Trakk 05: Gen X and Elder Millennial Priorities: Getting Excited About Good Parking Spots

There I was, circling the grocery store parking lot like a suburban shark, when I spotted it: a parking space. Not just any parking space, a good one. Close to the store, away from cart return dings, under a tree for shade.

I may have actually said "YES!" out loud.

The woman in the car next to me gave me a thumbs up through her window. She got it. She understood that I had just scored the parking equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in your winter coat pocket.

Twenty-year-old me would have been horrified. She parallel parked in spaces that required a prayer and three attempts. She walked twelve blocks in heels because "it's not that far." She had no appreciation for the subtle art of strategic parking.

Current me? Current me understands that a good parking spot is a gift. It's the universe saying "here, let me make your Tuesday 3% easier." And honestly, I'm here for any help I can get.

This got me thinking about all the small things that now bring me disproportionate joy:

• When the grocery store has a great soundtrack bumping from the speakers
• Discovering my favorite sweatshirt is clean when I need to feel cozy
• That perfect temperature where I don't need a jacket or need to take one off
• When someone else suggests ordering pizza before I do
• Finding a Law & Order marathon on TV

Is this what growing up really means? Not grand gestures or major milestones, but learning to appreciate the small wins that make daily life smoother?

Because if that's the case, I think I'm nailing this adulting thing. I've become someone who celebrates efficiency, comfort, and the small moments of "everything is working exactly as it should."

Ready to celebrate life's small victories? Browse our collection for everything you need to make the everyday feel a little more special.