BLOG 337–Find Joy in the Little Things

 “KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 337–Find Joy in the Little Things
Don’t sleepwalk through life
I aim to illustrate and Deepen Contemplation Together
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY AND BETTER!

*** A world-class juggler/performer.
*** Only YOU know what is best for you.
*** Going through a 37-day coma — Yikes!
*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop.
*** If you read through Facebook, see >> kitsummers.com
*** Despite being hit by two trucks, I remain happy.
*** What do you want to accomplish before you die? 
*** I lived in my van for six years, which was quite pleasant.
*** I visited all the US national parks and met Beth.
*** Beth and I got married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** But sadly, our divorce is imminent.
*** In 2025, I met Jennifer. We are sooo happy together!
*** Regretfully, we broke up.
*** I have a great deal of love for someone.
*** But I have not yet found them.
*** Always remember, the past is a teacher; learn from what happens and move on.
*** Every day is better than the day before.
*** Remember, the future will come.
*** All you have is “now”—ALWAYS!
*** Make each “NOW” excellent!
*** You should not be allowed to die until you have done something to advance people.
*** Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRo 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You have many who assist and teach; I hope I help guide you. I want to lighten your path toward excellence. I am not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is a new and different experience for me every time—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually enrich your life and elevate you to a higher level of achievement. Your life should always be starting again–a better life each time! You should not be allowed to die until you have done something to advance human life.
     
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before you pass away?
These words can fill you with optimism and empower you to think positively.
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life at every age.
Let these ideas motivate and drive you towards self-improvement.
Of course, that leads to helping others lead better lives.
We all need to help each other reach a higher level.
         
MY EXPERIENCES
You already know a great deal about my writing, and I want to remind you of the key ideas that are most important to me. I can provide you with additional thoughts on how I can assist you. ering about
I hope to share ideas from my life to help you live better.
Remember — only you know what is best for you.
And — you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
     
A NEW WORD DAILY!
Sign up at >> https://www.wordgenius.com/ 

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
‘THINK  —  AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

=============================
OPENING WORDS
   
I wrote about Linda and how romantic it was, now she is gone, and I don’t know what happened. 

WELCOME THE PRESENT MOMENT- EVERY SINGLE INSTANT! 

=============================

BLOG 337–Find Joy in the Little Things
   
Finding joy in the little things means appreciating the simple, everyday things and moments that often go unnoticed, like a kind gesture, a beautiful sunrise, or a moment of quiet thoughts. It’s about cultivating happiness in the present moment, now, rather than waiting for grand events.
   
Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things. By making every small thing great it will make your entire life magnificent.
   
The art of finding joy is the practice of cultivating comfort, gratitude, and contentment as a basis for your life. It involves actively seeking out the positive aspects of your circumstances and surroundings, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may seem.
   
The true magic of love lies in its ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary thoughts and memories. We didn’t come along only for the sunny days, the chocolate, and roses! We also look for the silky dark nights, the moonlight, and the stars.
     
Seeing the little details in life involves intentionally appreciating your everyday moments and experiences that often go unnoticed. It’s about cultivating gratitude, being present in the moment, and finding beauty in the ordinary things.
     
This can be achieved by savoring morning moments, connecting with nature, practicing gratitude, celebrating small wins, and slowing down to truly experience life. Finding joy in the little things is about appreciating every moment and simple pleasures.
   
This highlights the idea that happiness is often found not in grand gestures or material possessions, but in the seemingly insignificant details of your life. This mainly means taking the time to stop and enjoy these individual moments. Be mindful of the whole experience.
         
Practice the following >>
   
1–Participate in simple pleasures: Take time to savor activities you love, like reading, juggling,  listening to music, or spending time in nature.

2–Live in the NOW: Try to be mindful of the current moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Always NOW! 

3–Connect with friends: Spend time with loved ones and appreciate the times you share.

4–Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the things you’re grateful for, from the smallest to the largest things. 

5–Notice Beauty Around You: Look for beauty in everyday objects, nature, and activities.

6–Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with the same caring, kindness, and compassion you would offer a friend.

7–Seek out moments of joy: Actively look for and savor small moments of joy and happiness throughout your day.
 
By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can train your brain to notice and appreciate the little things, leading to a more positive and fulfilling life.
   
Celebrating fleeting moments of joy can be so good for us because these moments champion the journey of infusing our lives with greater enjoyment and focus on prioritising positivity – rather than focusing on whether we’re happy or not. Joy is not the same as happiness.
     
