On my daily walk, first day of school, there it was.

The glee of going back to schoolfriends and the prospect of the year finishing elementary school. What a rush it must be for this 11-year-old.

We adults would just call it another notch in the stick of life. Seriously, do you remember fifth grade at all? Do you recall your fifth-grade teacher’s name and what you learned from them? Do you feel the satisfaction of a new school year starting to build on the old and launching towards the next school on your way?

I’d rather focus on the trivial things that bring me joy:

  • The flowers growing in my garden, every day something arrives newly colorful.
  • The small things friends say, and how they say it, clues into their appreciation for what we share.
  • The email from an old client asking me how I am doing. Not long in words, but it goes a long way. The note I send to stay connected after a period of no contact. A two-way street.
  • The LinkedIn message asking my opinion on a vexing situation to clarify and advise best practices.
  • This being my 2700th blog post (!)
  • Just a few of mine-what have I left out that bring you joy?

One step at a time.

Revel in the trivial things and you may see the larger things in a new light. Appreciate the ones around you, allow them to e-hug you too.

Steppingstones lead to milestones.

Tell us what makes you feel like the giddy fifth grader who decorated her driveway.