring back matching with our friends at school. Don't even get me started on how excited I feel the night before when I know I am going to be matching with my friends the next day!

These are some of my friendship bracelets!

Speaking of friends, do you remember those friendship bracelets your friends would make you? I have so many pieces of jewelry people made me over the years that I have just sat in my jewelry box. I believe that we should wear those more often. It shouldn't matter how cringey it may seem, think of it as putting free, meaningful jewelry to good use!

Do you ever feel like when you go out to get groceries or do some simple errands, you see people you know? I feel like every time I run into someone I know in public, I look my worst. That's exactly why I have the perfect solution to this ongoing problem. Dressing up for fun! There doesn't need to be a reason, you should be able to dress up simply for the fun of it. Whenever I feel the need to justify sprucing up, I tell myself that I might meet my celebrity crush. You better believe that if there is a possibility of running into Glen Powell while I am out and about, I will in fact be dressing up.

The More Ya Know...

This past week, whether it was at the mall, my house, or a fair, I've gotten the privilege to hang out with so many of my friends! Here are some of my favorite photos and memories from these past weeks.