It’s the little things in life that bring the most joy.

One of my favorite memories from second grade was when my mom volunteered in my classroom. But it wasn’t just her being there that made the day so special–it was because she brought our little white dog with her. I remember she hid the dog under the table while we were all working, and whenever I’d look over, I’d catch a glimpse of her wagging her tail. It was such a small thing, but it was exactly the kind of surprise that made my day. 

My mom always used to say, “It’s the little things in life that bring the most joy.” And in that moment, she was totally right. She didn’t need to do anything big or dramatic to make me feel special–just having our dog there, even if it was a little sneaky, was enough. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best memories come from the smallest gestures. 

That memory always makes me think about how important the small things really are. My mom knew that bringing my dog to school wouldn’t just be fun for me–it would make that day a little bit brighter. And it’s a lesson I carry with me: sometimes, it’s the little, thoughtful things that bring the most joy, and they’re the ones we remember the longest.