Tal Carmel, 136 YinD
Today was a good day.
Went on a walk “with” my parents (shout out to video calls).
Mingled with the locals in my neighborhood a bit.
Got myself a matcha latte.
And finally went through the incredible donation of books I got from Darien Book Aid.
Seriously – not only an amazing number of books, but also a great mix of reading levels (massive thank you to Claudia R. for compiling them!).
Throughout my life, books have given me solace, adventure, love, excitement, and intrigue — the list goes on. Reading has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and now, having the opportunity to share that with my students and other kids in my community really brings me joy.
Sometimes we have to remember to appreciate the small, quiet things, because often their simplicity is what makes life truly enjoyable.
They compound and build.
Whereas, sure, a grand excitement is great, but once the dopamine hit subsides, the fall is greater. The smaller moments, such as finding beauty in the flowers you pass on your walk, the butterfly that flits in front of you, or the box of children’s books filled with stories from your own childhood, those softer moments, they linger and reshape your day-to-day life.
The moments we often overlook are actually the ones that are easiest to notice, easiest to focus on, and therefore easiest to experience more often.
So don’t forget to give in to your inner child, find the joy in simplicity, and get excited over the flowers, the butterflies, and the “new” books you read as a child.
Sticky Rice 
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