Think Big Thoughts but Relish Small Pleasures

Think Big Thoughts but Relish Small Pleasures

I’ve always loved this quote by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Living in Thailand and being a teacher remind me to ‘Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures’ daily. For example…

Gorgeous floating flowers in pots

Seeing a pineapple plant grow

Accidentally happening upon a charming rooftop restaurant in Chiang Mai

This graceful little flower known as anchan in Thai, butterfly pea in English, and scientifically as clitoria

Witnessing the creativity of students’ recycled art projects

Hiking with this little cutie named Manee

Noticing the ‘Wintry’ and ‘Summer’ settings on the hot water heater for a shower

Having a little think by the lake

Finding a student’s drawing of/for me

Hilarious and blatant copyright infringement

The exquisite mangosteen – edible art

Cutting into a papaya, and finding a star.

Students making a game out of weeding the rice field

Having fun ploughing like buffalo

…and playing with the plough

The lotuses that bloom in the morning

The serenity of the ubiquitous Buddha images

Planting rice at Panyaden School on Thai Mother’s Day

After four years of living and teaching in Thailand, I have learned a few simple, but profound lessons:

Noticing what children and nature teach us is worthwhile. Pay attention. Be present. Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.