In early May this year, while I was on a short trail run in Delhi’s magnificent Aravalli Biodiversity Park, I came across a beautiful silk cotton flower (semal) tree – albeit, without its flowers or leaves. Having bloomed all through the spring months, with the onset of the summer, the tree was now barren in most part with a few remnants of those large red flowers hanging on to a few branches.But not for a second did I think this tree looked empty or unnatural in any way, despite being surrounded by other ‘fully-clothed’ trees all around.It was beautiful!Standing tall, with its branches spread far and wide against the background of a vast blue sky.I immediately wished I could see my current voluntary career break which I had taken after nine long and rewarding years of practice as a litigating lawyer, in the same light. Not as a wasteful period where I was not ‘blooming’ by way of being employed or completely busy in a specific pursuit; but as a period for reflection, relaxation, nurturing relationships and hobbies, as I prepared myself for another season of flowering in the following year. To see myself as worthy, deserving, engaged, fulfilled – even without my ‘flowers’ on display.I had begun my sabbatical with travel, time with family and friends, and complete relaxation, where I intentionally (and very joyfully) did not spare a thought for my next steps, career-wise. But since then, I had mostly been going through my break with what can only be termed impatience. Far from seeing this as a season which must take its own time as I realigned my career goals and worked towards new and uncertain objectives, I found myself frustrated, easily discouraged and overwhelmed by the unknown future ahead.But my evening out in nature that day and seeing that beautiful semal tree served as a much-needed reminder – one that would return to me each time I stepped out for a walk or run in the countless green pockets that Delhi offers. A reminder of the beauty of the in-between phase of life – which, to be honest, is an entire season in itself and meant to be cherished whole-heartedly.I strive to see myself in my current season of rest and transition as that semal tree. Not an ‘empty’ or barren tree because it has no leaves or flowers on display (yet), but a tree full in the splendour of its own seasonal beauty, strength and growth, standing tall in a forest of green.Neha Mathen is a lawyer who has called Delhi home for the past decade and strives to keep finding beauty and meaning in the everyday.We’ve grown up hearing that “it’s the small things” that matter. That’s true, of course, but it’s also not – there are Big Things that we know matter, and that we shouldn’t take our eyes, minds or hearts off of. As journalists, we spend most of our time looking at those Big Things, trying to understand them, break them down, and bring them to you.And now we’re looking to you to also think about the small things – the joy that comes from a strangers’ kindness, incidents that leave you feeling warm, an unexpected conversation that made you happy, finding spaces of solidarity. Write to us about your small things at thewiresmallthings@gmail.com in 800 words or less, and we will publish selected submissions. We look forward to reading about your experiences, because even small things can bring big joys.Read the series here.