Small: The Little We Need for Happiness

by Jane Anne Staw

Known as someone who worried about every little thing, always anticipated the worst possible outcome, and generally allowed her thoughts to get far ahead of life's actual circumstance, author Jane Anne Staw was one day inspired to think small. Her inspiration led her to learn to pay attention to the unfolding moments of life without the burden of worrying about what might come next. Over time, thinking small developed into a central practice in Staw's life, and what followed was life-changing. In all facets of her life, she experienced a shift away from anger, depression, overwhelm, and loneliness to affection, calm, and connection. These short and insightful essays about some of life's most common occurrences are meditations and exercises in thinking small and discovering a life of profound contentment and wellbeing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2018

Reviews

[Cherie Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has shared how she worked through her issues of anger, anxiety and depression. I felt like a therapist, patiently listening, through most of the book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! And was surprised at how it much affected me. I thought I already knew about appreciating the small stuff, but as the days passed while I was reading, I realized I felt happier, more at peace. I began noticing little things I might have overlooked (even though I already thought I was appreciating little things). When I heard distressing news, of the world and in my personal life, I could still find that glow, that appreciation for what is, for being here, for breath. Much of it, I'm sure, is the author's writing -- clear, beautiful, with just the right amount of detail. Also, much of it has to do with the personal problems she discussed in her own life, which resonate with problems we all face, problems with relationships, work, self image. It's short, a quick read, but I read it slowly on purpose, to make my first experience with it last longer.

It's a meditation on how to stay focused on what matters, on living and breathing and noticing. A meditation that gently invites you to share the author's joy at being alive. I plan to keep my copy handy and re-read it regularly, to help keep that practice present in my life.

[Anne Sigmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled with Jane Staw's new book "Small." In luminous prose, she shows us how, by thinking "small," we can stop to breathe and appreciate life's tiny pleasures. By thinking small, we can become less overwhelmed, and as a result, happier. Highly arecommended.

[Sallie Weissinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very moving and helpful the first time I read it last year - it helped me focus on the so-called small things that are truly huge in terms of engendering gratitude and a sense of deeper meaning in life. Recently I reread it because I needed a "fix" - so much is going downhill these days, but this book helped me see the upside in a flower, a leaf, a walk. Read it and keep it close. Make it your friend.

[Ellen Atkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few big words that I looked up in the dictionary and probably would not use in my daily life. However, I truly saw myself in these stories... from beginning to end. Naturally, individual personal circumstances are not the same, but the internal struggles, the growth, the new awarenesses. We are not alone in this world. This book has been a delight! Thank you, Jane Anne Staw. :)

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reflections

I related to so many of the author’s experiences as an older woman an introvert. By observing the small aspects of her life, she can better understand the whole. I’m very familiar with the Berkeley neighborhood she writes about, so I enjoyed reconnecting with those memories.

[Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the author's very personal essays on how small interactions, perceptions and simple objects can affect our lives.