The joy of ‘minorstones’
Photo by Julia Filirovska
Celebrating the small, meaningful wins that anchor us
WGSN, a trend forecasting company, recently identified a growing cultural shift toward honoring “minorstones,” the small but meaningful achievements that bring us back to our values and to the present moment. As some young people move away from traditional milestones like buying a home or reaching a certain career rung, they’re redefining success in more personal, sustainable terms. These micro-moments of progress don’t just mark time; they remind us of who we are and what we care about.
This idea resonates deeply with me. I made a list of my own recent “minorstones” that center me in the now and reflect the kind of life I want to keep building.
This month, I’m celebrating:
Letting go of excess. I made several donations to Goodwill, part of an ongoing effort to decrease clutter in my home and reduce my environmental footprint. Each bag dropped off feels like a small release of things and also of mental weight.
Rediscovering simplicity. I realized I actually do like apples—at least certain crisp, local, organic varieties. I’ve been savoring one each afternoon, a small daily ritual that connects me to the season and to local growers.
Nourishing myself. I discovered I can make chocolate raspberry chia pudding with my protein drink, a tiny experiment that adds a little joy to my mornings while bumping up my omega-3s and protein in one fell swoop.
Leaning into community. I recently volunteered at a celebration for my local nonprofit gym, connecting with fellow volunteers and members. I even (badly) tried my hand at making donor calls. It was humbling and heartening to contribute to a place that brings people together in health and friendship.
Finding kinship in creativity. I’ve been connecting with other writers through an online community affiliated with a local literary center, and I’m now hosting a regular accountability group there. The folks I’ve met there are kind, curious, and committed to deepening their craft. It’s been a joy to grow and cheer each other on.
None are grand accomplishments. But they feel real. They align with things that matter to me: simplicity, connection, creativity, health, contribution.
As those of us here in Minnesota watch the last of the fiery autumn leaves drift down and brace for the quiet, reflective stretch of winter, I’m grateful for these small markers of meaning. They remind me that progress doesn’t always look like big leaps forward. Sometimes, it’s a gentle shift: a cleared corner of the house, a conversation with a fellow creative, an apple savored slowly in the late afternoon light.