carrying small reminders

This picture has been the home screen on my phone for about a year. It caught my eye one day while I scrolled on social media, and since then has served as a constant, calming reminder. When a point in time feels like a really big deal, it’s often helpful to zoom out and remind ourselves that in the grand scheme of things, it’s a lot smaller than it may seem.

It can be easy to feel the whole weight of something all at once and let it consume us. One moment, thought, or situation can suddenly feel monumental when in reality, it is just a tiny fraction of time. This can happen in many different scenarios, whether it’s worrying about the outcome of a situation, overthinking a decision, or even just feeling stuck in a negative feeling or thought. The list goes on, and in all circumstances this same reminder applies – our lives are filled with important moments, and the one that is causing current stress or worry is truly a small drop into a much larger bucket. 

This mindset does not intend to minimize difficult moments. There will be times in our lives that the little black dot carries more weight than others, or even takes up a bigger portion of the circle than others, and we can honor those circumstances and feel the feelings that come with them. Still though, we can find comfort in knowing that there is so much beyond what we are experiencing at this very second - both in front of us and behind us. 

I’ve found comfort in this image in many contexts, and it’s especially helpful when I’m having a tough day or I’m feeling off. I see this as a reminder that whatever is bringing discomfort in a certain day or moment is not permanent. The sun will rise again tomorrow, and there will be many more little dots to come, and the one that feels like it holds the weight of the world in this moment will fade away with time. 

If something is taking up mental space for you right now, try looking at it this way. It’s a small, simple reminder, but it can go a long way.

Remember this, and also know if there’s something that you need to hear more often you can do the same for yourself. Whether it’s a screensaver, a wallet picture, a water bottle sticker, or a jar with phrases, small reminders can give us support whenever we need it. I encourage you all to carry one with you. 

xo,

han