little things

Hey everyone:) -

I first want to thank everyone for the love from the last post. I am so grateful for everyone in my life that has sent me texts, direct messages, or comments, sharing their love, stories, and personal connections to my words. It truly means so much to me! Something I’ve uncovered from writing this blog is that putting my words onto paper helps me understand my thoughts way better than if I were to keep them in. I’m able to communicate my emotions through writing in ways I don’t like I ever could if I tried saying them out loud. I want to continue to share my words, whether 5 people read them or 500! So, again, thank you for your support in reading what I write.

ALSO, I'm very excited that I have officially gained ownership of my domain, simplytryingbysami.com! This is a huge step for me in making 'simply trying' an established brand and continue growing my blog! I've also started a 'simply trying' Instagram page, @simplytryingbysami ! I'll post picture that coincide with my blog posts, and share some small insights into my life. I'll be continuing to make small edits and tweaks to the site and growing this bran, but wanted to share these with y'all!

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As seen from my last post, my mental health has been ebbing and flowing recently. As much as life may suck sometimes, there is a lot of good in the world. Sometimes, the bad things seem to outshine the good, covering goodness with its murky water and shadowy figure. The bad things may be big and mighty, but so was Goliath, and David still took him down, as he was good, despite being little.

Little things help me take down the bad. I want to share some of the little things in my life that help me in the bad times.

1. Reading an old favorite book

   1. Most times, nostalgia makes me sad, because I wish I could relive the past; but escaping into an old favorite book still brings me the happiness it did when I was younger.

2. Walking to work

   1. My summer job is within walking distance of my apartment, so every day I go to work, I put in my airpods, grab my bag and iced latte, and strut to the Journalism school. It’s the perfect distance so I can get serotonin from the bit of exercise, but not so long that I’m sweaty and overheated.

3. Planning

   1. If I could just plan out my future for the rest of my life, I would. My college program requires its students to complete a graduation plan; an excel sheet filled out with the classes they plan on taking for their 4 years of undergrad. My grad plan, and the tools we have available to make it, are my favorite things. I love helping my friends make theirs, and incoming freshmen plan their first semester at my job. Part of this probably comes from my anxiety of the unknown, but also knowing that I’ve got some part of my life figured out is a mood booster.

4. Hugs

   1. Genuine ones with the people I love.

5. Simple songs

   1. Songs with just a singer and their instrument, with little autotune or complicated chord progressions and production, are like magic to me. I will almost always prefer the acoustic version of a song. I love going to Kayla’s music gigs and listening to her sing with just her guitar or piano.

6. Dog’s tails

   1. When I see a dog wagging its tail and smiling up at me, I’m reminded that whatever is affecting me is not completely ruining the world, the sun is still shining, and things are never as bad as I may think they are.

7. Deep conversations

   1. Some of my favorite memories with the people I love involve when we slow down and talk about the deeper things. I love these conversations by a fireplace, on a cozy couch, or when driving.

8. “anything goes” by Emma Chamberlain

   1. I look forward to this podcast every week. It inspires me to share my thoughts out loud and has made me consider making a simply trying podcast (??). I always save it for when I’ll be driving or will put it on and color, fold laundry, or any mindless task so I can give it my full attention.

9. Talking about Taylor Swift

   1. I got a ticket for Taylor Swift’s concert in Kansas City and I could not be more excited. I’ve been texting my best friend Emma, who I’m going to the concert with, different lyrics that describe our mood, and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), coming out on 7/7!

10. Small businesses

    1. I will always have a special place in my heart for a small business, especially after my monumental time at CWAC. My favorite shops are independent bookstores and those with decor and knick-knacks that I can mess around with. Book shopping brings the satisfaction of going on a shopping spree, without the negative feelings that may come with shopping for clothes. The vibes in small businesses are just so good.

11. Vinyl

    1. My grandpa and dad are vinyl collectors and introduced me to the world of records. I got my player as a graduation gift from my dad in 2021, and it’s lived at home, my dorm, and my sorority house. I especially love playing records that crackle and are imperfect. My records remind me of people I love, and that imperfections are sometimes preferred.

12. Lattes

    1. I didn’t like coffee until I went to college, but quickly realized I would need it. I still don’t love the taste of straight black coffee, but I love lattes. Making myself a drink in the morning is a part of my daily routine, and brings me joy. I finally understand the cheesy quotes about coffee that are all over towels and mugs at Homegoods.

13. Phone calls and Facetimes.

    1. Texting is great, but I like hearing my loved ones' voices.

14. My parents and sister

    1. Whenever I’m sad, these three are always my go-to. My mom knows me better than I know myself, and can always help bring me back down and strain through the murky water. My sister makes me giggle and is great at being a shoulder to cry on. My dad makes me feel normal and reminds me that my feelings are not my entire identity. They are much more to me than a “little thing” that cheers me up, but this list felt incomplete without including them.<3

There are a lot of little things in the world that bring me joy, but this is just a short snapshot at some of the things that have helped me recently. I’d love to hear what little things make you feel good! You can add a comment to this post, direct message, text, or call me!

Thank you for supporting “simply trying”!

Love, Sami