A simple “Small Things” post today. These are the posts where I write about the small things I’m thankful for. This week, my small things have been almost medicinal, like tonic for my tired body and mind:

*Two hours at the beach on a sunny day, after a difficult morning. Even just driving towards the sea, I could feel the tension and pain of the morning easing off our shoulders. It was, as it always is, immensely healing to climb the sand dunes and head through the yellow flowers and green grasses towards the bright blue of the sea. The sun and sand were warm, the children played, and I breathed deeply. We went down to the water, which was warm and calm and clear. And then, we headed home, feeling better.

*Another difficult start to the day, and the kids and I headed to the park. The sun came out, but there was a late-summer feel in the air, just a hint of Autumn on its way, and a few leaves floated down from the big old trees. One of the children found a friend, and in conversation with her mum, I found the perfect antidote to my anxiety. This woman I knew only a little was willing to be vulnerable and honest and kind, and that allowed me the freedom to do the same. I was so grateful.

*As another day of struggling drew to a close, my daughter and I had a beautiful early evening walk that lifted both our spirits. I am so glad she’s able to do this with me, and thankful for how it helps us both.

*A day of gathering: a few friends at our house, relaxed and un-pressured, the children able to play and pick blackberries and us adults able to rest a little and take stock as the summer comes to an end. Made especially precious by the knowledge that there have been many activities and occasions like it that we have had to postpone lately.

*Opportunities to trust and give. When things are hard, it is easy to focus in on ourselves and our needs, or worry about giving and sharing. Lately, some of my reading has encouraged me to live more openly, giving more freely, and trusting that my own needs will be met. And even giving the smallest things, like a few kind words, or cooking something, or giving away stuff the children no longer need, has brought me a lot of joy.

*The lovely news of a newborn niece, and being able to spend time with my family.

*Looking ahead to a new term in my job, preparing for the new class I will teach and the team I will work with. I feel so privileged to have the job that I do, and the sense of purpose is so good for my soul, especially when other things have been getting me down.

It strikes me that there I was, feeling sorry for myself, scrolling social media thinking how limited and lacking my life was compared to others’, yet here I am with a list full of some of the most meaningful and joy-bringing aspects of all our lives. These are things like fresh air, nature, exercise, community, family, purpose and giving. I hope that whatever your life looks like right now, you can find even the smallest opportunities for some of these this week.