Dear reader,

How many small moments do we take for granted every single day?

It’s a Saturday today, and I’m sitting in my dorm room by myself, not doing homework like I should be.

I can’t be disappointed in myself or frustrated that I’m not doing more with my life, because I get the honor of writing this column every week.

Ok, well, that is one reason. 

Another reason is that I am able to find beauty in the small things. For the past 15 minutes, I have been playing one of my current favorite songs on repeat, “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine.

I remember when I was younger, I would get addicted to specific songs and make it my life’s mission to learn all of the words. I love singing and I often don’t do it in front of others. 

But what’s the beauty in this moment? 

I’m alone in my room, all of my roommates are gone, and I can play my favorite song on repeat while singing as loud as I would like. With every replay, I know more lyrics.

Being a college student can be stressful, with so many things to constantly think about. One way to take a step back is to notice and enjoy the small things.

One of my favorite suggestions is to stop for a few seconds while you walk on our infamous bridge across the Chip. This can be any time during the day, but sundown is my favorite time.

The milky pinks, oranges and purples mix to create a beautiful watercolor sky. The wispy clouds hold the moon close. The buildings on upper campus hug the sky, standing tall and proud.

As the wind whips across my face, I always take a moment to pause and snap a picture. Or, you can even just stand there, breathing in the air and taking a mental snapshot of the view.

There are so many ways to find and enjoy the little things. Put on a cute dress and twirl around your room, take a drive late at night with your music blasting, read a book until your eyes grow heavy or water the plants on your windowsill.

Most importantly, find the little things that make you happy. It will be different for everyone and that’s good to remember. Find your own happiness and find your small, guilty pleasures.

Take the time to stop and enjoy yourself. We’re young and we will only be this young once. Take in every moment and find every bit of pleasure you can at that moment.

Drink it in, bathe in it and find solace in the fact that you are living. You don’t need to constantly be doing something and filling your time (unless that is what brings you happiness). 

Every day, pick one little moment to completely immerse yourself in. Enjoy it and love it for what it is, no matter how simple or mundane.

I’m proud you are here, living on this earth and living every day to the fullest –– your fullest. 

You are human, and you are your own beautiful human. Your life is what you make it, so take every precious moment and hold it close to your heart.

Find beauty in the small things, because it’s the simplest of things that can make you the happiest.

Lots of love and hugs of encouragement,

Skyler

Schad can be reached at [email protected].