the simple things are the biggest of them all

We went down to the water in the early evening and while the big kids swam I sat Percy down and watched his toes curl and fists clench. He ate a fair bit of sand, his face grimacing with the grit, but he wasn’t bothered. I sat beside him and took it all in – his fingers grabbing, his little shudders when the sand met his mouth, the way he would look towards the sea occasionally; mesmerised by the blue. It’s all new for him and his delight is palpable.

There have been many, many days of late where I’ve been far too caught up in the work of the day-to-day and the worry that accompanies adulthood and responsibility and finances. And yet regardless of the many things that demand my attention, it’s moments like these, in the sand, that ground me with the upmost force and reaffirm that it is in fact the little things, the simple things, that matter.

I sat there next to my little sand-eater and with him, I found stillness and quiet and calm. We watched the others frolic and dive and splash in the still-cold ocean and there we stayed for a good while. Happy.

I easily forget and too often dismiss the importance of getting out of my head and connecting to my body and my heart. It’s time to feel the earth underfoot and recognise the small blessings that abound – on a daily basis.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly” – The Little Prince.

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  • Charlotte Lee
    Reply

    This post is so beautifully written, I almost felt as if I was there. It truly is the little things and the quiet moments of peace that offer the most tranquility. I felt this way on Sunday sitting drinking hot chocolate in a park in central London. The park itself was so serene, but I could hear the city sounds in the distance. I just sat and let myself be in the moment, and it was the most relaxed I've been in as long as I can remember

    Percy is adorable, too

    Charlotte xx
    Smudgeness

  • lili nfolks
    Reply

    Oh thanks for reminding that so important connection we need.

  • Rachel
    Reply

    Very beautiful. I needed this reminder today x

  • M
    Reply

    You're so right those little moments are what I want to hold on to in my memory bank. I love watching my children explore, create & enjoy. I had a very similar moment this week, watching my little man study the grass.

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