Saint Valentine’s Day was originally a Christian feast day; it did not become a celebration of love until the eighteenth century. It’s always been on February 14th, though, and I suspect the romanticization of the day was an attempt to take people’s minds off the cold, dark days of late winter. Love warms the cockles of the heart, after all. And candy and chocolate clogs them, but who cares on Valentines Day?
While being in love may be the focus of February 14th, love is not the only path to happiness. I’m a firm believer in finding joy in the small minutia of every day life. If you pin all of your happiness on big things: a wedding day, a graduation, a vacation, or a commercialized holiday like Valentines Day, then you’re missing all the moments in between.
Those small moments of happiness can be anything. For me, they are:
1. Hearing my teenagers laugh out loud.
2. When I put money in the vending machine, and the snack spirals to the edge and stops. I bang uselessly on the glass, and to my astonishment the snack falls down. And another one does too.
3. The first sip of coffee in the morning, or the first bite of chocolate anytime.
4. Buying an item on sale, and discovering at the register that it’s even more on sale than I thought it was.
5. Puppy snuggles.
6. Finishing a workout early in the day, after forcing myself to get my butt to the gym.
7. I wonder what the heck I am going to make for dinner, but then I remember that I already have a meal planned, and all the ingredients are in the fridge. THAT feeling.
8. The moment the house lights dim in the theater, right before the musical begins.
9. Kissing my sleeping child on the forehead, whether he or she is an infant, a teenager, or a young adult.
10. Listening to a song for the millionth time, and finally figuring out what that one elusive lyric is. Yes, I realize I could Google it, but it’s more satisfying to figure it out on my own.
And while it’s not a little thing, I think staying in love is even better than falling in love. Falling in love is amazing, and sometimes it’s the stuff of fairytales. But there is no magical happily ever after; staying in love requires commitment, hard work, and a healthy sense of humor. Chocolate on Valentines Day doesn’t hurt, either.
–Dana,
small significant beautiful moments are never really small, are they?
8. The moment the house lights dim in the theater, right before the musical begins. ( Anticipation is exciting )
And the puppy love. O, My!!!)))) xx
Puppy love is the best – and they ask nothing in return.
Yes, that early morning trip to the gym is rather special. Especially when I don’t want to go and I drag myself there. The best part is when I get back in the car and head for home and it’s still early and my mood is so much better than when I arrived! With you also on the chocolate front, the teenage laughter, the forehead kisses, oh heck, pretty much everything here!
It’s so good to get the workout in early, isn’t it?
#9 is my favorite. I see my threenager sleeping and I swoon.
It never gets old, Catherine!
So many good things, and chocolate always 🙂
So true!
This is great, Dana, and we all would be much happier if we paid attention to and enjoyed those little things. I’m totally with you on the teen laughter, the chocolate, and the workout. I’d add making time to be creative, and doing something nice, like giving someone a card.
Thanks for this great reminder!
Those are great additions, Julia!
I’m all about the chocolate, even though I can’t do it for the next few months for health reasons. And hugs with my cat… priceless!
I’m sorry you have to take a chocolate break, Alison, but health is more important! Wow, I never thought I’d say anything was more important than chocolate. 😉
Beautifully said, Dana! I love the extra discount at checkout and those times I can retrieve a bit of information from the deep recesses of my brain without having to confer with Dr. Google. But kisses and hugs for my kids (and grandkids) are the best!
The song “Poetry in motion,” was misheard by me as “Oh a tree in motion.” When my husband (to be) and I were dating in college, we often sung to favorite songs playing on the radio. The first time he heard me sing the song, he couldn’t help but laugh, and it has been a family story related for many years now.
It is such a magical moment when the lights dim before the musical begins.
Teenagers laughter, especially if it is your own teenagers, enjoying their time together makes for happy memories.
personally, I’m getting a kick out of how many times our canine companions are making people’s lists here. I’m not really surprised, but there is something about that acknowledgement that makes me feel good.
I know, right? Pets really can make you happier.
