Make small things have great value”: María Cecilia Duque, psychologist.
I took on the task of asking this expert why ignore the smallest things if that’s where the magic lies? To which she replied -The routine and doing the same mechanically since we are little makes us fall into the error of not knowing how to value things, especially the small ones, those that have always been there-.
This 62-year-old woman from Bogotá likes to see the wonderful in the simple. She likes, for example, to sit on a bench in a park and choose a place where there is a lot of traffic. She mentions that people go from here to there without enjoying the ride, without looking around. “It is impressive that you walk the same path every day and have done it thousands of times, and I am always impressed with something new. Of details that she had never perceived, for example, of a blind dog who goes out with her master and plays without knowing where his ball is ”.
Give life purpose
As we grow up, we go through life affirming that we would be happy under certain conditions: “If I had another family, if I had been born a millionaire, if I had a home or had studied another career”.
Precisely the philosopher Aldous Huxley, pointed out in one of his books that: “There is at least one corner of the universe that you can surely improve, and you are yourself”, with this he wanted to express that today’s society makes a use and abuse of consumerism and the need to have to feel someone, when the important thing is to be and not to have.
One of the most important aspects of well-being is often the one that is most often overlooked: a sense of purpose. When you can identify and incorporate a personal sense of purpose into your daily life, even in small details, you are more likely to feel content, satisfied, and at peace, even in the midst of everyday stress and times of challenge or shock.
You don’t need to set an ambitious goal here – just take small steps to discover what makes you feel more energetic and more connected.
Chances are, you’re already reaching a sense of purpose, but haven’t fully realized it yet. Think of the moments when you felt more energetic or when you were so invested that you lost track of time. What were you doing? Who were you with? Generally, people find meaning when they feel connected to something bigger than themselves. But that doesn’t mean that you have to find a solution to world hunger or discover a cure for cancer. Start by looking for a way to find meaning in your work, your relationships, or spirituality.
Perhaps your role as a mother or father gives you this sense of purpose. Or maybe you find fulfillment in your professional career, or through your spirituality or nature. Find the moments when you feel most satisfied and at peace.
The psychologist provides these tips to discover what things make sense to you and incorporate them into your daily life.
- Explore your strengths. When your values are aligned with your actions, you are living with a sense of purpose. Make a list of your strengths and talents. Think of ways to incorporate your top five strengths into your daily life.
- Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to tell you when they see you happiest. Sometimes other people notice things in our being that we are not aware of. Their stories and insights can help you discover your purpose.
- Take small steps to add meaning to your daily life. If you love being a parent, leave a note in your child’s lunch box or set aside time in the evening for you to read together. Or if you have fun displaying your creative side, volunteer for a new project at work or explore a hobby, such as painting or photography or a course in X topic.
Activities
- Write down the times throughout the day when you feel most satisfied and full of energy.
- Set aside time this week to communicate or meet with someone who is important to you.
- Create and record a goal that is connected to your sense of purpose.
With this exercise you will realize that there will always be things that connect us with a true purpose. And although it is often said that the best things are those that are worth money, surely you have not thought, for example: the value of freedom, the sound of the sea, the satisfaction of finishing a job that you thought impossible, proposing an idea and that it comes out on the first try, dreaming of long trips, playing your favorite song at full volume or simply sleeping. Little things that do make a difference, have you already made the list of yours?
