The Small Moments - Still Matter

The day before any surgery or medical procedure can feel intense—there are often so many thoughts and emotions running through your mind.

This recent surgery was no different. In many ways, it felt even more overwhelming. I was in an unfamiliar state, at an unfamiliar hospital, with my son, my dogs, and my family miles away. I was facing uncertainty, worry, and the unknown.

Even in moments like these, it’s important to notice the small things.

The day before surgery, my husband and I stopped at Caribou Coffee—one of my favorites. I ordered a blended mocha caramel coffee, something simple, something comforting.

As we pulled up to the window, I noticed one of their tumblers. It caught my attention immediately—it felt fun and different—so I decided to get it.

As we waited, my husband handed me the cup. I grabbed it excitedly and started playing with the lid. I popped open one side—the normal sip opening—and then I opened the other side…

And there was a straw.

I immediately lit up and said, “It has a straw too!”

My husband and the cashier both laughed. It was such a small moment—but it brought me so much joy.

As we pulled away and I sat there holding my coffee and my new cup, something shifted.

In the middle of everything I was carrying, I felt a sense of calm.

I felt grateful—for something small.

Life can be incredibly difficult at times, especially for those of us who spend much of our lives physically or emotionally healing.

But even in those moments, there are still small pieces of joy.

It’s important to notice them.
To hold onto them.
To let them exist alongside the hard.

One practice that has helped me over the years is gratitude.

For a long time, I’ve made an effort to take a few moments each day to recognize the good in my life—whether that’s the people around me, like my husband, or something as simple as a coffee tumbler from Caribou.

If you’ve never tried it, start small.

Each night before you go to sleep, take a moment—whether in a journal, your phone, or just in your thoughts—and name three things you are grateful for.

At first, it may feel difficult. But over time, it becomes easier to notice those moments throughout your day.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring your pain.
It doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay.

It simply means allowing yourself to recognize what is still good.

Even in hard moments, there are small pieces of calm.
These moments don’t take away the pain—but they exist alongside it.

You don’t have to wait until everything is okay to find something good.

Healing can hold both.