Certainly, life can be an extended marathon complete with unexpected turns, dizzying highs, and deflating lows. Worn and weathered by the challenging journey, a gentleman must seek refuge within the shelter of self-care and wellness. A gentleman must identify and recognize the small things that bring joy and fulfillment to this existence. Because, albeit unbeknownst to him, it can be the little things that bring forth the most meaning and contentment. And trust, the return on investing in one’s own happiness is immensely invaluable. I will provide the reader a simple example. This week, I journeyed to Michaels to purchase assorted Valentine’s merchandise for my son’s classroom celebration of Cupid’s favorite day of the year.
It was no surprise that items were already on sale. To be sure, stores move swiftly between holidays to deplete old inventory to accommodate incoming merchandise – hello St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Nevertheless, as it is still frustratingly frigid outside, it was only appropriate that Christmas items were still stocked throughout the store – of course on a very steep discount. With a discount to the tune of 70%, I briefly abandoned my mission of love to dive into some big, beautiful bargain bins, hoping to spy something unique to add to my gift-wrapping war chest. Now, if you have been following this blog, you know that I have become quite fond of wrapping gifts. Perusing the gift tags, ribbon, and wrapping paper; I spotted a container of lively jingle bells.
And so, for a mere $1.50, I was able to procure a 9-piece set of assorted, colorful bells to add to the collection of Christmas complements. Looking at the vivid bells through the clear plastic container, my mind began to race through creative ideas for Christmas 2026. The smile inside me was unapologetically broad. The time I will spend pairing and threading colored twine through bells as I wrap a fanciful bow is reserved strictly for my peace of mind. It is reserved for my creative impulses. It is reserved for the joy and satisfaction I feel when look at the finished work, selfishly not wanting it to ever be untied. Joy. Peace. Fulfillment. All for the low, low price of $1.50 and a bit of quiet time to myself. What are the little things that bring you happiness? What the small things that afford you peace and satisfaction? You are worth investing in you. Stayed tuned for Christmas 2026. Too soon?
So, sure the little ones (I suppose they are not so little now) tear through their gifts like Tasmanian devils, but it well worth the effort to have a beautiful Christmas tree presentation with a colorful medley of decorative gifts underneath. My son even tagged along with me as we visited Michaels and Target to procure the necessary items to create a Palmer Winter Wonderland in the house. Hopefully, he is learning some lessons along the way. We did not purchase anything too ornate or spectacular, but the purchases enhanced the holiday spirit around the house.
The secondary reason for going the extra mile with gift wrapping affects me directly. Given that I do not have any harmful vices that would produce pleasure, but are nonetheless destructive, I am left to seek out positive outlets to trigger beneficial dopamine releases. Dopamine is an organic chemical that affects areas of the brain associated with temporary feelings of satisfaction, motivation, pleasure, and happiness. Therefore, it is common to find me in the yard during the summer tending to the family garden and mowing the lawn. The reward for the fruits of my labor is a great sense of accomplishment and pride. I never thought I would be that guy, but spending time out with nature and nurturing plant life is truly rewarding. Nowadays, I am always on the lookout for a project that elicits some inkling of happiness. 
Honestly, I would be dishonest if I said every aspect of my life was perfect and happy. No, unfortunately, that is simply not the case. Life can be indiscriminately unforgiving. Some days are really challenging. So, I wholeheartedly try to utilize every tool in my well-being toolbox to achieve as much balance as possible. The present above is one that really brought a smile to my face. The wrapping paper was heavier than the normal, standard variety one would purchase. The grayish blue surface was speckled with a glitter-like, grainy touch. It almost has a shimmer to it. It was simple, yet elegant. I used some excess paper to make a little bow which I affixed to the box with rustic piece of Christmas twine and bell. It’s amazing the sense of peace I feel as I fold, cut, tie, and tape my way to a finished project. I was really pleased with the results, and every time I saw it underneath the tree, I smiled inside with warm pride.
It would be an immense understatement if I said last year was painfully challenging. Consumed with anxiety and stress; personal victories were attained by simply making it through a day with a shred of sanity intact. True to form, life is predictably unpredictable, and sometimes leaning heavily into faith is the only recourse – even when said faith is terribly shaken. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the quality of life that has been afforded to me through grace and mercy. I am exceedingly thankful that my family has been able to endure the pandemic absent severe sickness or death.