I was catching up with my dear friend Marisol during her 4th of July get-together this week, when she said something that really stuck with me:

“It really is the little things…”

That got me thinking about how often I look past little details in an effort to “see the big picture” – but what is the big picture if not many carefully planned “little things?” How often do I stop to focus on the details?

Case in point:

I was enjoying my favorite kale salad in the backyard the other day, and I took a moment to be grateful for simply being able to eat when I’m hungry.

But then I began to really look at the salad, and specifically focused on one itty-bitty piece of kale, and all of a sudden I could focus on the details that led up to that tiny piece of kale sitting in front of me.

It all began with a seed…which was then carefully planted, nourished, and watered every day for many days…which took time to grow into a full-grown plant…which then had to be harvested…then transported…then sold…then lovingly chosen and taken home by me…washed…sliced…soaked in lemon juice…tossed with all of the other salad ingredients…and walked out to my backyard picnic table.

Whoa.

A LOT of time, love, attention, and a focus on the details went into bringing that one tiny piece of kale to my mouth.

In fact, the entire experience then filled me with gratitude and a beautiful sense of CONNECTION – for the farmers who planted the seeds, the sunshine that helped the plants grow, the truck driver who transported the produce to the market, the gas station attendants who fueled up the drivers, the employees at the market who sold the kale, the Miata that got me to the market, & for every person and thing in between.

And that was JUST for the kale. EVERY little element in that salad went on its own unique journey to get to my plate.

This ONE little detail – this tiny piece of kale – served as a beautiful reminder to me how interconnected everyone and everything really is.

CLICK TO TWEET >> Often we are told to not get lost in the details, but those little things are just what we need to connect to what really matters. <<CLICK TO TWEET

To experience this in your own life, try this simple eye-opening exercise the next time you sit down to eat today:

1. Close your eyes, take a nice easy breath, then gently open your eyes

2. Let your eyes guide you to just ONE element on your plate

3. Allow your mind to connect you back through the journey that little thing went on to arrive on your plate

4. Close your eyes again, take another nice easy breath, and inhale that sense of “big picture connectedness,” reflecting on how every little thing works together to make up your amazing life right now.

5. Bask in the gratitude and appreciation for the little details in your life.

Aaaaahhhhh.

Now I would love to hear from you.

In the comments below, tell me specifically what you saw on your plate and describe how your mind made the connection between the little things and the big picture in your own life.

Want to dig deeper into making those connections between how the little things in life are affecting YOUR bigger picture?

Click here to schedule a complimentary discovery call and mini coaching session.