Small Daily Acts that Enrich Daily Life
When I originally shared this on Instagram, one big thing I didn’t share was that this list was actually inspired by different qualities I wanted to assign to different fictional characters I was creating (I enjoy making fictional worlds for fun and as a special interest).
The reason why I share this is because it has something to do with what I've observed when it comes to human relationships, too. At times, it can be hard to notice the small acts that people do that make our connection/bond with them special. We may simply just not be able to name these things, even when we want to. This is something I’ve found challenging to do myself, so making these lists helped me realize these are things worth naming, no matter how small. This is one of the many things I love about creating and engaging imaginative spaces like fiction to explore things—it helps you discover things about the real world that you may not have even noticed otherwise.
So I would love to know if any of these 8 qualities connect with you in any way!
Do any of these come more naturally?
Is there one that you really appreciate from others?
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Small Acts of Paying Attention
Playing the right song at the right moment
Looking ahead on a road trip for potential scenic routes or landmarks to visit along the way
Noticing the most simple moments that are still worth capturing on camera
Recognizing what kind of fragrances or even textiles create a sense of home or comfort
Noticing when the sun is at that point in the sky where natural light can fill the room with the right amount of a warm glow
Small Acts of Consideration
Noticing when someone is alone/left out in the group
Asking the question, “Do you want to join us?”
Using markers and tags to label things clearly to make it easier for everyone to find what they need.
Arranging chairs and tables to make sure everyone will have a place sit, hours before everyone arrives
Small Acts of Connection
Giving someone a compliment on something that might be hard to notice, such as a non-physical compliment: “I learn so much from you.”
Being the one who says, “Thanks for sharing what with me.”
Linking unrelated topics in conversation that lead to an "aha” moment or new realizations
Texting someone something funny because they know that certain person will get it right away
Small Acts of Thoughtfulness
Taking photos and then sending them to the group chat later on
Adding birthdays and anniversaries to a calendar
Giving thoughtful gifts where you can see how they’ve really been paying attention to the small things
Keeping track of all the best stories and memories, like a mental file cabinet
Sending a text to someone they’re close to, saying, "I saw this and thought of you."
Small Acts of Resources
Organizing things like bookshelves with specific system in mind
Holding vast knowledge on specific, seemingly random topics
Highlighting and writing down little things that they know will have significance later
Keeping up with the instruction manuals, just in case
Remembering all sorts of specific details that help with future planning
Small Acts of Engagement
Keeping up with the details of long stories their friends are sharing them and engaging with the plot twists
Paying attention in a way that leads to moments where they genuinely say “I never thought of it that way”
Being able to have conversation with different kinds of people
Tweaking the recipe when they sense it just needs a little bit of something else to make it just right
Small Acts of Preparedness
Deciding to bring the umbrella and the phone charger, just in case
Being the one who takes notes that other people end up referring to later on, too
Being the friend to have the mock conversation with, before the real conversation
Pre-loading the map and mapping out the journey before the road-trip begins
Creating checklists to make sure nothing gets left behind
Small Acts of Being Present
Finding artistic potential in everyday objects
Having a warm presence, just by being themselves
Navigating through nature and noticing the moments when they feel right at home
Taking a moment to sit back and just enjoy being around everyone
Turning to someone and saying, “I’m so glad you’re here."
Noticing the beauty and finding value in the most seemingly ordinary things
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...Whether you notice these kinds of qualities in others or recognize them in yourself, may these subtle acts enrich our lives every day.
-Morgan Harper Nichols