11 of the Most Underrated Things (IMO)

One thing about me; I don’t like existing in my comfort zone, especially when I know I have the skills, knowledge, experience, or potential to do more. While this is a mindset some of you may desire to have, it makes me miss living in the moment. In all my years on this earth (they’re not many lol), I have come to learn that life isn’t measured by time but by the moments that live with us forever.

I’m not one of those deep people (I see the laughter in everything). So this isn’t one of those posts. But while we search for something big, a purpose of some sort, we lose out on some underrated things that often go unrecognized or unappreciated. If only we’d pause and take in these moments, maybe our lives would have more value?

So, I have come up with a list of some of the most underrated things we pass up that deserve more praise.

1. ‘This reminded me of you’ texts

I’m not one to romanticize everything because I tend to believe that I’m more evolved, even though I am not. I like to receive texts that make me feel like I’m on someone’s mind, doesn’t matter who. It just gives me an ego boost (which I know I don’t need. But hey!). It doesn’t have to be a grandiose gesture. Something simple like ‘when I hear this song I think of you’ or ‘I saw someone in town who walks exactly as you and I thought of you’.

My point is, to let people know you’re thinking of them. Granted this gives major creep vibes, but is there any other way to live?

2. The smell of a clean house

Someone should bottle and sell the smell of a clean house. I’d give them all my money. There’s something about that concoction of chemicals that gets me going. Or maybe it’s the endorphins that are released after finishing a tedious task like cleaning the kitchen? Whatever it is, I enjoy it.

3. Exchanging smiles with a stranger

Y’all know I mean mug people until they come up to talk to me. On the occasion I exchange smiles with a stranger after we have both observed something strange, is just calming to me. There’s a sense of acknowledgment that comes from being validated by someone you don’t know. Also, I find smiles extremely beautiful.

4. Coincidences

When coincidences happen to me, I get reminded that I’m on the right path. This rings true, especially when I have been in a rut, conflicted, or confused about a decision, vibes, or a potential significant other.

5. When someone makes up their nickname for you

Do you know how long it takes to make up a nickname? Or the time you have to spend talking to/seeing a person for them to create an identity that reflects who they are to you? Short answer, a while.

6. The beginning of new relationships

I have never been one to thrive on first impressions. I usually say something inappropriate or make a joke I know isn’t funny. Should someone get passed that and decide to be my friend, the mystery of getting to know them reels me in. Maybe it’s because I like learning about people or I just like encouraging people to do things that make them happy.

7. Home-cooked meals

Meals made at home are so warm and personal, even though they take hours to make, only to be wolfed down in 10minutes. The process of thinking about what to cook, shopping for the ingredients, assembling everything I need, and chopping/cutting/slicing/dicing is therapeutic, especially if I'm in the mood to throw down.

8. Non-awkward silences

Have you ever been around someone you could talk to for hours on end without wondering about what they think of you? Right? So underrated!

Side note; this is a whole topic for us who hate small talk.

9. Alone time

I love being alone, even when I’m interacting with people. I have had to learn to love my company and to be alone with my thoughts. I have also discovered that there are many facets to me and I’m a complicated person. My threshold has become low, but my patience has improved; all this I found by spending time by myself.

10. Belly laughs

You know belly laughs aren’t common, nor are they pretty. When I can unleash my weird laugh, I let go of so many things that hold me down, and simply be in that moment.

11. The feeling after you cry

I cry when I’m happy, angry, sad, confused, frustrated, or by proximity. You may think I’m an emotional wreck, I probably am who knows lol. I chase that calmness after a good cry. The feeling of relief from whatever is hurting my brain is such a mood booster. Even if the problem is still there, at least I’ll be able to dull the pain as I find a solution.

My value systems could be very different from yours and that’s what makes you unique. I’d like to remind you to find pleasure in the small things you may disregard, whether you’re okay or trying to find a silver lining. In thinking about the small things that make you happy, you may just find that big thing you’re searching for ❤️.