Pay Attention to the Little Things

Let's be honest. Most of us, particularly us women, can handle the big things in life. We can get the children clothed and fed, the bills paid and, on our good days, even wash a dish or two. We can get along with some of the most difficult people and survive very draining situations. We can even bounce back from those disappointing relationships and bad breakups without pulling out all of our hair. Even though we don't like it, we seem to have the big stuff covered. 

What I have come to realize about myself and so many others is that it's the little things in life we tend to overlook. To be specific, I am addressing those little principles and values that nourish our spirit, nurture our hearts and keep the crazies from our doorsteps. Four in particular, I call HIPS: Honor, Integrity, Passion and Stillness. Many of us have convinced ourselves that HIPS can be too big to handle.

Integrity refers to keeping a vigilant watch on yourself to ensure that what you think, feel, say and do are in alignment. It means standing up within yourself, for yourself and not abandoning yourself to make or keep other people happy.

Passion here does not refer to sensuality, sexuality or plain old lust. It is about having that one thing in your life that you do just for the joy of it. You don't have to be good at it. You may never get paid for it. The only requirement is that it makes you feel good. It puts a light in your eyes. 

Then, there's stillness--the ability to sit down and do nothing, without feeling guilty. It is a time to empty your heart, mind and spirit. It means giving yourself permission to listen within, to refuel and to love on you.

Too often, the temptation is to rush around making sure that the big stuff gets handled and that everyone else is taken care of. In the process, our HIPS can become disjointed. Perhaps it is time to consider doing some HIPS-building exercises.

• Promise yourself that you will not go to bed without a bubble bath at least three days a week. It honors your body. 
• Don't spend more than you have, and refuse to wear shoes that hurt your feet--no matter how good they look. You cannot be in integrity when your feet hurt!
• Take a day just for you. Do something that makes you smile and laugh, and then take a nap. When you wake up, if you listen deeply, I promise, you will hear your heart sing. 
• Finally, make a promise to life that this year you will pay close attention to the people, situations and circumstances that do not sit well on your HIPS.