The Beauty of Simple Things: Finding Peace in Everyday Moments

1. The quiet moment we forget to notice
2. The world moves fast and so do we
3. The power of simplicity
4. When life unfolds on it’s own time
5. 4 Practical ways to reconnect
6. Life’s perfect timing

The quiet moment we forget to notice

This Sunday, Karl said something that took a while to really sink in. During our usual meal prep, he smiled and mentioned how much he enjoyed the ritual, how it brings us together each week. (I’m paraphrasing, of course.) It took me a moment to feel the full weight of that statement. Thinking back on those words, I smile at the simple routine we’ve created and how it connects us through an act of appreciation—for life and for each other.

We often get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget how small actions can have the greatest impact, If we simply slow down and allow ourselves to be fully present in them. And yes, I know this may sound like some new-age fluff from an influencer’s Instagram feed, but it’s much deeper than that. Being present in the moment can have a profound impact on your peace of mind and your relationships. It’s in those times that Karl and I often notice the countless synchronicities of the world around us.

When was the last time you were simply present? In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the beauty of simple things and finding peace in everyday moments.

The world moves fast and so do we

In a world that moves faster every day, it’s easy to forget the quiet peace found in ordinary moments. Whether it’s the first sip of morning coffee, a peaceful evening walk, or the warmth of sunlight through your window, life constantly offers small reminders to slow down and simply be.

Learning to find peace in everyday moments isn’t about escaping life; it’s about returning to it. As we get older, many of us realize that happiness often lives in simplicity, in gratitude, mindfulness, and being fully present for the life we already have. These are the spaces where real peace begins to grow and where the noise of the world finally fades.

As someone living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and cirrhosis and as a proud Gen Xer, I feel I have a unique perspective on how fast life moves. Most of us Gen Xers grew up without much supervision. We were exposed to the world’s harshness early and learned quickly that it doesn’t stand still for anyone. I grew up watching the internet evolve into what it is today, so intertwined with our lives that some countries now place crosswalk lights on the ground because people stare at their phones instead of what’s in front of them.

We live in a world of 24-hour news cycles, endless social media stimulation, and constant pressure to do more than the next person. Add to that the reality of being queer—worrying about safety, job security, and home life, and it’s easy to see how overstimulation becomes the norm. We’re taught that slowing down means being lazy, without realizing that our constant fluttering from one distraction to the next leads to burnout and exhaustion.

Slowing down isn’t weakness; it’s essential. It’s how our minds and bodies heal. It’s how we reconnect with ourselves.

The power of simplicity

Earlier, I mentioned how Karl said that our meal prep time is special, not just for the food we make but for the time we share. That, to me, is the true power of simplicity. It’s a chance to shed the stress of the week, let go of small frustrations, and simply be present with each other.

I’ve also found grounding moments in unexpected places, like tending to my houseplants. Caring for them allows me to step away from anxiety and focus on nurturing another living thing. It’s a form of meditation: checking for signs of stress or disease, watering and feeding them, and watching them grow. That growth reminds me that the small troubles of the day are insignificant compared to the turning of the world, the changing of seasons, and the rhythm of time.

In these quiet spaces, I find reflection and emotional clarity. Marcus Aurelius once wrote:

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Our greatest fulfillment doesn’t come from amassing possessions, titles, or power. Those things are fleeting. True happiness comes from our mindset, from living simply and appreciating what’s already here: the leaves falling on a crisp autumn morning, your partner’s smile during a warm embrace, or the vast stillness of the universe above.

When life unfolds on it’s own time

On December 3, 2022, Karl and I sat in the world-famous Mirror Chapel at the Klementinum in Prague. The room was wrapped in ancient paintings and ornate woodwork, with the most magnificent organ I’ve ever seen, an instrument believed to have been played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself.

As the performance began, a small older woman took her seat at the organ. Her fingers danced across the time-worn keys, filling the chapel with the deep, reverberating tones of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. It was transcendent, until, mid-performance, she turned a page too quickly, sending her sheet music flying across the floor.

But she didn’t stop. Her playing grew even more powerful, more ferocious, passionate, and alive. When the piece ended, the audience erupted in applause. She smiled, laughed softly, bowed, and calmly gathered her scattered pages.

That performance has stayed with me ever since. It reminded me that life rarely unfolds perfectly, but beauty often comes from how we move through the unexpected. Simplicity isn’t about control, it’s about grace in the moment.

4 Practical ways to reconnect

All around us are small, simple ways to reconnect with the world and ourselves. You don’t need a trip to Prague or a major event, peace lives in the ordinary. Here are a few ways to slow down and rediscover it:

1. Take a daily walk without headphones.

Put your phone on silent and just walk. Listen to the world around you. Listen to the birds, cars, or the wind through the trees. Without distraction, you’ll notice how vibrant life really is.

2. Try gratitude journaling.

Writing your thoughts helps clear your mind and shift perspective. Whether you’re angry, anxious, or just overwhelmed, jot down what you’re feeling, and add a few things you’re grateful for. Over time, you’ll start seeing more good than bad.

3. Turn off devices during meals.

It may sound cliché, but it works. With no phone to distract you, you’ll taste your food more fully, appreciate the effort behind it, and actually enjoy the experience of eating.

4. Notice one beautiful thing each day.

Watch the sunrise, the movement of clouds, or the way the city glows at night. The world is full of small wonders if we take time to see them.

The beauty of simple things isn’t about money, status, or perfection. The beauty comes from being present and finding meaning in the moment. Some of the best experiences Karl and I have had came from happy accidents and unexpected detours.

Life’s perfect timing

It’s often the simplest moments that bring us the greatest joy, like doing Sunday meal prep with someone you love. These quiet, unhurried times remind us of what truly matters and become the memories we hold closest.

We can plan every detail of our lives, but the universe has its own timing. Often, it’s the unplanned moments that leave the deepest imprint. When we slow down and allow life to unfold, we rediscover ourselves in the process.

What about you? Do you find it hard to slow down and appreciate life’s simple things? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Remember, you’re the reason GayintheCLE exists and continues to grow. Thank you for support and for being part of this journey.