I stood in front of the mirror with scissors in hand. "I'm going to do it," I thought. I recalled the first time I thought this was a good idea. It was picture day in my junior year of high school. "A quick trim of my bangs is what I need," I thought. And then, like so many other women, I learned a valuable life lesson. This time is different. I trim my hair regularly and have the benefit of YouTube tutorials to help me out. 

I did it. I cut some layers into my hair. It doesn’t look all that different and I doubt anyone else would even notice, but to me, it feels lighter, fresher, and better overall.

It got me thinking—how often do we make changes in our lives that go unnoticed by others but deeply impact us?

Maybe you’ve experienced this, too. Perhaps you’ve decided to wake up just ten minutes earlier to enjoy the quiet of the morning, or you’ve started eating or moving differently. These small, intentional choices don’t always grab the spotlight, but they can shift how we feel, think, and approach the world around us.

Sometimes, the changes we make are so subtle that even we don’t realize their impact right away. They take time to grow and take root, like planting seeds in a garden. We may not see the blooms immediately, but that doesn’t mean the growth isn’t happening.

This idea reminds me of the quiet work God does in us every day. It’s often in the small, unremarkable moments—the prayer whispered in the car, the kind word shared in passing, or the decision to let go of a grudge—that transformation begins. These aren’t the things that make headlines or draw applause, but they bring us closer to the person God calls us to be.

For me, cutting those layers wasn’t just about my hair—I needed a change, a shift. It was a reminder that I have the power to make changes for myself and even small adjustments can make a big difference in how I feel and how I move through life. What’s one small change you could make this week that might refresh your spirit or bring you closer to your goals?

My wish for you this week, Reader, is to make one small change to benefit your spirit. Maybe it’s stepping outside for a moment to enjoy the fresh air, sending a quick text to encourage someone, or taking a pause to breathe deeply in the middle of a hectic day. Whatever it is, I encourage you to trust the process and celebrate the little wins along the way.

These small changes, though often unseen by others, are part of a bigger story. They remind us that growth isn’t always about dramatic transformations—it’s about showing up daily, making intentional choices, and allowing God’s love to shape us in quiet but powerful ways. That's the fiLLLed life.

Live a fiLLLed life, Melissa ​

P.S. I’d love to hear about the changes you’re making, big or small. Reply to this email and let me know—I always enjoy hearing your stories!