The Beauty of the Ordinary: Why Small Joys Matter

The Beauty of the Ordinary: Why Small Joys Matter

Whether it’s a warm drink on a cold day, slipping into bed with fresh sheets or enjoying a favorite snack, the small things in life are often the most meaningful. During last week’s snowstorm, students and faculty at SNU were forced to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of everyday life. 

In today’s fast-paced society, many small moments go unnoticed. Moving quickly from one responsibility to the next can make it difficult to pause and cherish the moments in between. Being snowed in allowed many students to take it easy and rediscover the small joys often overlooked. A few students shared some of the small things that bring them the greatest happiness. 

Natali Awasarmal, a graphic design major, highlighted a few of her favorite moments from the break. “I loved staying in, hanging out with friends, and watching movies,” she stated. 

Outside of last week’s winter mayhem, Awasarmal said that something as small as sharing a smile with someone on campus can brighten her entire day.

Because life is made up largely of moments like these, it is important to take note of what brings joy. It can be easy to focus only on major milestones, but learning to appreciate what some may consider mundane can lead to deeper gratitude and contentment.

Business finance major Evan Rollins shared that one simple activity that immediately lifts his mood is looking out the window at nature. He also enjoys playing the piano, which he described as “very relaxing and rewarding to get something right, even if it’s just a little thing like playing the right note.”

Moments like these encourage people to stay present and not take small victories for granted. Something as simple as sharing a smile or watching the trees sway outside a window can contribute to overall well-being.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus encourages his followers to notice life’s small details. In Matthew 6:28-30, he points to the lilies of the field as a reminder not to worry about food or clothing. By recognizing the small ways God provides moments of joy, believers can find peace in knowing that God cares deeply about even the smallest things.

Photo by: Natali Awasarmal