Seemingly small, everyday moments that are often overlooked can bring immense joy and meaning to life. Due to the brain’s negativity bias, it can be challenging to focus on the positive aspects of life. By intentionally seeking out moments that spark joy and comfort, we can cultivate a sense of well-being.
 
Finding joy in the little things involves actively appreciating and cherishing the small, intimate moments and experiences that often go unnoticed. This practice fosters a positive mindset, enhances well-being, and helps cultivate resilience during challenging times.
   
Small, everyday moments that are often overlooked can bring immense joy and meaning to life. Due to the brain’s negativity bias, it can be challenging to focus on the positive aspects of life. By intentionally seeking out moments that spark joy, happiness, and comfort, we can cultivate a sense of well-being.
   
From a biological standpoint, we are hardwired to focus on the negative; you must change that. The human brain has evolved to naturally pay more attention to adverse events and experiences than positive ones; this is known in psychology as the negativity bias.
   
For our ancestors, it served them well and allowed them to survive immediate threats like animal attacks and deadly weather conditions. While this negativity bias still has its place in alerting us to potential threats today, it can limit our ability to notice and appreciate the good in our lives.
   
The reality is that so many of us are feeling tired and weary. When we’re distressed and stuck in a cycle of stress, we can become easily triggered, perceiving even small challenges as threats. With our nervous system constantly on high alert, it becomes challenging to focus on the positive—the things that are going right, the micro-wins, and the bright spots in the everyday.
   
When it comes to soothing a weary nervous system, there is a balance we can achieve by acknowledging our triggers while also embracing and savouring the fleeting moments that spark a sense of joy, happiness, and well-being within us.
   
While triggers—whether they stem from memories, situations, or interactions—alert us to perceived dangers, glimmers are little cues of safety for the nervous system. They are micro-moments that bring a sense of peace, joy, happiness, or hope and help the body return to a more regulated state.
   
The warmth of the sun on your face during a morning walk, having your loved ones in the same place and space, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or seeing a dog’s head out a car window are just a few examples that can elicit these positive emotions.
     
The beautiful thing is that once we start to seek out these glimmers actively, we realize that they are all around us. It’s all about perspective. So, how can we keep our eyes open and ourselves present to these moments and appreciate them more often?
   
Set an intention. Begin your day by setting the intention to capture one precious moment or glimmer. This shifts your mindset and primes you to look for the good in your environment.
  Slow down. In our fast-paced world, many of us operate on autopilot, simply going through the motions. This state of being makes it harder to notice the pockets of joy in everyday life. Slowing down on purpose allows you to experience and engage with the present moment fully.
   
Keep a journal. Write about your glimmers and precious moments. Journaling helps you remember and reflect on these positive moments in your life. Plus, you can revisit them as often as you need and find inspiration for where to see more in the future!
   
Take a picture. Capture the moments that bring you joy and happiness. Pictures serve as visual reminders of these moments and can help you appreciate them even more. Create a moment. You don’t always have to wait for these positive moments to unfold naturally—sometimes, you can create them. Think about what brings you joy and comfort, and bring it to life. Light a candle, put on your favourite song, or share a laugh with a friend!
   
Practice gratitude. Practicing gratitude helps you focus on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. While it doesn’t eliminate negative experiences or feelings, it strengthens the body’s capacity to take in and hold onto the good.
 
Savour the moment. When you find a glimmer, pause and fully experience it. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea, getting into bed with fresh sheets, or exchanging a meaningful smile with a stranger, take a little longer to enjoy and appreciate it.
   
Share it. Sharing moments of joy and goodness with others—whether in conversation or through social media—can enhance the experience. This fosters a shared appreciation and brings a little positive energy into a world that needs it.
   
There is so much beauty, comfort, and joy to be found in the simple moments. Yet so many of us live such full and busy lives that we often let these moments slip by unnoticed. The more we practice recognizing these small but meaningful moments, the more open and receptive we are to them.
   
Let this be your invitation to go out there and create a precious moment today. Make a conscious effort to seek out and embrace the bright spots. These moments are always all around us. We just need to slow down long enough to see that they’re there.

ALL YOU HAVE IS NOW!
MAKE THINGS FANTASTIC! 

*****************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness, as well as finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
     
READ
Reading through the quotes below about life can do the trick if you’re looking for a pick-me-up or a healthy dose of motivation. Whether centered around positive affirmations, self-care, or success, life quotes can be powerful inspirational tools.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas provide a quick and timely burst of wisdom to help us regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed, amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to real life. Have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
     
“YOU”
Your quality of thinking and how you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determine everything in your life. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
   
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, use each day as an opportunity to improve and move closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work, and it’s next to impossible with your busy schedule. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
   
QUOTES
Motivational quotes impact our brain, behavior, and lives because they make us feel like we are in control of our success and have a sense of self-efficacy. Quotes make us believe that we have the confidence to complete a task successfully, which is different from having the motivation to succeed.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation when we need it most.
     
