I watched the documentary "Small Happiness" in an anthropology class; it delved into the lives of some women living in post-Communist Revolution China, including marriage customs, the role of the wife/mother, and attitudes toward pregnancy. The title refers to the way the birth of a baby girl is viewed: a boy is a big/large happiness (because he has more value) and a girl is a small happiness (because when she grows up and marries she will go away and belong to someone else's family). I think all babies are small happinesses because they are small and bring a lot of happiness (when they're not pooping or crying).
For me, a small happiness is an experience that is not life-changing or spectacular yet makes me feel a little happier. Things like
- finishing a crossword/sudoku
- paying exact change (in cash and coins)
- helping tourists find their way
- giving my seat up for someone more deserving (usually ends up being a parent and child)
- introducing a friend to a new and pleasurable experience
I think it's Eleanor Roosevelt who said, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Sometimes I accomplish this, but more often than not I hope to do one thing that gives me small happiness. I welcome big happiness any day, but every day can't be special. If every day is special then every day is the same. Just like how I am unique, just like everyone else.
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