Last weekend, my boyfriend and I spent time in his hometown. It’s a sweet community in Northern Texas that’s probably exactly what you think of when you think of a Texan suburb—neighbors loving neighbors, beautiful architecture, and an overwhelming sense of Southern charm. Plus, lots of Mexican food and fried chicken around every corner.

After a slow Saturday morning quickly turned into the afternoon, we found ourselves wandering down the aisles at a local arts fair (which happened to be in front of a Barnes and Noble—AKA heaven).

As we meandered through tent after tent of incredible pencil prints, vivid paintings, and well-crafted pottery, the city came to life around us. The town square was bustling with a sense of liveliness and a true passion for life. The sun was shining, local bands took turns performing, food vendors beckoned at every corner, and the delicious, devilish scent of those foods overpowered every step we took.

My boyfriend, Mitch, and I looked at each other with wide eyes as we passed the “sugar nuts” booth. At least, that’s what I called the product they were selling—pecans dripping in butter, cinnamon, sugar, and deliciousness. Most definitely sugar nuts in my book. Mitch and I turned to each other in the thick of a corn dog, sugar nuts, and kettle corn aroma, and he offhandedly said, “Hey, smells are free.”

It was a casual comment in a fleeting moment, but it stuck with me.

Smells are free. 

Hmm.

This is obviously true. Nobody is charging us to smell whatever’s wafting in the air. Thank goodness.

But these words felt bigger to me than an obvious, literal statement.

The words immediately resonated with a deeper idea that had been swimming around inside of me—the idea that we don’t have to go completely out of our way, or go to extravagant measures, to enjoy life. To soak up every last drop of goodness around us. To live in wild abundance and joy.

Abundance and fullness of life are already here, right where we are. We don’t have to be fancy, frilly, or fussy to achieve a full, vibrant life. We don’t have to achieve it at all, actually. I think we really just have to notice it.

There are divine smells, scents, sounds, and flavors around us every single day. Or, at the very least, there could be.

The notes in our favorite song. 

The texture of our favorite blanket. 

The pair of earrings we designated for special occasions but deserve a more consistent position in our jewelry lineup.

The sweet, savory combo of a homemade chocolate chip cookie and a steaming cup of decaf after dinner. 

The morning light before 8 a.m.

These delightful moments aren’t far away, and they’re not hiding from us. These aren’t things we have to reinvent our lives to experience. Most of the time, all we have to do is take note of these moments to appreciate the goodness and abundance that already exists, no matter our circumstances or situation.

Today, on this early May morning, I’d encourage you to lean into this one precious life you were given. Your life is unique, where God has placed you is intentional, and what you’re doing everyday matters.

And to start feeling like that, to believe that it’s true, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You don’t have to do anything groundbreaking or extraordinary to enjoy the life you’re living. Simply lean into your senses, your passions, and your faith.

What small details or intentional touches could help you enjoy life a little bit more today? 

What could you do this weekend that would make you feel the most alive and in touch with yourself, God, and the world around you? 

What sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and places energize you? 

Where and how do you experience God most intimately? What reminds you of Him?

Once you have a few thoughts rolling around in your mind, I’d encourage you to make those things a reality. It’s as simple as that.

I think there’s a misconception that we have to buy new things—or buy a new life—to live abundantly, freely, and vibrantly. The truth is, we don’t. But we must start opening our eyes, recognizing the delight around us, and thanking God for giving us such sweet nods to heaven. He loves us so tenderly, and He gives us such good gifts. So let’s start living like we believe it and living vibrantly right where we’re at.