Rediscovering Joy in the Mundane: How Tiny Objects Are Rewiring My Happiness​​

Let’s be real—2024 has felt like a never-ending race. Between back-to-back Zoom calls, endless notifications, and the pressure to “do it all,” I’ve caught myself scrolling through social media at 2 a.m., wondering why I feel so… empty. Then, one rainy Tuesday, I stumbled on a quote that stopped me mid-scroll: “Happiness isn’t in the big milestones—it’s in the crumbs of everyday life.”

That got me thinking. Maybe my chase for “more” (more productivity, more likes, more stuff) had blinded me to the small, quiet joys right in front of me. So I did something radical: I paused. I looked around my apartment, really looked, and noticed the dust-covered plant on my windowsill, the chipped ceramic mug I’d used daily for years, and the half-empty candle jar that smelled like… nothing anymore. These “ordinary” things, I realized, were the key to feeling alive again.

Today, I’m sharing three simple, intentional swaps I made to invite more joy into my daily routine—all thanks to a few thoughtful products that feel less like “purchases” and more like little love notes from the universe.

1. The Candle That Smells Like a Hug

I used to buy candles on a whim—fruity scents, “trendy” florals, anything that matched my Instagram feed. But most of them burned out quickly, leaving sticky wax and a vague sense of disappointment. That changed when I found Maison Balmain’s “Fleur de Cire” Soy Candle (link: https://www.maisonbalmain.com/candles).

What makes this one different? First, the scent: it’s a warm, powdery blend of jasmine and vanilla—like stepping into a grandmother’s linen closet, but make it chic. Second, the burn time. A single candle lasts months (seriously, I’ve had mine since March and it’s still going strong). But the real magic? The ritual. Every evening, I light it while brewing tea, close my eyes, and let the scent wash over me. It’s not about the fragrance itself; it’s about creating a tiny, sacred moment of pause in my chaotic day.

2. The Coffee Cup That Makes Mornings Feel Special

I’ve been a coffee addict since college, but my relationship with my morning brew had gotten… transactional. Grab a paper cup on the go, chug it, repeat. Then I discovered KeepCup’s Reusable Espresso Cup (link: https://www.keepcup.com).

KeepCup isn’t just a pretty face (though their matte finishes in muted tones are chef’s kiss). It’s designed for people who hate waste but love convenience. The 8-ounce size is perfect for a single espresso or a latte, and it fits under most espresso machines. But here’s the kicker: using it makes me slow down. Instead of rushing out the door, I stand in my kitchen, watch the foam settle, and take three slow sips before heading to my desk. Suddenly, coffee isn’t just fuel—it’s a 5-minute self-care session.

3. The Plant That Teaches Me to Breathe

I’ve killed every houseplant in my adult life. Spider plants? Wilted. Pothos? Root rot. Cacti? Overwatered. So when my roommate gifted me a Tiny Terrarium Kit (link: https://www.tinyterrariums.com), I laughed. “This’ll last a week,” I thought.

Wrong. The kit comes with everything: a glass cloche, decorative pebbles, a tiny fern, and even a mini spray bottle. The instructions are simple: mist it twice a week, and watch the magic happen. Now, that little fern sits on my desk, and I swear it’s a mood lifter. When I’m stressed, I stare at its tiny fronds—they’re so small, so alive—and it reminds me to take things one step at a time. Plus, caring for something (even a plant!) gives me a sense of purpose I’d forgotten.

Why This Matters

We live in a world that glorifies “hustle” and “more.” But lately, I’ve been redefining success: not by how many boxes I check, but by how many moments I feel. That candle? It’s not just wax. It’s proof that beauty can be found in repetition. That KeepCup? It’s not just a mug. It’s a vote for intentionality. That terrarium? It’s not just a plant. It’s a teacher—one that says, “You’re doing better than you think.”

If you’re craving more joy in your daily grind, start small. Swap a disposable coffee cup for a reusable one. Light a candle instead of scrolling mindlessly. Buy a tiny plant—you might just find yourself grinning at it like an idiot (guilty as charged).

And hey, if you try any of these? Let me know. I’d love to hear what tiny joys are making your world brighter.

P.S. The links above? They’re affiliate links, but trust me—I only recommend things I’ve used (and loved) for months. No shady stuff here.