The Power of Small Moments: How “Awakening Cues” Can Shift Your Day (and Your Well-Being)
Recently, I came across the idea of “awakening cues” while listening to Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment by Daniel Coyle.
He describes awakening cues as moments that interrupt routine, widen our attention, and help us notice other people and our surroundings more fully. They often leave us feeling more present, connected, and alive.
It’s a simple idea, but it stayed with me.
Where These Moments Come From
The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve noticed that these moments tend to show up when we do three simple things:
Pause.
Release control.
Connect.
Not in a big, dramatic way—but in small, everyday decisions.
These small shifts are also part of a broader framework I use in my work—creating change by working with your attention, energy, and what’s already happening in your life.
A Moment in the Airport
I had one of these moments recently in the airport on my way to New York City.
I was meeting my daughter, Ella, at the hotel, but my flight landed a few hours early. My first instinct was to grab my phone and order my coffee so I could stay efficient and on schedule.
But instead, I paused. I decided to stand in line.
While I waited, I noticed the two men behind the counter joking with each other, laughing, and clearly enjoying the morning. Their energy was contagious; you could feel it spreading through the small crowd around them.
Then, as I picked up my coffee, another woman turned to me and said:
“I think we should cheers for a great day.”
And so we did.
We turned toward each other, raised our coffee cups, and said, “Cheers.”
It was such a small moment.
But it shifted something. I felt a renewed energy from the joy shared by strangers.
Why These Moments Matter for Well-Being
When we feel more joyful or energized, it becomes easier to make choices that support our well-being.
Not because we’re forcing ourselves to do better, but because we feel different.
More open. More connected. More aligned with the kind of life we want to create.
That moment didn’t change my schedule. It didn’t check anything off my list.
But it changed how I experienced the day.
Their joy spilled outward. People seemed lighter, more present, and more aware of one another.
And it reinforced something important: These moments are often right in front of us.
We just miss them when we:
rush
hold too tightly to the plan
or automatically retreat into our phones
The Invitation
Sometimes the shift isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing more.
This week, see what happens when you:
Pause before moving to the next thing.
Loosen your grip on the plan.
Look up and notice what’s happening around you.
Allow yourself to connect, even in small ways with those around you.
You don’t need to change your whole routine.
Just create a little space within it.
A Final Thought
These small moments—these awakening cues—are part of how we begin to live with more intention.
They reconnect us to ourselves, other people, and what’s actually happening in front of us.
And from that place, change becomes a little more natural.
Let’s Keep This a Conversation
What did you notice this week?
Did you have a moment that shifted something for you?
You can reach me anytime at rebecca@relindberg.com—I read every message.
Work With Me
This summer, I’m opening a limited number of one-on-one sessions for women who want thoughtful, personalized support with nutrition, eating patterns, and sustainable habits that support long-term well-being.
If that kind of support would feel helpful right now, email me at rebecca@relindberg.com to learn more about working together.