This morning, I found myself packing a box filled with mugs and tea—a simple yet meaningful gesture. Over the holidays, I gifted my son a sampler of loose teas, but the package was too bulky to fit in his suitcase. My son, now a young professional with his own apartment, casually mentioned that he only owns one mug.

That’s when I offered him a set of mugs I bought over 26 years ago during my pregnancy with him. These mugs have weathered the chaos of raising six kids, countless moves, and decades of daily use. Somehow, they survived it all.

When he saw them, his face lit up with a big, genuine smile. He eagerly accepted them, along with the tea. Before sealing the box, I tucked in a note:

“Savor the small things in life that make you smile from the inside out… Like a warm mug of tea on a cold winter’s day in your cozy wool socks.”

It’s a sentiment that feels especially important these days.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how the little things—a favorite mug, a kind word, a shared moment of gratitude—can ground us, sustain us, and even help us shine, particularly in tough times.

This reflection deepened when I saw a family on the news standing in the ashes of their California home, destroyed by the recent fires. Amid the devastation, they held a single photo album they managed to save. It was filled with generations of memories, a piece of their story they refused to let go of. Despite the heartbreak, they smiled, holding on to this one small but meaningful thing.

It’s the little things.

These small moments and treasures can carry us through life’s storms. They remind us of what matters most, offering comfort and connection when we need it most.

Today, I invite you to honor the little things that matter to you:

  • Pause and reflect: Think about something you’re grateful for. Write it down or simply savor it in your mind.
  • Fill your own cup: Enjoy a warm drink, take a walk, or spend a moment in quiet reflection.
  • Extend kindness: Share a smile, send a note, or lend a helping hand to someone who could use it.

Let’s remember that the light we bring to the world doesn’t need to be big to make an impact. Often, it’s the little things, done with great love, that truly shine.

If you’re looking for inspiration, screenshot one of my favorite prayers:

Let yourself shine on and glow today.