These Little Wonders

On days when writing is hard, and I think banging my head against the key board would be more productive than staring blankly at the screen, I have to remember how blessed I am. That no matter how my imaginary characters fight me, here in this life, this beautiful, beautiful world, I am blessed.

One song I listen when I need reminded of this is Rob Thomas’ Little Wonders. It’s actually a song I turn to in many parts of my life, not just writing slumps. It’s one of those songs that, even if my heart is broken and my world seems shattered, still helps me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I’m at a good place it reminds me to be appreciative of the little things. All the marvelous moments I’ve gotten to experience just by being me.

Today was one of those days. A day to take in the little things. To change up my routine and appreciate some of the things around me that I often over look. It’s amazing what these little changes in perception can do for creativity, because it also happened to be one of my best writing days in almost a month!

I spent the past two weeks working on one chapter… One! And today I wrote over double what I have in all that time. Now I know writing is about self discipline and just setting yourself down to do it, but I also know that a good writing environment is essential for me. Since I arrived home finding that place where i can sit for hours and stare at a computer screen has been less than successful.

So today when my grandmother asked if I would take her to the doctor I thought, “sure, why not? maybe I’ll even get some writing done.” I couldn’t have been more right. It had been storming this morning and was still overcast and windy, but i didn’t let that stop me. I sat outside writing for an hour while my grandmother had her appointment.  But I was also savoring.

I hadn’t realized how long it had been since I had taken time to appreciate the world around me. Living in a place where nature is all around sometimes makes me take it for granted. It is so beautiful! What was even more humbling was that the park I was in was made for hospital patients. A place where they could come and soak in the sun, watch the birds, and listen to the wind rustling through the trees.

It was such a quiet peaceful place. So green. And you know what? I had never been there before. I had lived in this city for twenty years before I started travelling and I had never known it existed. So I encourage you now to change up your day to day. Look around you and find your own little gem. Whether it’s a rose garden, a skate park, or a bench at a shopping center, stop and take it in. Don’t let today pass unnoticed, make it one you won’t forget.