This is a love letter to small moments. Those precious moments that we look back upon - that make up the grand scheme of life itself.
For years, Bradley's grandmother wrote in a small, leather dairy everyday, jotting down things that happened each day. When she passed in November, his mum went through reading them, some dating back to the early ‘80s. His grandmother had documented everything, from the day each of her grandchildren were born, to what she had for dinner. I commented that I thought it was a beautiful sentiment to write something everyday and she kindly took note of it.
For Christmas, Bradley's mum gifted me a small, leather diary - identical to the one her mother used to write in each day. I’ve been writing in it every day since January 1st. I keep it next to my computer. Last Sunday morning, I wrote the following to recount the weekend:
“Went to a few charity shops, bought a Venice watercolour painting in Mitcham for a tenner. Really love it. Had an amazing dinner at Arabica; need to recommend it to people.”
That Saturday wasn’t extravagant. We had a quiet day together, in bed for 10:30pm, both of us bleary eyed as we completed our daily streak on Duolingo. It wasn’t particularly grand, or full of activities and socialising. Just two people cherishing the time spent together, doing simple things.
These small moments of tenderness and affection are what make a relationship feel genuine, and they often hold more significance than anything else. They are like puzzle pieces that come together to create the bigger picture of our lives. Insignificant on their own, but when put together, they form the memories and experiences that shape who we are. It may not be as fancy or dramatic or grand as the love stories we see in movies and books, but those aren’t real and the experiences we have are far more meaningful, and often more enduring.
Small romances remind us that love is about the little consistent acts of kindness, compassion, and devotion. They are the things that make life worth living, and the memories that we will carry with us.
Our days are filled with hundreds of these moments that can make everything feel peaceful and light - sharing a morning coffee together; holding hands while you wait for the bus; it’s watching sunsets and sunrises; kind words from strangers; the first flower bursting from the earth in spring; climbing into bed with fresh sheets laid on; playing childish guessing games to kill time.
These delicate instances can be elusive and fleeting, and easily missed if we don't pay attention, so let's take a moment to slow down and savour the times that make life truly worth living.
Couldn't agree more. This is so sweet and true 🩷 The tiniest, simplest everyday moments are everything, so long as we are paying them grateful attention.