Nigel on the little things that make us happy

By: Nigel Alston | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: November 12, 2011

We are more than what we do ... much more than what we accomplish ... far more than what we possess.

— William Arthur Ward

"In one sentence or less, tell us about a 'little thing' in life that makes you really happy," read a question in a forum on one of my favorites websites, Inspiration Peak. That was an easy assignment for me.

One thing that immediately came to mind is a note I received from an elementary school student at Caleb's Creek last year. I had been invited to read in two classrooms. On my way out, I passed back by the first class and, to my surprise, the students were standing in the door.

That's when one student told me she had a note for me. "Where is it?" I asked, curious as to what she had written. She went to her desk and returned with a note written on lined notebook paper that read: "Thank you For Reading to us Mr. Alston. Your an awesome Reader!"

That note is prominently displayed on the wall in my office. Thinking about that class makes me happy.

"If you could live your life over again, what would YOU do differently?" was another question for consideration. "Keep in mind that this question isn't so much about what we regret in our lives, but has more to do with 'what we've learned' from our lives," readers were reminded.

"If I could start over again tomorrow I would ask more questions and seek more answers," wrote one person. I like that attitude. I would do the same. Inquisitive minds want to know more.

Another contributor suggested laughing more, too;. it's good for the soul: "I would laugh much more, loudly, uproariously without any care to what anyone thinks." Here is some good advice shared to all who read the comment: "Live well. Laugh a lot. Weep when you must. Refuse to just exist!"

Back to the question that started this column, the one about the "little things" that really make you happy: There were plenty of great responses, like helping a child and random acts of kindness from strangers. I can attest to the random (unexpected) act of kindness, they can make the giver and receiver happy.

My wife and I picked up the bill for a couple recently in a restaurant and were gone before they had a clue. I can only imagine their surprise.

Another comment included "receiving an unexpected call or letter from an old friend."

I receive a letter periodically from an old friend that makes me happy. Actually, he is not that old. He is only 7. Michai and I have a friendship that goes back a few years now.

Since our first meeting, we have a regular cycle of communication. It is somewhat predictable. I send him a book or books to read. When he has read them, usually in about a month, I receive a letter.

In September of this year I received a typed-written note from his mother, Micha, along with his personal note.

Dear Mr. Nigel,

Included in my note you will find Michai's note written with minor assistance. As you can see, although he learned how to write a letter in 1st grade, he still requires more practice on where the body and closing should be located.

I look forward to these notes and what he thinks and enjoys about his books.

Dear Mr. Nigel,

Thank you for the book it was about a super burp.

He went on to tell me he had the highest score on a test and that his dad was taking him to the Cheesecake Factory.

I had a great time reading your book, it made my day.

That letter made my day too. Recently, I received another letter from Michai. This time, just his handwritten note only.

Dear Mr. Nigel,

Thank you for my book. Dave the Potter was an artist, poet and a slave. ... Thanks again for my book, it was interesting.

Love,

Michai.

I've learned that little things in life can really make you happy, like notes from children in their own handwriting.

It is time to pick out another book for Michai. I am looking forward to the next letter from my old (young) friend.