How Small Sparks can Change your Life
I recently caught a nasty virus and needed to spend a few days in bed. I was feverish and achy and couldn’t read, so I wound up staring at my furniture. We’d bought it nearly 20 years ago, after saving for years. It’s a beautiful set from Pottery Barn, stained a deep, dark mahogany with little swirls of grain highlighting the top.
I hated it.
The dresser and nightstands seemed painted in shadows, looming over me. It was probably the fever, but it also seemed to pulse with darkness, like a black hole sucking me in. It was good that the virus drained me of all energy. Otherwise I might have grabbed a paintbrush and an old, forgotten can of paint from the garage and ruined the wood. I’d done that before.
When I started feeling a bit better, I started researching the proper way to paint furniture, but soon realized I didn’t have the patience or skill to complete the job. I considered wallpapering part of the drawers, just to lighten up a bit of the wood.
But then I thought of a quick, easy idea to do for right now. I ordered new drawer pulls. I picked out a crystal knob, with hints of gold behind it. They came a few days later and it didn’t take long for me to replace all of the pulls. I figured this would be a good first step.
I was shocked at the difference it made. I’d only replaced the pulls, but the furniture seemed brand new. The crystal caught a bit of the light in the room. But it wasn’t just that. It transformed the furniture. It seemed to highlight the wood, making me marvel at the depth and richness of the color. I polished the wood, falling in love with the furniture once again. The same furniture I was ready to paint over, the same color I’d hated the week before.
And all it took was a tiny spark of light.
Adding tiny sparks of light in your life can make a significant difference, especially in times of darkness. It doesn't always require grand gestures or major changes. Sometimes, it's the little things that can shift our perspective and bring warmth into our lives. When I felt trapped in a world of shadows, the small addition of crystal knobs transformed my environment and, more importantly, my outlook. The same principle applies to many aspects of life.
When you're feeling low or overwhelmed, look for those small changes or additions that can brighten your day. It could be as simple as opening the curtains to let in natural light, placing fresh flowers in a room, or playing your favorite music (yes, I had to get music in there!). These tiny sparks of light can remind you that beauty and hope are still present, even in the darkest times.
Incorporating these small acts of light can also become a form of self-care. They can serve as a reminder to appreciate the details and find joy in the little things. By doing so, you create a buffer against the overwhelming darkness and build a reservoir of positive experiences and feelings to draw upon when needed.
Just like the crystal knobs that changed my perception of the furniture, small positive actions can alter your view of the world and your place in it. They can help you navigate through tough times, providing moments of relief and glimpses of hope. So, whenever you find yourself in a dark place, remember that even the tiniest spark of light can illuminate your path and help you find your way back to a brighter and more hopeful state of mind.