Such a great listicle. Awww the kisses on foreheads. I love that. I love when my husband kisses mine, and I love kissing my son’s. Laughter from kids is pretty perfect, too, as is staying in love. I adore the photo of you with the puppy on its last day before forever home! I didn’t see that on Facebook. So glad you linked up!
Thanks, Kristi! That pup post was on Instagram – where most of my pics are of dogs or books.
I absolutely loved your list and the part where things are discounted more at the cashier always gives me the thrill of a home run!!
Have a wonderful valentine, Dana
Thanks, Ruchira – you too!
I agree, staying in love is so much better! And chocolate. There must always be chocolate. And I got excited when you described the house lights going down right before seeing a show. I have tickets to Hamilton on Tuesday and I can hardly wait!
Oh my goodness I am so excited for you Cheryl! You should read my Hamilton post – it will get you even more pumped!
“What she said.”
She said a lot, didn’t she? 😉
Luved this post! It reminds me of a Facebook post yesterday and I think it bears sharing here. Hope that’s okay. “For all of you youngsters so eager to call it quits and throw in the towel on your relationships because everything isn’t “perfect”…here is some food for thought.
Lifelong commitment is not what most people think it is. It’s not waking up every morning to make breakfast and eat together. It’s not cuddling in bed until both of you fall asleep, peacefully, at night. It’s not a clean home filled with laughter and lovemaking, everyday.
It’s someone who steals all the covers. It’s slammed doors and a few harsh words, at times. It’s stubbornly disagreeing and giving each other the silent treatment until your hearts heal…and, then…forgiveness!
It’s coming home to the same person, everyday, that you know loves and cares about you in spite of (and because of) who you are. It’s laughing about the one time you accidentally did something stupid. It’s about dirty laundry and unmade beds WITHOUT finger pointing. It’s about helping each other with the hard work of life! It’s about swallowing the nagging words instead of saying them out loud.
It’s about eating the cheapest and easiest meal you can make and sitting down together at 10 p.m. to eat because you both had a crazy day. It’s when you have an emotional breakdown and your Love lays with you and holds you and tells you everything is going to be okay…and you BELIEVE them. It’s about still loving someone even though, sometimes, they make you absolutely insane.
Living with the person you love is not perfect…sometimes it’s hard; but it’s amazing and comforting and one of the BEST things you’ll ever experience.”
Well said, Mom. Well, you didn’t say it, but well typed.;)
Aw, love the picture of you and your puppy. I always live for the small things in life that make me happy. Happy Valentine’s day!
You too Susan!
Both 3 and 4 happened to me today! At Target (with the clearance items) and outside chocolate, when I took a bite of chocolate I bought. Heart-shaped!
The vending machine thing hasn’t happened to me in ages, if at all. Sad.
It’s only happened to me once, but it was so much more exciting than any experience with a vending machine has a right to be.
Chocolate makes everything better, indeed! NOw you & Kristi have both reminded me of things I meant to put on my list (her-travel; you-music), but forgot becasue I kept getting interrupted as I was writing. Love you list and the super sweet puppy snuggles picture. I dont’ think we could foster – my girls would get way too attached and have a very hard time letting go. How do you do it??
It’s bittersweet letting them go, but I’m always glad to get my clean(ish) house back, take down the baby gates, and sleep in on the weekends again. Hazel, on the other hand, keeps looking for the puppies every morning. Poor thing misses her playmates!
Loved your listicle. The small moments give us the greatest pleasures. The feelings of love abound in your items. Happy Valentines Day.
You too Valerie!
“Staying in love is better than falling in love” is a statement I can whole heartedly agree with. After almost 13 years of marriage, I feel like we are more in love than ever. Plus, that whole newborn stage was a rough one! This is a great list and I also agree with figuring out those lyrics on your own!
Happy Friday xoxo
Happy Friday to you too Allie!
#4 is SO exciting. I’m not the best shopper so I don’t necessarily pay attention. But when there’s a sale better than the sale I am so happy! LOL!
Love kissing the forehead and I can remember when it was done to me. And I love knowing what my mom felt like.
I remember the forehead kisses too, Kenya. I hope my kids remember theirs.
Dana, chocolate never hurts and your list definitely made me smile tonight, too!! 🙂
Thanks Janine!