The Simple Moments that Make My Heart Smile!

There was a time when laughter came easily to me. Before marriage, before responsibilities, before the constant tug-of-war between perfectionism and peace. Somewhere along the way, I became so caught up in making life perfect that I forgot to simply live in the moment.

But recently, I’ve started paying attention again to the little moments that bring me joy, the ones that slip away too quickly if I’m not mindful. And so, here they are, the simple joys that make my heart swell.

The Magic in My Baby Girl’s Eyes

My little girl has the most beautiful eyes—tiny, sparkling, full of wonder. She calls them the marbles of her eyes, and I can’t help but smile every time she says it. We play a game called nosy nosy, where we rub our noses together. It tickles her, and she giggles uncontrollably, her laughter ringing through the air like music. In those moments, nothing else matters.

Tiny Boats and Big Smiles

There’s a canal nearby where we often go to watch the fish. But my kids and I have a little tradition—we make tiny boats out of colorful post-its and float them in the water. Watching those vibrant little boats drift away fills me with a quiet kind of happiness. It’s such a simple thing, yet it brings so much joy.




A Love Affair with Plants

I have a deep love for plants, so much so that I hesitate to pull out even the weeds. To me, every tiny sprout is a victory, especially in Chennai’s weather, where growing anything feels like a challenge. Even the smallest flower or a baby leaf makes me pause in admiration.

There’s a tree nearby that blooms with pink flowers that smell like honey. Tiny hooked-beak birds flutter around it, chirping away, and for a few moments, the world feels like a fairytale.

The Nostalgia of Rain

Rain has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up in Munnar, I saw monsoons in all their glory—endless downpours, misty hills, the soothing rhythm of raindrops. Here in Chennai, rain is often messy, but that first rain—the scent of wet earth—still carries me back to childhood. Have you ever noticed how bright the sun is after the rain? It’s as if the world has been washed clean, ready to begin again.

Sunsets, Hills, and the Dance of the Paddy Fields

I often wonder how people feel when they look at mountains. For me, they bring a sense of awe, but in Chennai, where mountains are rare, I’ve found beauty in the small hills nearby. At sunset, the sky turns a brilliant orange, and birds fly across the hills, painting a picture so serene that I can’t help but stop and admire it.




Then there are the paddy fields their long, green blades swaying in the wind. When the breeze is strong, they move like the flowing hair of a beautiful woman, an endless wave of green. It’s mesmerizing, almost hypnotic.



Long Rides and Karaoke Nights

Few things make me happier than long rides with my family. The open road, and the music playing in the background—it’s a perfect combination. We sing along to our favorite songs, of course, my little girl sometimes insists on playing the same song a million times. It used to drive me crazy, but now, I find myself smiling, even enjoying it.



I write all of this as a reminder to myself—to slow down, to embrace the imperfections, to be in the moment. Life is not about waiting for the big joys; it’s about finding happiness in the small, fleeting moments that make up our days.

So, here’s to noticing the magic in everyday life. Because joy is always there—we just have to remember to look for it.

Until next time, may you find joy in the little things

Nancy Kavin

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