Within the things we don’t appreciate

There was a small alleyway near my apartment. It was bland, boring, and did not interest me at all. For more than a year of living in this apartment, I’ve never once taken a peek inside. Simply because I assumed that there was nothing there.

But as someone who lives in a foreign country, every once in a while, I'd have this sudden burst of wanting to explore the city. As I was heading to the subway station, I walked past that street. I then stopped and stepped back to take a peek at it. I observed it thoroughly, trying to find something unique about it.

And just as expected, there was nothing there. So, I moved on and continued with my day.

Most of the time, life is bland and boring

The truth is that most of life is made up of ordinary moments. Bland alleyways, uneventful commutes, and familiar routines form the backdrop of our daily existence. It's tempting to dismiss these as unimportant, to always be searching for the next big thrill or Instagram-worthy scene. But there's a quiet beauty in accepting and appreciating the mundane.

Even in the most familiar settings, there's always something new to notice if we look at and appreciate it. Perhaps it's the way sunlight catches on a particular building at a certain time of day or a small plant pushing its way through a crack in the pavement. These tiny details might not be earth-shattering discoveries, but they add texture and richness to our everyday experiences.

While my peek into the alleyway didn't reveal anything extraordinary that day, it doesn't mean it never will. The city is constantly changing, and what's unremarkable today might become a point of interest tomorrow. By cultivating a habit of curiosity and observation, we increase our chances of stumbling upon something truly fascinating in our lives.

Monotonously mundane

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come not from grand adventures, but from a shift in perspective that allows us to see the familiar in a new light.

As I finally reached the subway station, I realized that my brief detour to examine the alleyway wasn't a waste of time. It was a small act of engagement with my surroundings, a moment of presence in a day that could have easily slipped by unnoticed. And who knows? Maybe next time, that unremarkable alleyway will reveal something unexpected. Or maybe not.

In the end, the joy of living – and of life itself – lies not just in the big moments of discovery, but in the willingness to keep looking, to stay curious, and to find wonder in the everyday.

Even when most days seem mundane, by keeping our eyes and hearts open, we can allow something extraordinary to emerge from the ordinary.

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.