I nearly didn’t share this image of my parents and me on my birthday. But I’m so glad I did.

Emily Schuman 1mo Rich in life because my mom has baked me a cake for every one of my 43 birthdays ♡ 12.2K 139 65

After my mom spent the morning making my cake, we couldn’t find candles, so we improvised with a garden rose and a rogue match jammed into the frosting. I wasn’t wearing any makeup, my hair was a bit of a mess, and the way my hands were tucked into my sweatshirt was giving straitjacket.

But by the next morning, when I revisited the picture, I didn’t notice myself at all. I only saw the expression on my parents’ faces, particularly my mom’s. She’s always outdone herself, insisting on making me homemade birthday cakes my entire life. It was all I had ever known, but only as I’ve gotten older and done countless selfless (and often unseen) things for my own daughter have I come to recognize and appreciate her even more.

I shared the photograph via Substack Notes with a simple caption:

Rich in life because my mom has baked me a cake for every one of my 43 birthdays ♡

And to my utter surprise and delight, it went viral. Or I suppose about as viral as something can go on Substack. It didn’t translate into more followers or revenue, but what it offered was even more impactful. It gave me hope. That, despite all the fun, flashy things we often talk about on this platform, what resonated most was a candid shot of my parents and me.

It served as a good reminder about gratitude and the importance of seeking it out often. On our way to school on Monday mornings, Sloan and I share our “roses, buds, and thorns” from the weekend: the highs, lows, and things we’re looking forward to. It helps reframe things in such a simple way that has lasting, profound effects on my day.

I’ll admit that sharing a bunch of other “how lucky” moments (as my friends and I call them) feels...weird, almost braggy. But if I learned anything from the reaction to my Substack note, it’s that we need more reminders of those little moments, not less.

Below are nine things that have made me feel rich in life lately, hopefully inspiring you to do the same...