WORDS WILL CHANGE YOU!
The correct motivational quote can transform you and your perspective, helping you overcome excuses, step out of your comfort zone, and take action. Read these words with an open mind and learn to improve your life.
     
THESE QUOTES
When you read these quotes, you’ll also realize that many other people worldwide are experiencing these feelings. These feelings make you think you’re the only person who could feel this bad. But you’re not. Many other people also feel bad. This is the irony of it. You don’t want other people to feel crappy, but it does make you feel better, or at least comforted to know that other people feel just as bad as you.
   
READ CAREFULLY
These quotes can be used when you wake up or prepare for work.
You can write your favorite quotes somewhere where you can see them as soon as you wake up.
These quotes are motivating, inspiring, and encouraging.
They will help you see your potential, stay motivated, and see the beauty in every morning.
Use them to your advantage!
============
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS
INSPIRE YOU AND ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
   
“Small things are really the big things in life.”
― Kit Summers
       
“When you think this pain is all you deserve, you are right.
You are the only one who can decide how long you will walk in hell.”
― Shannon L. Alder
   
“My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight…I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley
   
“Why wait?
So precious is this life—this gift—this temporary blindness.
Burn and drown and embrace the false dark,
Then grasp the unthinkable height of resulting joy.
For in the end, in the light of truth, when the flesh is cast off.
There is nothing but this.”
― Jennifer DeLucy
   
“Yes, the world is full of unspeakable cruelty. But the answer wasn’t to never feel hope, or bliss, or love, but to savor every fleeting, precious second of those feelings when they came.”
― Katherine Center
   
“Beneath the rust and grime that dulls the shine of our weathered hearts, joy patiently waits to be rediscovered.”
― John Mark Green
   
“I’m telling you. I know all about darkness.
That’s why I am so hell-bent, every damn day,
on looking for the light.”
― Katherine Center
   
“Unhappiness comes from living the life of two people–the one people want you to be and the one you want to be.”
― Shannon L. Alder
   
“Love is a journey and a destination – long and excruciating on the way, unexpected and ecstatic if found.”
― Stewart Stafford
 
A Real Mom:
Emotionally, yet the rock.
Tired, but keeps going.
Worried, but full of hope.
Impatient, yet patient.
Overwhelmed, but never quits.
Amazing, even though I doubted.
Wonderful, even in the chaos.
Life changer, every single day.”
― Rachel Marie Martin
   
“True happiness is found in the simple moments we share,
where laughter comes easy and worries fade away.”
― Rendi Ansyah
   
“I’ve never seen a nation more quick at finding joy in a sad situation than the Irish at a funeral.”
― E.A. Bucchianeri
   
“Happiness already exists in your life.
All you need to do is tune into it.
And you can start doing that right now.”
― Anthon St. Maarten
 
“Do the Thing that Makes your Heart Sing”
― Deborah Jane Sutton
   
“There can’t be joy until there is gratitude.”
― Melissa Ambrosini
     
“Truth is a priceless treasure, but worthless if buried. Value simplicity. Pause to smell a rose, preferably planted by your hand, for it will smell sweeter. Toil builds character; heartache tests our fortitude. The key to happiness is forgiveness, forgiving ourselves most of all.”
― Michelle Muriel, Westland
     
“When we come from a place of the heart, there is so much attraction and liveliness! The more LOVE in our hearts, the more we radiate that liveliness. Love is about radiance. Radiating attractive power. Growing ourselves, our ability to radiate love, to be attractive with our energy is the easiest way of finding JOY and keeping it … That will draw from the universe and others, many things to us, and also even more and SO much more love into our lives.”
― Angie Karan
   
“When you think this pain is all you deserve, you are right.
You are the only one who can decide how long you will walk in hell.”
― Shannon L. Alder
     
“Truth is a priceless treasure, but worthless if buried. Value simplicity. Pause to smell a rose, preferably planted by your hand, for it will smell sweeter. Toil builds character; heartache tests our fortitude. The key to happiness is forgiveness, forgiving ourselves most of all.”
― Michelle Muriel
   
“What is happiness versus joy?
We all have moments of joy.
Happiness is when one can be
content between those moments.”

