Short

In a world of big ideas and grandiose plans, it’s easy to overlook the beauty and value of the small things. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about how bigger, faster, and more powerful is always better. But what about the short and diminutive aspects of our lives? What do they offer?

The truth is that short things can be incredibly beautiful and important. Take the hummingbird, for example. This tiny bird has wings that beat at an incredibly rapid rate, allowing it to hover in mid-air with incredible agility. They’re so small that they can fit in the palm of your hand, but there’s no denying their grace and the joy they bring to those who watch them flit about.

Or what about a short poem? In just a few lines, a poet can convey an idea, evoke an emotion, or capture a moment in time. “The Red Wheelbarrow” by William Carlos Williams is a classic example:

so much depends
upon

a red wheel
barrow

glazed with rain
water

beside the white
chickens.

In just 16 words, Williams paints a vivid picture of a farm scene and leaves us with a sense of awe at the beauty of nature and the simple things in life.

Even in our own lives, short moments can be incredibly meaningful. A shared glance or a quick exchange of words with someone we care about can brighten our day and strengthen our connections with others. It’s the small gestures of kindness and love that often mean the most, even though they don’t last very long.

So why do we so often overlook the beauty and value of the short? Perhaps it’s because we’re taught to focus on the big picture, to think long-term and plan for the future. We’re told that success is measured by how much we achieve and accumulate, not by the small moments of joy and connection that make life worth living.

But in reality, it’s the short and sweet moments that help us find meaning and happiness in our lives. They remind us to take pleasure in the present, to appreciate the beauty in the small things, and to stay connected with the people who matter most to us.

In a world that’s always pushing us to do more and be more, it can be hard to slow down and savor the short moments. But if we make an effort to appreciate the beauty of small things in our lives, we’ll find that they add up to a rich and fulfilling existence.

So the next time you see a hummingbird flit past or read a short poem that moves you, take a moment to savor the beauty of the short. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures that life has to offer. You may find that these small moments bring you more joy and satisfaction than all the big plans and grand ideas in the world.