All the little things
issue iii.
Little things make everything matter but are often the hardest to do.
A few months ago, I had a conversation with a friend who was trying to make sense of the title of a book — a collection of short stories. We discussed the stories in the book. We tried to understand why it was titled with one tiny detail in one of the chapters. It led to a literary appreciation and that conversation left something in me.
I love titles based on a little, seemingly inconsequential detail in the story. I’ve read a couple of stories like that. It never stops to fascinate me. I don’t know why. Don’t get me wrong, obvious titles are not bad. They are often the easiest to come by, especially when looking for something that sums up the story, without spoiling the reader’s excitement. Little details in stories, which can easily be overlooked are important, especially when they are the concrete that forms the foundation of a story.
On the subject of little things. One of the most profound pieces of advice I have ever gotten is to do the little things. Unfortunately, it has proven to be the hardest thing for me to do — and lately, I have been thinking about it. How our world is made of it yet it is hardest to do.
Beyond the artistic venture of writing, many of the things that matter are defined by little things. First, everything in our daily life is made of small atoms. Think of anything that has weight and occupies space. From the bed you lay on, to the screen you read on and everything else.
Another thing to consider is the complex state of the human condition. Everything true to us is formed with the ongoing interaction of the littlest things. Our thoughts, observations, emotions, beliefs, comments, and actions — and in a sense, they influence our perspective and how we understand the human experience.
Humans are hardwired to see the big picture, think of big impacts and dream of results. And it is not the ignorance of the little things we suffer from, it is the inability to do that takes us farther away from everything that matters. Everything. From healthy habits to successful careers, forging meaningful relationships, and being devoted to our beliefs and others.
I asked myself: why are the little things difficult for humans to do, and appreciate? My guess for now is nothing. However, there are forces between the little things worth doing and us. Interestingly these forces are born from our feelings, thoughts and experiences.
The little distractions, procrastinations, decision fatigue, perfection, underestimation, priority, immediate gratification, negative emotions, and cognitive overload. These forces can sometimes be unexplainable, frustrating, and difficult to move past such that some of us begin to accept them. Although it is normal, it is anti-fulfillment.
While I’d love to touch them, I can’t — but there are a lot of self-help books on these matters. However, I have concluded that we are made to do all the little things, whatever it is for you. That is how we can make sense of the world around us. It is the difference between fulfilment and unfulfillment – and it won’t be easy.
I am learning to embrace the existential nature of little things. That is, the idea that small, seemingly insignificant aspects of life can hold profound meaning and contribute to our understanding of existence. If you think doing something, or anything is hard; try doing the little things. Start with appreciating little details, memories, kindness, and gestures, then upgrade to doing them for yourself and others.
Simple layered strokes of colours make beautiful paintings. Tiny blocks of pixels make beautiful pictures. A pawn becomes a queen one move at a time. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean — and a journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. I could go on with the metaphors.
Just do the little things.
