Little Projects Everywhere
A story of the small everyday
I am stuck like Homer Simpson on a roundabout circling around the power of littleness. Small things that add to our everyday (whether they are every day or not isn’t really the question - more that they are mundane enough to slot into a day somewhat unnoticed), that if we were kids would be called hobbies or play and now we are adults are ‘little projects’. So named, because ‘projects’ sound much more appealing. Because let’s face it we love a bit of productivity around these parts.
The grand gestures of our lives might be the special memories we hold, and the things that we see as defining us but I am starting to wonder that maybe those little projects that potter along in the background have as much to say about us as our choice to quit our job, move house, have kids (or not), start a business…FILL IN THE BLANK WITH YOUR CHOSEN LIFE CHOICES (you get the picture).
The thing about little projects is they don’t have to go anywhere to mean something, they don’t even need to make it to our list of hobbies or into our conversations with friends, they can just be an ongoing moment in our lives that gives it a shape beyond the box in which we have been neatly placed. They are our mini moments of being human.
Not only this but they allow us to be everyday explorers. The curious seekers who find answers in trying out a new recipe, keeping a plant alive, learning a new skill, turning up on the first day of class. Projects are only bound by the idea that we set ourselves a little mission and work towards completing when we can and as we want to.
The best time to start a little project is just following a nap on the sofa. Firstly because following the nap gives you the energy and tiny push to do something, but also the space in which to wonder about many different things and eventually land on the thing that feels nice to do.
And the best type of project? Well, of course that is up to you but I think if we are being honest they really should be at least a little bit pleasurable. Because if not how do we expect ourselves to get up off the sofa and do any of them?
So as we move our way towards the end of the year, I am thinking I might stop counting on the big things looking to tick more grand gestures off my list and instead just enjoy the little projects that make me smile.
Project inspiration for those currently on a sofa….
There is something about plants that feel like the perfect little project and where better to start than Plant Kween
Cleaning out a draw. I am really in a spring cleaning moment (even though it’s autumn - but the seasons aren’t my mum so I can do what I want) and there is something quite satisfying about the idea of cleaning out a draw.
Learn how to make good coffee:
Start to understand poetry: I loved this look on making the act of reading poetry pretty simple. “Somewhere, in every poem, there are words that shine forth, light up, almost as if plugged in. This is what poetry can do for language, and for us.” - Matthew Zapruder
Understanding the Seasons:
Watch the Sea : I love the idea of becoming a master of skipping stones.
Learn 10 new words. Obviously they can be in any language but I love this tool for improving my English vocab
Go for a Walk: This cool organisation will help you to get the most of it
Grow and obsession with something. I am discovering more and more that if you look at something long enough anything can become interesting - here is a beautiful example with chairs.
I love the fact that little projects can lead anywhere and my own little project - Almost Grown..Up - had its Season Three launch this week. I would love to hear what you think.
So until next time amigos I hope you discover the grandness of all your little projects.
Lucie x
Lucie Lincoln is a writer, podcaster and content creator. Always Dancing, usually with Cookies.
Find more thoughts on growing up here or listen to Almost Grown...Up here