Big Picture, little picture

Somewhere between being a child and an adult we tend to loose the concept of enjoy the simple moments in life. When we are teens we tend to get caught up on the big moments, like graduation, test days, someone’s party, the weekend or when we learn to drive. As an adult we still look forward to the weekend, getting off from work, being able to buy that major purchase, going on a trip or some major event we can show off at. However as a child we loved each moment of the day; the simple activities like climbing a tree, learning how to ride a bike, waking up and getting a hug from a loved one. It was the simple moments that we thrived on as children; they lit up our eyes and made us what to see what tomorrow would be like. Now it is arguable that we were young and experiencing everything for the first time but it was also because we appreciated each moment; not having a concept of what the bigger picture was. 

Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the big picture and it is amazing when a well orchestrated event is pulled off without a hitch; but what I am saying is there needs to be a balance as an adult, appreciating both the large picture and the simple moments. Some of the best times I’ve had weren’t at any major events like a wedding or reception; those moments were drinking wine with a loved one as the sun set before us, going for long walks enjoying my surrounds and having fun conversations with a friend in their bedroom. Sure I’ve been sky diving and scuba diving but I wouldn't have had a scale to measure those experiences against if I didn’t have the those simple walks in a forest to reflect on. Plus those large moments don’t get me through a regular day; that message from a close friend or that token of love passed on to someone important or that smooth drive on a clear road are what fuel me to face tomorrow. Those simple moments give me the momentum I need to write a book, book a trip and get excited for that new investment that would change my life; but their impact is minimal when compared to something as simple as watching the sun set in spectacular company or going for a swim.

I don’t know about the rest of you but I feel alive with each breath I take, each word that comes from my lips and every step I take (even if it hurts like hell). Its important to cherish those around you and let them know you care; it is equally important to feel grounded in each moment of your day; its how we are able to fully appreciate those larger moments. I’d like to compare this to photography. You can spend nights thinking about those fireworks you're going to take a photo of but if you don’t spend nights snapping photos you won’t be able to fully capture those fireworks because you won’t know how your equipment works at night. I can hope to strike at that big event as much as I want but if I don’t slow down to just take small steps than then that large effort will be in vain. Big pictures generally contain a series of smaller images that make them so remarkable to look at. Don’t believe me? Look at the last group picture you took. Really look at it. Everyone’s face tells a story and something unintended may have been caught in there as well. So please go appreciate your little moments.