A Small Shift: Learning to Notice Instead of Fix
—What a Missing Glove Taught Me About Letting Go
Life is like an ever-shifting kaleidoscope—a slight shift and all patterns alter.
– Sharon Salzberg
Just Noticing
I carry my breakfast dishes to the sink and check the outside temperature.
Cold again.
Like most mornings, I then get ready for my morning walk. Jacket. Cap. Sunglasses. And . . . where are my gloves?
These purple gloves (well, technically they’re convertible flip mitts since they’re a combo of gloves and mittens) are my favorites. Yesterday I tucked them into my pocket during my walk once it got warm.
Today, only one glove is here.
I glance around the kitchen. The laundry room. Even the car. Maybe I dropped one in the garage? I check my pockets again. Still just one glove.
Did it fall out yesterday? Maybe somewhere along my walk it slipped out without my noticing.
Suddenly today’s walk shifts to a new meaning: find the glove.
And the only way to find it is to notice.
Making Shift Practical
My One Word for 2026 is Shift. And I want it to be more than philosophical.
I want it to be practical. Tangible.
I want physical reminders of Shift around me—things I can see with my eyes and touch with my hands.
Since I chose a focus word for each month centered around Shift, I’ve also collected a solid object for each one, and placed them together in a glass jar.
January’s focus? Notice.
Practice curiosity (hello again, my word from 2024).
Notice the shifts instead of forcing them.
Watch, not work.
Examine, not explain.
A Small Turn Changes Things
Originally, I wanted my January object to be a kaleidoscope. Because with just a slight twist, the view changes entirely.
That’s how noticing works.
We notice a slight shift in a friend’s expression during a conversation.
We notice how tall our grandchild has suddenly become.
We notice that our steps are a little quicker—or slower—and our walks a little longer—or shorter—than they were last year.
No judging.
No forcing an outcome.
Just noticing.
Just a small turn of the kaleidoscope to offer us a new perspective.
The Snow Globe Stand-In
However, I don’t actually own a kaleidoscope. And I’ve not bought one yet.
So for now, I’ve chosen a close second: a snow globe. (Ah, this itself is a shift; I’m doing it!)
Like a kaleidoscope, everything changes in a snow globe with a small shake. And then eventually settles again.
Just something to notice.
The Purple Glove
I’m nearing the end of my walk through the neighborhood. And still no sign of my glove.
I have one last cul-de-sac to walk down. As I make the left turn, my eyes scanning the road for a flash of purple, I see something ahead.
From a distance, I can tell it’s purple.
Closer now—the shape seems right.
And then my heart lifts.
It’s my glove.
Found without any extra effort or strategy or control on my part.
Just noticing.
Letting It Be Simple
I realize life doesn’t always work this way. Sometimes we have to be more proactive and execute a complicated plan to reach a specific goal.
But sometimes—not.
Sometimes, but not always, life really does unfold this simply. And for that, I’m grateful.
So maybe today, try your own small mental shift.
Maybe everything doesn’t need your full control. Maybe you don’t have to work so hard or explain or manipulate something (or somebody?) quite as much as you think.
Instead, when it’s possible,
just notice.
And see what you find.
Where in your life might noticing—rather than fixing—be enough today? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
- That “Friend” Is Not Who You Think They Are
- 3 Simple Ways to Begin the Year Gently (With or Without a One Word)
“Just notice and see what you find.” I love the simplicity and truth of this phrase, Lisa. Sometimes, watching how something unfolds is more important than in more meaningful than thinking we can do anything to alter the process. Blessings!
You have such a creative way with your words, Lisa. 🙂 I love it! I’m glad you found your glove! Love and blessings of noticing!
I noticed how you are using lessons and strategies from last year to shape how you are approaching 2026. I love how you are already using the jar.
glad you found your glove and a wonderful illustration of applying your word. I think paying attention and noticing is a key spiritual practice for all us and now you are using it with your word of the year. I like that idea of taking a spiritual practice each month and using my word – WAY – in that practice. I may have to try that… Thanks for the inspiration.
Lisa, I love your thoughts on curiosity, as I find myself more curious as I get older. Watching. Listening. Discerning. Learning.
And this I love –>
‘Notice the shifts instead of forcing them.
Watch, not work.
Examine, not explain.’
Yes, yes. This lends itself to wisdom, peace, and gratitude. And oh my, do we need this more than ever.
I hope you’re warm and cozy and safe in this storm. Even better, if it’s avoided you altogether. A blessed Sabbath to you, friend.
“Maybe everything doesn’t need your full control. Maybe you don’t have to work so hard or explain or manipulate something (or somebody?) quite as much as you think.” That’s very helpful for me to remember.
A wonderful story and an excellent application of your word, Linda. In The Amazing God, I use the words “remember” and “recognize” God in one’s life. That is a “shift” for many as we take “notice” of God’s divine attributes and all they entail. Have a blessed week, dear sister. Please stay safe and keep warm.
It’s fun when our words from earlier years work together to teach us!
And I am so glad that you found your glove!
Such a good post, Lisa. I’m so glad that your purple glove was where it was left yesterday, whether you noticed it then or not. And I love your word for 2026…and am blessed to see how many have already linked their posts for this month! Coming to the realization that I don’t have to control everything is always a work in progress for me because my mindset has been wrong for so long, but it is one of the areas where the Lord will work in my life through my One Word self-control this year of 2026, I am sure of.
That’s a great way of seeing your WOTY Lisa – a focus word each month. I feel like ‘notice’ has been on my radar lately as another blogger wrote about it recently. Well done on finding your glove and here’s to noticing things more! Last year I learnt a lot with my word Listen and this year I’m all about letting some silliness into my life. Thanks for the linkup.
Debbie from debs-world.com
Rereading this via the One-Word link up, I am struck by the power of your title. If I am going to fully embrace “stay” for 2026, I will need to practice observation over quick action.
I love pratical applications for often deeper truths/lessons. What a great way to approach you word for the year. Thanks for the link-up. I have really enjoyed reading all the WOTY posts!