Pay attention to the small things that remind you: you’re not as alone as it can feel when so much is quietly turning beneath the surface. And this is true even when it comes to the small, good things that matter to you, but you’re not sure how (or if) they connected with others in the same way. But even if you’re still sorting out the meaning in a larger way, I hope you can know, these things matter even in their smallness. Whether it’s a song, a memory, or a conversation with a friend, these are not just fleeting moments. On their own, they may not seem like very much, especially when compared to the strong validation that comes from being seen in a clear or unmistakable way. But just as tiny seeds can bring a garden into bloom or scattered stars fill a night sky, the small things can matter more than we tend to realize, even when it comes to feeling less alone.
It might seem like the way to form deep connections is to show up in a big way. You may want deeper connection in a certain part of your life or with a specific person. In that space, it can feel like being truly “seen” would require constantly showing your brightest self. But what the smaller moments of feeling less alone suggest is that connection can also grow gradually, and that depth can take shape over time.
There’s no guarantee about how deeper connections will form, but it’s still worth continuing to notice the small things that ease the sense of isolation. Even if it’s just one song or one quiet text thread with someone who matters, even if it’s not everything you hoped it might be by now, there’s still value in making space for the small moments that speak to you. They matter.
The things that matter to you have value. And so do you.- Morgan Harper Nichols
