The Simple Shift That Can Change Your Entire Day: “I Love This Day”

Sometimes, life has a funny way of giving you the exact reminder you need… even when you’re just trying to scarf down a bagel sandwich.

The other morning, I was out running errands. It had been one of those mornings, where you’re moving from task to task, crossing things off the list, but by mid-morning, you feel like you’ve completely run out of steam. So, I made a quick stop at a little bagel shop to recharge. The plan was to sit down for a moment, eat my sandwich, and carry on with the hustle. Nothing fancy.

But as I sat there, swiftly, yet mindfully eating my breakfast, I noticed a mother and her daughter sitting a few tables away. The little girl was probably five years old, just enjoying her own breakfast with her mom, when suddenly, she declared with absolute conviction, “I love this day!”

Heads turned. Several of us sitting nearby couldn’t help but smile. There was something so pure and refreshing about her enthusiasm. In a world where most of us are quick to complain about the weather, the traffic, or our to-do lists, here was this little girl, fully immersed in the moment, simply loving her day.

I couldn’t resist starting a conversation with the mom. I told her how sweet it was to see them sharing that moment, and how her daughter’s joy was so contagious. The mom shared that her daughter was the eldest of three siblings, and she was just soaking up some rare one-on-one time with her. No fancy outing. No extravagant gesture. Just breakfast together.

And that moment hit me like a ton of bricks because I’ve had so many of these “ordinary-yet-extraordinary” experiences with my own boys.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that our kids need more—more toys, more activities, more experiences. But the truth is, they need us. They need our attention, our time, our presence. Those are the things that make them feel valued, loved, and secure. And as parents, we are the most important people to give them that feeling.

That little girl reminded me of two very important things:

TO KEEP LEANING INTO SIMPLE MOMENTS OF PRESENCE

It’s a conscious choice to slow down and be present. It means putting away the phone, saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with my values, and creating space to truly be with my children as they grow. Because the reality is—no matter how old we get, we never stop needing our parents.

And these simple, everyday moments? They’re the ones that shape how loved and seen our children feel. They don’t need grandeur; they need us.

TO PROCLAIM WITH JOY: "I LOVE THIS DAY"

Lately, my middle son and I have been starting our mornings with this simple affirmation: “I love this day.” We say it aloud, even before brushing our teeth.

Why? Because there’s power in setting that tone from the get-go.

When you wake up and realize you’re surrounded by family who loves you, you have a roof over your head, and you’ve been given another day with health and strength to live and serve—how could you not love this day?

What I’ve noticed is that when I begin my morning with that statement, it creates a domino effect. Throughout the day, I see more positivity. I feel more gratitude. Whether I’m attracting it or just noticing things more, it’s creating more joy!

And isn’t that the goal?

To live in more joy. To create a life where we aren’t waiting for the “big” things to make us happy but instead, learning to savor the small, quiet moments that truly matter.

So today, I invite you to pause. Look around you. And without any hesitation, say it with me:

“I love this day.”

It might just change everything.

Anisha Pandya Patel, Founder of MasalaMommy

Anisha is pregnancy and postpartum coach, corporate well-being consultant, author of Expecting: A Pregnancy Journal, and founder of MasalaMommy. She helps ambitious women navigate early motherhood with confidence, care, and connection—blending holistic wisdom with real-life experience. Through coaching, content, and consulting, she supports both individuals and organizations in creating healthier transitions for working parents. When she’s not working, she’s raising three boys and embracing the beautiful, messy balance of parenting and purpose.

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