As most of you know, I’ve been very busy planning for one my best friends wedding. Her bridal shower was this weekend - Tiffany and Co themed per her request. The seven bridesmaids put in a lot of time and effort to make an exceptional experience for her. It was absolutely beautiful and we even managed to make her cry (in a good way, of course)! The MOH and I checked off the major details on our to-do list months ago. As the day crept nearer and nearer - we felt as though there were still things left to do. We ended up focusing on the little things...and I’m so glad we did. The MOH spent extra time making sure the cupcakes were exquisite with pearl additions and Tiffany blue icing. We added a lot of little touches with pearls, gemstones, and Audrey Hepburn quotes which really pulled the whole thing together. Cassie, the bride to be, seemed to be blown away by the result.
I’m sharing this with you today because I want to express how much the “little things” in life matter. This doesn’t just apply to bridal shower planning! Think bigger, better, and on a larger scale. This should be a daily task. Focusing on the “little things” can make life a more positive and enjoyable experience. Pay attention to detail and don’t snub those who do. The “detailers” in life can make bigger moves than those who skim the surface of multiple things or just do things to get them done. Research studies show that people who focus on “the little things” have a longer life expectancy than those who don’t. Whether it’s related to planning an event, showing manners and appreciation toward others, your exercise regimen, lifestyle habits, diet choices, work ethic, or raising your children….the little things DO matter.
Of course I am going to stress the exercise and nutrition point here. If you’re like most Americans, then you’re over-scheduled, over-worked and constantly trying to cram one more thing into your daily routine - including exercise and diet. Again, the detailers will come out on top here. You can do a 20 minute workout, but if do it without focusing on details like proper form, consistency, and effort then you may as well not do the exercise at all. Doing 500 squats is pointless if you have poor form with no depth and put minimal effort in. Doing 50 squats with proper form, max effort, and sufficient depth will be much more effective - not to mention safe. If you think skipping stretching before and after a workout will save you time - think again. It puts you at a higher risk of injury, which can ultimately set you BACK in your fitness goals. Before you are quick to run out of your group class early, slow things down and focus on “the little things”. Same goes for nutrition and fueling your body. It’s so easy to give in to the idea of “fast food” by using the excuse “I’m so busy today”. Chances are you knew you’d be busy today and probably enjoyed watching the football game last night. You certainly could have planned a healthy to go meal instead of, during, before or after the football game. Meal planning and packing healthy snacks will eliminate the need to stop at a fast food joint to grab something to go. You will also know what you’re putting into your body.
The take home point here is to slow things down and be a “detailer”. Enjoy yourself and especially each other. Take the time to make things proper. The little things in life add up. And your body is counting.
