All week, I’ve been reminding myself of this simple truth: tiny wins matter. When life feels heavy or overwhelming, days can blur together. But those small victories—especially the ones you might overlook—are worth pausing for. They deserve to be celebrated.
Life is hard. No gloss, no bow. We’re all carrying our own loads, and some days, just making it to the end feels like an accomplishment. That’s why Nic and I make it a point to call out our little wins. When we raise $1,000 for a nonprofit with a new candle—win. When a guest emails to share that pouring a candle at our candle bar made their anniversary unforgettable—win. When a regular pops in and tells us lighting our candle is their best moment of the day—another win. These moments aren’t flashy, but they’re real, and they’re what keep us going.
I came across a quote this week that stuck with me: “You’re an adult, you can get birthday cake whenever you want.” It made me smile, but it’s also a solid reminder—you don’t need a special occasion or anyone’s permission to celebrate what matters to you. Sometimes, giving yourself credit for the little things is exactly what you need to move forward.
Progress is rarely about grand gestures. It’s a series of quiet steps: asking for help instead of pushing through or simply sitting down for a real meal. All of these count. There’s strength in recognizing that you’re moving forward, even if it doesn’t look dramatic from the outside.
So here’s my invitation: look for your wins, however small. Did you finish a lingering task? Offer a word of encouragement? Make time for rest? Claim it, out loud if you can. Write it down. Tell someone. Sometimes the act of acknowledging progress matters as much as the progress itself.
As the days grow shorter and cold settles in, let’s make space to notice and celebrate every step. You’re doing more than you think—and each effort truly is a win.
Here’s to every small win,
💛 Christiana
