I've heard the phrase "it's the little things that count" many times over the span of my life, mostly pertaining to relationships. I never quite understood what "the little things" were supposed to be, until I arrived at college.

I've come to find that these small gestures are things that happen or things people do that we may take for granted. A significant other bringing you food at work, a friend asking you to let them know when you get home, small gestures of kindness that we don't think twice about. People tend to notice the little things the most when they come from other people, and I am here to expand upon this idea of appreciating the little things.

I'm a bit of an oblivious person. I used to never really think twice about something someone does for me, because I just always assumed they'd always be there. When I arrived at college, the experience changed this aspect of myself immensely.

It started with the first half of my definition of "little things:" as the stress of college got to me more and more, I began to take refuge in the smallest incidents that would happen day-to-day, whether it was the dining hall serving my favorite food at dinner that day, or randomly seeing a dog on my walk to class. I was allowing myself to enjoy what the world had to offer around me, and I began to focus less on what was stressing me out. I would just focus on it and get it done so that I could sit for that extra fifteen minutes at the duck pond.

As this behavior continued and expanded, I would find myself thinking about the little things people do for me. These would range from my best friend offering his basement to me for storing my belongings during the summer, to him having my favorite drink ready for me when I visited him at his job, people offering to take me places I needed to be, and so much more.

I'm by no means completely rid of my habit of taking things for granted. I still do it often. However, as the school year continues, and as I continue to write this article, I realize that sometimes, being appreciated and thanked for the little things is all it takes to make someone's day a bit better. Acknowledge their efforts, and let them know they are appreciated.

My point is, it's not always about the big picture. Whether it be people or events, or something else entirely, that makes you appreciate the little things in life, don't stop doing that once you begin.