Steps, Swings, and Simple Joys
Finding inspiration in small climbs, fresh flavors, and the quiet moments that ground us
This week felt like a beautiful continuation of last week’s momentum—a reminder that growth often happens in small, steady steps. For Jasper, those steps were quite literal. He’s just beginning to learn how to climb stairs, and watching his progress has been nothing short of inspiring. On day one, each stair was a cautious flat-footed victory. Now, there’s a spark of confidence in every movement. We set up foam stairs to soften the risk, but of course, that didn’t slow down his adventurous spirit. His ambition is pure—no fear, no hesitation, just curiosity and determination. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the climb is as important as the destination.
Friday wrapped up with a special trip to our local farmers’ market. One of the blessings of where we live is having fresh, local produce within easy reach. This time, we soaked it in—rows of colorful fruits, cooked corn on the cob, and for me, a perfectly grilled all-beef hot dog. There’s something magical about enjoying food that’s been grown or made close to home—it carries the warmth of the community in every bite.
Saturday was about rediscovering old joys. For the first time in over two years, I picked up a golf club and headed to the driving range. Golf was a big part of my childhood, but somewhere along the way, it slipped out of my routine. Now, with Jasper inspiring me to try new things and revisit old ones, it felt right to return. It was just me, a bucket of balls, and the satisfying sound of a clean shot.
Afterward, we made a trip to the mall. I finally replaced the battery in my watch—something I’d been putting off for far too long. Jasper came away with some adorable new clothes, while Nani’s shoe-shopping adventure… well, let’s just say it was an experience my partner won’t soon forget.
The weekend closed in the best way—quiet time at the temple. Without the usual picnic and crowd, the visit felt calm, grounding, and centering. It was the perfect reset before stepping into a new week.
Looking back, this week was a gentle reminder: life’s richness isn’t found in grand, elaborate moments, but in the small ones—the quiet progress of a toddler learning stairs, the taste of fresh food on a summer afternoon, the return to an old hobby, the grounding peace of a familiar place. Sometimes, inspiration doesn’t shout—it whispers. And if we slow down enough, we can hear it.