“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one's home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.”
In this quote by Barbara Pym, the author emphasizes the significance of appreciating the small, seemingly insignificant moments in life. Pym suggests that these "small things" hold more value and impact than the grandiose experiences we often seek. By highlighting activities such as cooking, being at home, reading poetry, going for walks, and enjoying humorous moments, Pym reminds us that joy can be found in the everyday aspects of life. This quote serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, savor the little things, and find beauty in simplicity.
In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the little things that bring us joy. Barbara Pym's words remind us of the importance of finding happiness in the small moments of life. Whether it's cooking a favorite meal, enjoying the comfort of home, or simply taking a solitary walk, these seemingly trivial activities can have a significant impact on our well-being. In a culture that often values the grand and extravagant, Pym's message serves as a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures that surround us every day.
"The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one's home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.” - Barbara Pym
As we reflect on Barbara Pym's words about finding joy in the small things of life, it prompts us to consider our own experiences and perspectives. Here are some questions to help you reflect on the importance of finding happiness in the little moments:
“But surely liking the same things for dinner is one of the deepest and most lasting things you could possibly have in common with anyone,' argued Dr. Parnell. 'After all, the emotions of the heart are very transitory, or so I believe; I should think it makes one much happier to be well-fed than well-loved.”
“After all, life was like that for most of us – the small unpleasantnesses rather than the great tragedies; the little useless longings rather than the great renunciations and dramatic love affairs of history or fiction.”
“Oh, this coming back to an empty house,' Rupert thought, when he had seen her safely up to her door. People - though perhaps it was only women - seemed to make so much of it. As if life itself were not as empty as the house one was coming back to.”
“You know Mildred would never do anything wrong or foolish. I reflected a little sadly that this was only too true and hoped I did not appear too much that kind of person to others. Virtue is an excellent thing and we should all strive after it, but it can sometimes be a little depressing.”
“Oh, but it was splendid the things women were doing for men all the time, thought Jane. Making them feel, perhaps sometimes by no more than a casual glance, that they were loved and admired and desired when they were worthy of none of these things - enabling them to preen themselves and puff out their plumage like birds and bask in the sunshine of love, real or imagined, it didn't matter which.”
“Mr Boultbee seems to have done us a good turn," said Nicholas. "I gather his sermons were not much liked."No; we got very tired of Africa and I didn't feel that what he told us rang quite true. He said that one African chief had had a thousand wives. I found that a little difficult to believe."Well, we know what men are," said Jane casually, surprised that Miss Dogget, with her insistence on men only wanting one thing, should have found this difficult to believe.”