Life has a way of making us believe that beauty is reserved for the obvious, the breathtaking mountain ranges, the beautiful ocean waves, the vibrant colors of a sunset. The truth is, beauty exists everywhere. It’s not just in the grand and the dramatic; it’s in the quiet, the ordinary, the overlooked.
Lately, I’ve been challenging myself to see the beauty in every atmosphere, no matter where I am. Whether it’s the chaos of our chicken coop, a very active puppy making messes, or the hum of a busy street (our street has MANY interesting sounds), there’s something worth noticing if we just take the time to look.
The Beauty in the Chaos
Some days, my house looks like a tornado came through, Ryu making messes, Kodah barking (not helpful), dishes stacking up in the sink. It would be easy to focus on the mess, the noise, the never ending to-do list. I had to take a step back, I saw something different. Now I see playfulness and fun in the way Ryu gets the zoomies, knowing it’s a sign of a happy pup. I see warmth in the way my chickens appreciate being cuddled even though they’re chickens and they smell, completely trusting and happy. I see love in the chaos.
We tend to think of beauty as peaceful, organized, and curated, in actuality, life doesn’t work that way. Sometimes, beauty is an accidental dance party in the rain, even though you’re wearing nice clothes or a puppy with muddy paws, excited to see you, ignoring the fact that you’ll be covered in mud. It’s the feeling of being surrounded by life, even when it’s messy.
Finding Stillness in Unexpected Places
On the flip side, I’ve learned to find beauty in the quiet moments too. The first sip of coffee before my brain wakes up. The way our fur babies nap in the afternoon. The hush of snowfall at night (as long as I’m not in it!) There’s something deeply grounding about noticing these small moments, appreciating them for what they are instead of rushing through them.
It doesn’t matter where you are, city, country, suburbia, there’s always a moment of stillness waiting to be noticed. Even in a noisy restaurant, there’s beauty in the way people connect, the way the servers glide across the floor with full trays, the way the lights and ceiling look, and if you’re overwhelmed, check out the bathroom!
Seeing Beyond the Obvious
Sometimes, beauty isn’t immediate. Sometimes, you have to search for it. A gray, rainy day might feel dreary at first, but if you really look, you’ll see the way the raindrops bead on a flower petal, the way the pavement reflects the sky, the way the air smells fresh and new.
The same goes for people. Someone might seem ordinary at first glance, I can say that when you really listen, you’ll find their passion, their kindness, their spark. Every person, every place, every moment holds something worth noticing if we take the time to see it.
Pause, Breathe, Take it In
Finding beauty in every atmosphere isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about shifting the way we see the world, looking past the distractions, the expectations, the rush of everyday life. It’s about noticing the way the light falls, the way laughter sounds, the way simple moments make life feel fulfilled.
So wherever you are today, whether it’s in the middle of a chaotic household, a bustling city, or a quiet countryside, pause for a moment. Breathe. Look around. Take it in. I promise you, there’s beauty there, just waiting to be found.
Yard 2 Yield! 