Diary Deep Dive: Finding magic in the mundane
Savoring the bits of magic this past month.
Since this is a place for savoring every bit of life, what better way to do that than by looking more closely at the magic sprinkled throughout our day-to-day routines?
Quick! Don’t think! Grab a piece of paper and pen or open a new note on your phone. Set a timer to 5 minutes. If you don’t have a timer, stick to writing at least ten bullet points. Write anything good that comes to mind that has happened in the last month. It might take a few seconds to get going, but suddenly it will start to pour out of you.
*Five minutes later*
Before you know it, the timer has gone off and you’re looking at a list of things you forgot happened. All the magical moments in your mundane month of January. The “magic” may be connecting with long distance friends, something new in your routine, a problem you solved, a new recipe, a peaceful walk, or an unexpected snow fall. Whatever feels like magic to you. These are the little moments that make up our life. We can come back to this list when everything feels heavy.
Here is my list:
The smell of turkey chili on the stove made by Dave
Renewing my library card! Now that I live in a new area, I had been meaning to get acquainted with my local library. Take the time to support your local library! Or better yet, let your library support you. Instant. Free. Books.
An average Monday turned into a two hour phone call with a long distance friend after telling me she was pregnant! Surreal and exciting.
The feeling of successfully tackling a new design challenge at work. (In this case, designing the campus light post banners for our upcoming exhibition and putting up vinyl designs on the wall in our gallery with my coworker.)
An average evening turned into stories, laughter, and talk of future sleepovers on the phone with a long distance friend! (Love you Avery)
I dread needles, but I was proud of myself for getting the labs done that I needed, and grateful that David came with. We made a morning of it, getting coffee and exploring a bookstore afterwards. I felt so lucky and loved that mundane morning.
Seeing the MJ show at the Fox with David and his parents! The music was pure magic.
A big win for me this year: I found a physical therapist who specializes in scoliosis and got an appointment in her packed schedule. The day finally arrived for my new client appointment. When I pulled up, I realized this little building was on my route to work for years and I didn’t know it existed! It was magical. While I wish I found her a decade ago as a teen, I am just relieved I found her now. She has dedicated her career to understanding this condition, and met me with empathy, answers, and support. I teared up as she described what my body felt like inside to a T. After trying to keep up and even getting certified in yoga and mat pilates over the years, I finally discovered a path forward and it gave me so much hope. It’s magical when you can connect to another human being whose gifts match your needs.
A dream sweater for $10 on the clearance rack (!!)
Snow! Nothing feels more magical than snow in the south.
Ramsey is always experiencing magic in the mundane. A little sprinkling of snow and a pinecone to chomp on is all she needs to feel uncontainable joy. She makes the magic wherever she goes.
Her slight confusion at what is happening Yesterday it snowed again very briefly before work! I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Lastly, our recent trip to the High Museum to experience the Viktor&Rolf exhibition was pure magic and whimsy. Afterwards we got coffee and watched the snow fall. Can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday.
Wishing you a weekend made up of small magical moments.
-E