Small Joys That Got Me Through This Week
Life often feels like it’s measured in big milestones—new jobs, big moves, financial breakthroughs, or family milestones. Those are important, of course, but what I’ve been realizing lately is that those “big” moments are not what sustain me day to day. What truly keeps me moving forward, especially in a season that’s busy and sometimes overwhelming, are the smaller things.
I’ve started to think of them as small joys—those little pauses or bursts of happiness that slip into the everyday and change the tone of an entire week. They’re not loud or flashy. They don’t usually make it into a calendar or a photo album. But they’re the threads that hold the larger picture together.
This week, a few small joys stood out to me:
Morning Coffee Rituals
That first sip of coffee in the morning is pure magic. It’s not just about caffeine—it’s about the pause. The way the smell can be felt deep inside my soul, the few quiet minutes before the day rushes in, the chance to breathe and set intentions before everything else starts demanding attention. It’s a ritual that reminds me I can create peace, even in small ways, before the day unfolds. While I have speed the ritual back up by not using the moca pot I had been and have since swapped over to my Keurig I may be making the switch back soon just to have those few extra minutes of the coffee aroma pouring over me.
My Child’s Laughter
Parenting a four-year-old means constant surprises. Almost every night (not every night) there are unfiltered giggles in our house. Mainly after a nice hot shower because we all know that water can truly be a transformative spot. There’s something about a child’s laughter that instantly resets my perspective. It’s unfiltered joy, and it reminds me not to take life too seriously. Sometimes the simplest things are the most fun. So whether that's from a “nakey mile” aka laps around the house post shower, or a silly dance party his little laughs always remind me not to take everything - to include myself - so seriously. Life is too short for everything to have to be a life lesson, sometimes we just need to giggle our way through it and shake off the seriousness.
Cooking Experiments
Some days cooking can feel like a chore but now that we are getting closer to soup season I am starting to get more excited about the days ahead. With that being said, setting up fun and easy meals for now is a way to get quick meals. For the most part as well, cooking is always an experiment in our house. Much to my husband's dismay I hate a recipe. I think it's more fun to go in and see what I can make from what's in the fridge. Sometimes it's a win, other times it might be a weird Italian goulash (can confirm chickpea orzo does not hold up in a pasta bake). Another fun way to shake things up is also inviting my kiddo to cook with me. While it may end up messier than I wanted, the joy and pride that comes from seeing him help cook our meal is worth it.
Quiet Evenings
At the end of a long day, I’ve been finding so much peace in winding down slowly—whether that’s reading a book, or just sitting in silence after my child is asleep. It’s not glamorous, but it feels restorative. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, these moments remind me that stillness has value too. Sure the dog may be whining and interrupting the peace a little but even the catharsis that comes from playing with her and getting some snuggles after makes a crazy day worth it overall.
Why These Small Joys Matter
On their own, each of these moments might seem ordinary—almost too small to notice. But when I pause long enough to gather them up, I realize they aren’t ordinary at all. They’re the little threads that quietly stitch my days together. One small joy by itself might feel fleeting, but when they start to add up, they create a rhythm of gratitude that carries me through the week.
This rhythm helps me see that progress doesn’t always look like a giant leap forward. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up, finding joy in a laugh, or taking comfort in a nightly ritual. It’s easy to get caught up in waiting for the “big” things—the next milestone, the next accomplishment, the next breakthrough—but the truth is, life happens in the spaces in between. Those gentle, steady steps are what give balance and meaning to the bigger journey.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say this: small joys aren’t small at all—they’re the anchors that keep us steady when everything else feels uncertain. They’re the moments that bring us back to ourselves and remind us that even in a busy or overwhelming season, there’s beauty to be found.
So this week, I’m holding onto mine. I’m letting them ground me, guide me, and remind me that peace doesn’t always come from doing more—it comes from noticing what’s already here. And I hope you’ll take a moment to notice a few of your own small joys too, because those little sparks of gratitude might just be the biggest gift you give yourself this week.