“Life is very uncertain, and, at the same time, we cannot prevent something certain. But the choice lies in our hands whether to let ourselves or to make the best of a moment.”
― Arshia Mittal
   
“The joys of life are always in a comparative relation to our fears.”
― Andrew Pacholyk
   
“We didn’t come [to this life] only for the sunny days, the lollipops and roses! We also came for the silky nights, the moonlight, and the stars. We came for the soft veils of fog in the early mornings, and the rain painting circles in the pond… the hailstorms and the thunderclaps.”
― Elke Heinrich

YOU MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly.
It seems that time is passing more quickly.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
     
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day, in every moment.
  
8/8–Awakening at 2 am, up for the day I am.
Mexican for dinner tonight.
I guess I do like it here.
   
8/9–Awakening at 2am gets old. I am hoping to find a doctor for my sleep problems.
 
I heard from Linda after she read the words in my blog. She asked me to remove the photos of her from Facebook. The whole relationship seems strange to me. I would love to be with her, but I am wondering if she is real.
   
8/10–In physical therapy, I worked on balance. Mine is still way off. I am just wondering if practice will help, or if it’s my brain injury.
   
I’m discovering that my words in the blog are very open, and I do hope to hide nothing. That is good. I am looking for help from your end, too.
   
8/11–I was waiting a few days before I wrote words here, but I have already forgotten. I must work on this blog daily to keep up. I do hope my words add to your life.
   
8/12–I awoke at 3am and, surprisingly, was able to get back to sleep until about 5 :30. So, I can get back to sleep, that is.
 
I am wondering how long I will be here. I know there are people who have been here for many years, I do not want to join this group. My freedom is gone; they even open and check any mail that comes in for me, no privacy at all
   
8/13–Hmm, what did I do yesterday?
            Hmm, what did “you” do yesterday?
   
8/14–ANOTHER BIG CHANGE!
I just returned from the dentist. In my lower teeth, I had some infections in the past and had to have a few teeth extracted. I came to the decision to have ALL my lower teeth removed, what a change. mysagedental.com was great to work with.
 
My mom had dentures, upper and lower. She never let any of us kids see her without her teeth or even see the dentures.
   
I will return to Sage after my mouth heals, which should be around 8 weeks. When I do, they will fit me for a retainer. This retainer will be removable. In the future, I plan to return for a permanent retainer that is screwed into the bone in my jaw; I just couldn’t afford it right now. I will let you know.
     
I’ve meant to go on a diet, only drinking green tea. Now it looks like I will have to. But I’m sure the kitchen would make meals specifically for me. Yet, I want to lose weight and be in better shape, so here I go.
   
Right now it is 5:30 pm and my mouth hurts so much! Makes me wonder if I should have had the teeth extracted, but it’s too late now. I had to put in some comedy. Near the point where he had extracted most of my teeth from the lower jaw, I said, “I’ve changed my mind, please put all the teeth back in. He knew he couldn’t, as I did, too. It was a quick release of comedy.
     
A strange thing about today: the guy who pulled my teeth extracted all the bottom teeth. Then he started to pull the teeth on the top. He started on one tooth, and I had to tell him it was only the lower teeth. I guess he was not told the plan. I’m glad I spoke up.
   
8/15–I awoke in the middle of the night, again.
I forced myself to return to sleep, and it worked.
   
In therapy, we had a relaxation session where we lay on the floor, surrounded by nice sounds and a woman’s voice. This hurt my neck, but I stayed.
   
The time is 11:00 am. I have not eaten anything today, only drinking green tea. The therapists and nurses do not like that I am not eating, but that is alright. No solid food ingested, and I feel a-ok. No hunger whatsoever,  I will not eat for, hopefully, a week.
     
Now it is 2:09 and I still have not eaten. I am still drinking green tea.

MAKE THIS DAY GREAT FOR YOU!
THEN, KEEP DOING NEW (DAILY) FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

******************
THE GARDEN THIS WEEK   
I keep this section on gardening.
I do like the skill and hope you do, too.
   
Winter is here now.
But there are still things you can grow.
And remember about indoor gardening.
   
A self-supporting life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it!
   
Because I am back on the road.
There will be no more words about the garden.
I do hope Beth keeps it up.
We put a lot of effort into establishing our vegetable garden.

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE!

******************
ALL OUR LIVES, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
When was the last time you walked while standing on your hands?
This week is the week, get your hands on the ground and your feet up.
You can do it. Let me know how it goes.
******************
NEXT BLOG >>
BLOG 338–Happiness is a Choice You Can Make Every Day
******************

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

ALWAYS REMEMBER,
YOUR PRESENT SITUATION IS NOT YOUR FINAL DESTINATION,
THE BEST IS YET TO COME!