ALL the little things in life add up!

Here is a riddle for you – Q: How do you eat an elephant? A: One bite at a time

When I was a kid I had a piggy bank. I would put my ‘spare' money in the bank and listen to it fall inside. At first it hit the bottom of the bank with a clunk. Eventually I heard it hit other coins. That was so exciting! I remember picking it up and shaking it – l would get so excited when it started getting heavy. How much money was in there I wondered!

And then my dad would make a big deal and break it open for me when it was full. Ah, the anticipation in the counting….getting to the big question ‘How much was in there?' And there was always so much more than I thought or realized! More than I ever dreamed. All from saving my pennies (literally).

My husband used to save his money too. He would take all of his pocket change and put it into a large jar. At the end of the year he had over $1000! YUP – just from the change in his pocket! Money he never missed all year.

So, let me ask you…when was the last time you started small…so that the little things add up?

So – how do the little things in life add up? How to the little things make a difference?

• Want to run a marathon…it starts with a 1/4 mile, then a 1/2 then 1 full mile…until you cross the finish line.
• Want to lose 15 pounds….it starts with .5 pounds, then 1, then 5….until you lost the full 15.
• Want to drink more water…it starts with a glass, then 2…until you are drinking more.
• Want to write a book…it starts with one word, then a paragraph, then a chapter…until you have a book.
• Want to buy a sofa….it starts with a penny, then a dollar, then $100…until you have enough to buy it!

Those little things add up. One step, drink, pound or penny at a time. PLUS, there is so much more to ‘the little things' than what you can see, touch, or hold in your hand. All of the ‘please' and ‘thank you's' add up. All of the moments of gratitude and gratefulness. All of the moments of thankfulness.

When someone unloads the dishwasher. Or folds the towels. Or makes the bed. Or waters the plants. Or asks ‘Anything I can do to help?'. ALL of those things add up.

It begins with one…and then another…and then the little things in life add up.

One grape adds up to a bottle of wine.
One grain adds up to a bowl of rice.
One grain of sand adds up to a beach.
One penny adds up to a retirement fund.
One apple seed adds up to an orchard.
One smile adds up to a grateful heart.
One caring word adds up to salve for the soul.
One prayer adds up to peace and contentment.
One flower seed adds up to a bouquet.

Don't let the big picture stand in your way.

Don't let the elephant get in the way of your dreams. Your goals. Your todays. Your tomorrows.

So, how do you even begin with your dreams, goals and aspirations?

Setting goals can sometimes be hard. Because you just aren't sure where to start. It happens to me all the time. I can see the finish line…I just don't know how to get there and sometimes I am not even sure I want to put forth the effort and the time. Does the same thing happen to you?

But, when I write it down and take the first step…I know I am on my way and I can just taste the freedom in knowing that I have begun!

Here are 7 easy things you can do so the little things add up:

1. Write it down. Anything written is a reminder.
2. Set it in an area when you can see it all the time.
3. Break it into bite size pieces.
4. Create actionable steps for each piece.
5. Gather the equipment/supplies if they are needed.
6. Determine the timeline if necessary.
7. Take your first bite!

Setting goals and taking the necessary steps to reach those goals are part of living a joyful life. Reaching those goals in themselves will not create joy…because joy comes from within…but they sure help while you are on your joyful living journey! No idea what I am talking about? Check out the posts HERE. In the meantime…

This Goal Tracker is included in the Joyful Living Tool Box. Tools to help you live a more fulfilled life. Grab yours right HERE.

Now, sometimes life can get pretty overwhelming, right?

And sometimes, when you are overwhelmed, stress sets in.

And when stress sets in it is sometimes difficult to be happy or joyful. So, please don’t let stress have the last word! 

Go on and take a look at the ‘Top 5 Stress Reducers’ (Action Plan included). So that you can eliminate what causes you stress and get on the path of living a joyful life.

What is Joyful Living all about?

Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help! 

To begin, go ahead and read:

• What is Joyful Living?
• 5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy
• Finding Joy in All Things
• What Does God Say About Joy?
• Difference Between Happiness and Joy

GO ON AND PIN FOR LATER: THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE ADD UP