Create Your Tiny Moments of Joy

I’ve learned little things can make a big difference

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

My son and I were heading to his class on a Saturday evening. As we got closer to the horse stable en route, it was time for our silly game about how lucky we were to spot a horse that day.

Every day, at around 5 p.m., the stable guards take the horses across the road for feeding, temporarily blocking the road. If we are fortunate, our car will be the first to stop so we can get a closer look at those majestic beings. It is like arriving in the right place at around the right time.

We have been on this route for over two years and have yet to find a horse crossing the road before the stipulated time.

We started at least thirty minutes early from home on this particular day to tick the task off our checklist sooner than usual. From the moment I stepped in the car, I had an emotional concoction about various things in my life. It started with the never-ending to-do lists and my inability to feel enough as a mother.

Some days, running around in circles at the same spot with no fruition felt exhausting. No matter how hard I tried each day, the progress bar in my life kept blinking red, reminding me there were miles to climb before I slept.

I dissolved into my seat helplessly, feeling lost again in the monotonous routine.

As I decided to take a break from my downward spiral thoughts, I realized we were already closer to the horse stable. I gathered all my leftover energy and decided to keep the game going for fun. I broke the silence in the car to bet on a horse we may never spot that day.

Did I look crazy through my husband’s rational eyes? Maybe that was what his grin was about! But, I was determined to cut some slack for myself.

Also, we make wishes on what we don’t know yet, right?! So, I held on to that last piece of my broken hope.

As we approached the street, my restless head wandered side to side, careful enough not to miss any trace of my desire coming true. The longing eyes navigated through the half-opened gate of the stable, so prepared not to miss any chance!

Did I feel like a child desperately wishing for a rainbow to ride my unicorn?! You bet!

On the other hand, my husband drove unwaveringly, thoroughly convinced the entire scene was a waste of time! We were now almost at the end of the street, and there was no sign of a horse — no surprise!

It was funny; I was actually in denial. Even after the game ended, I did not stop looking around. I continued seeking through the car’s rear mirrors, turning and tossing around to avoid missing a glimpse.

As luck would have it, there was no traffic sign that day!

We continued to drive, an awkward silence filling all the empty spaces in the car. As we took a sharp left turn to merge onto the highway, I turned to my side and couldn’t believe what I saw! I rubbed my eyes to take another deep look, and yes, I was right the first time!

He was comfortably seated on his cart, casually holding on to the rope, swaying it up and down. Before I could finish scanning to see what was in front of the rope, my lips blurted out, pointing to my son: Look, there is our horse!

The sight of an elegant brown horse galloping in style was an absolute delight! We both had no clue then about its impact on the rest of my life!

The vision glued back the broken pieces of all my hopes in a heartbeat. It revived my gratitude, allowing me to look forward to the future without doubts or resentments but with confidence.

The moment reminded me of how beautiful life is in its uncertain ways. Even my smallest wish had a more significant influence on resuming my mountain of faith. I could feel someone watching over me to ensure I was not alone and my feelings were only transient.

It was flattering since I had never spotted a horse on the city highway in the last two decades. It was certainly not a strange coincidence but a well-orchestrated sign from the universe to cheer me up and keep going, no matter how hard the situation gets!

In hindsight, I know it was not me, but the horse found me.

The amazing truth about making wild wishes is that they are more likely to come true! And when they do, they are more than just a prayer answered. They are personalized messages with powerful meaning, exclusively sent for us in the most unexpected ways!

That day, I also understood that the most critical development in life happens while we dread waiting. Although we may not see or feel it, so much is happening in the background to enable us to ride smoothly to our destinations.

Since then, I have figured the right thing to do during the waiting time is to continue to experience the wonders of life, looking out for the most obvious signs:

  • Someone you randomly meet who uplifts your spirits and offers valuable insights.
  • The silent rain that shows up out of nowhere.
  • A blooming bud with a hidden message.
  • An out-of-the-blue gaze from a bird.

A random, unexpected act can profoundly change our lives as that horse did to mine.

When life feels murky, bleak, and hopeless — like we are back in the same old place where we started — when we feel overwhelmed, when everything becomes very hard, so slow, and super stagnant, like nothing is happening, that is when everything is happening!

All we need to do is turn off the logical mind and tune in to the incredible universe. Miracles unfold during the darkest times when we start to believe in the light we are about to see through our limitless minds.

Today, I hope you notice such signs waiting to transform your dreams into reality!

Have a lovely day!

© Tamil, 2024

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