The Big Power of Small Things
On Soft Invitations, Tiny Wonder Drops, Wandering Notes, and Other Micro-Magic
I used to think transformation and personal growth had to be dramatic, like a big shift, a 180. Things that loudly proclaimed, “Here I am, changing my life.”
But lately, as I’m getting older, I’ve been drawn to the quieter changes and shifts and evolutions of being human and it’s what I’ve been exploring lately
These little bits of micro-magic are the thread that runs through my Substack. Small moments to rest inside, that I share in Substack Notes. So not only do I have my weekly podcast, and I try to write at least a couple of articles a week that get sent out to all of you lovely subscribers (and to the followers who stumble across it!), I am trying to create a whole little universe in Substack Notes — what I guess kids these days would call a “vibe” (though correct me if I'm wrong, I don't have kids so I'm just learning through societal osmosis).
I call them Tiny Wonder Drops, Soft Invitations, Wandering Notes, Short & Sweet Doses of Wonder, and Quiet Calls to the Community.
Tiny Wonder Drops
Tiny Wonder Drops are the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments: a dandelion thriving in a sidewalk crack. Glancing up and spotting the moon somewhat hiding in the daytime sky when you’re taking the garbage out. A line in a poem that stays with you all day.
These are not the in-your-face fireworks, but the feeling you’re left with afterwards. The tiny wonders that make you pause because something inside you softens when you do. And you don’t have to hunt for them. Just be willing to notice and pay attention to them when they arrive.
Soft Invitations
Then there are the Soft Invitations which are gentle nudges back to yourself.
They ask softly:
Would you like to pause?
Would you like to begin again?
Would you like to come home to yourself, just for a moment?
Sometimes they arrive in the form of a sentence at the bottom of a Note. Other times they look like a bouquet of flowers for no reason. Or a journal prompt not written about, not because it doesn’t matter—but because it’s waiting for the moment that does.
These invitations don’t judge where you are. They meet you where you’re at.
Wandering Notes
Wandering Notes are where I let you peek behind the curtain into the messiness of my creativity. They’re not polished essays or fully formed ideas. They’re what’s swirling around in real time—grief, grace, doubt, wonder, weariness.
They’re written in the voice of someone still walking the path, still figuring it out, still paying attention (isn’t that what life is ultimately all about?).
I share them because I think we need more real in the world. More unvarnished moments of “Here’s what I’m holding today,” without needing to make it shiny or tied in a bow.
Sometimes the most generous thing we can do is let others see us mid-process — living life in all it’s reality.
Short & Sweet Dose of Wonder
This is the part of me that loves structure and softness.
Each Short & Sweet Dose of Wonder is a mini-practice in presence. A one-line doorway in, a brief reflection, and a warm sign-off. It’s not trying to change your life—just make a small opening in your day. Enough space for a breath, a reset, a remembering.
They’re meant to be read slowly. Or maybe, if you feel so inspired, printed and tucked into a book or pinned beside your desk.
This is the kind of wonder that doesn’t need a spotlight, it just needs to be invited in.
Quiet Call to the Community
And then there are the Quiet Calls—my way of reaching out, softly, to you, and I’m going to be doing this in Substack chat from now on.
It’s not a sales pitch or hunting for engagement. Just a warm hand , a question left open, a chance to say, “Hey, you’re not alone. Want to share what’s coming up for you today, too?”
These are for the moments we feel scattered, isolated, or unsure if our voice matters, and they’re reminders that it does. That the act of gathering in community can still be sacred.
Instead of sharing the Quiet Call to the Community in Substack Notes, I’m now going to be putting them in the Chat two times a week (starting this week!) on Mondays and Thursdays. So if you’re into exploring more wonder in your life, that’s where I’m going to be opening the gates to invite people to share and chat about that. A soft and safe space to share wonder.
Why This All Matters
We’re so often sold the myth that healing, creativity, or connection require grand efforts. But some of the deepest shifts begin with something barely perceptible. A note read at the right time, a question that lingered. A shared silence.
There’s strength in softness and power in the understated.
This is the path I trust: not the straight line, not the checklist, not the urgency—but the accumulation of small kindnesses. One tiny wonder, one soft invitation, one wandering note at a time.
An Invitation for You
So wherever you are today—rushed, resting, or quietly unraveling (it’s okay, I see you) —what’s a gentle micro-moment waiting to meet you?
Maybe it’s in your breath. Maybe it’s in something you forgot you love.
Maybe it’s in this sentence. Or the next.
You don’t have to do anything big.
Because so often we’re asked to add so many things to our to-do lists that even self care becomes a chore.
So I’m just asking you to just notice, and just begin there. One step at a time.
If this letter found you at the right time, feel free to share it with someone else who might need a little wonder today.
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Baby steps has been how I've been healing from childhood and self-induced trauma for quite a while. It relieves the pressure of the "being better now" mindset.