T.O.T.Week: it’s the little things

2023 has not gotten off to the greatest start, I’ll keep it at that. In keeping true to myself, how I’ve chosen to process all of these feelings of heartbreak and uncertainty and loneliness (other then burrowing them deep into my impenetrable force field of suppression until I’m ready to burst) is by reading lots and lots of books. Yet spring is here, and while reading books will not stop, I am fortunate enough to be in a position where I can make the choice to move forward, to hold gratitude for what I do have, and to seek out my joy wherever it can best be found. For those whose mental health is more outside of their control, I see you. For those who are seeking a helpful sway in a encouraging direction, I turn you towards the books below. These books will not solve all of our problems. These books will not make the hard days go away. Yet I choose to advocate for the moments of joy, the innocuous interactions, and the cheerful simplicities in our daily routines that resonate as profoundly as the big moments do. Here’s to: melted M&Ms over a big bowl of popcorn, the smell of fresh lake water, the elation of a Wordle guess, the feel of your puppy nuzzled in your lap, the timbre of a belly laugh… if we can seek those out, maybe the hard things will feel a little bit easier.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas (picture book)

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall (middle grade book)

The Joy of Small Things by Hannah Jane Parkinson (adult book)

Things To Look Forward To by Sophie Blackall