I started this blog in 2007 as a creative outlet for my ideas and feelings that felt—to borrow from the Bible—very “cup runneth over” (side note: I was raised a preacher’s kid). I blogged about my everyday adventures and shared photos of motherhood and making things with my own two hands. About three years later, I shared a story I could have never predicted—the story of my second daughter Nella’s birth and her surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome. This unexpected shift in our family’s path led to my first book Bloom, a New York Times best-selling memoir.
I know I’m not alone when I say that I’ve learned the most through life’s twists and turns. Although it’s easy to lose track of our happiness and purpose in these moments. Luckily, each step forward almost always brings greater clarity, a deeper sense of purpose and even more gratitude for happy times.
In my experience, the big challenges and the daily routines that can feel a little Groundhog Day, have shown me that one of my greatest joys in life is simply in making things. Paragraphs, cookies, crafts, pictures, projects, salty dogs, and most of all making people happy. Although the best way to make anyone else happy is to make yourself happy and then beam that out into the world as best as you can.
To get started, I suggest wearing yellow, smiling, attempting a cartwheel now and then, cussing when necessary, writing love notes, saying yes to hats, creating a signature move to bust out on the dance floor, being the first to say “I love you”, appreciating your laugh lines, knowing at least one kids’ hand clap, reading poetry books, believing in something bigger than yourself, sealing envelopes with stickers, ditching the handshake and going right for the hug.
What fuels Enjoying the Small Things (ETST) today.
This blog is about celebration, my north star. Occasionally, we are given big events that merit confetti and balloons and create temporary swells of happiness. But mostly, we are sustained by the in-between, the ordinary small things. This space is for recognizing and celebrating those things.
We all celebrate in different ways. I collect earth from places where meaningful memories are made and store it in jars on my kitchen shelves. I love taking pictures. I love looking at pictures. If I came to your house, I’d ask to see your wedding album (and if you wore puffed sleeves, I’d love you for it). If you came to my house, I’d hide crap in drawers and closets and pray you didn’t open them.
This blog is also about community. It’s about loving you and me and everyone in between. I’m here because I want you to celebrate your everyday moments and your big ones too. And I want you to know that on the days you’re challenged the most—when you don’t want to open the blinds in the morning or even roll out of bed—you’re not alone. And when you’re ready, the celebrations will all be waiting for you.
I’ll be the one wearing yellow, saving you a spot on the dance floor.
Professional Bio: Kelle has contributed to Parents, Parenting, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living, Good Housekeeping, NPR’s All Things Considered, Magnolia Journal. She is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Bloom. Kelle has also created several online courses and guides, which have served thousands of students and readers. She’s Vice President of the non-profit Ruby’s Rainbow.