I once went into a café after a really rough day, missed deadlines, and traffic, and everything just felt off. I ordered my usual coffee, but didn’t even have the energy to smile.

When the barista handed me my cup, I noticed they’d written “Hang in there, better days ahead” on the lid. It wasn’t much, but somehow, that simple act hit differently. I ended up sitting there for an hour, just breathing, sipping coffee, and watching people walk by.

It reminded me that kindness doesn’t have to be big or loud. Sometimes, it’s just about seeing someone who looks like they need it, and doing something small anyway.

That café became my go-to spot after that.