“Life is amazing. Then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful, it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” — LR Knost, author

This quote really resonated with me. Life’s highs and lows really do seem to come in waves. But this probably represents the largest life lesson I’ve learned over the years — and my greatest area of improvement. When I was younger, I spent much of my time in search of the “amazing” times and accomplishments that seemed to be fleeting. And I fought the lows tooth and nail. But over the past few years, I’ve found so much joy in the times in between — a space that seems to grow longer and longer.

The mundane. The ordinary. The routine. My comfort zone. My favorite.

It’s the times in between that I devote the most energy. I’m able to look around with the greatest focus and appreciation. The little things live in the space in between.

Sunsets.

Laughter.

Sidewalk chalk drawings.

Brightly colored birds on the window ledge.

Plants and flowers that prosper under my care.

Hugs.

A good book.

Restful sleep.

Cool breezes and warm sunshine.

Soft cookies.

Fresh laundry.

None of these things are earth-shattering. But it’s the ordinary things such as these that sustain my happiness. Ordinary beauty is breathtaking for sure.