The Power of Small Things
Written on July 29th, 2026
Does Water Taste Better in a Stanley?
I have a question.
Does water actually taste different in a Stanley than it does in a Tervis?
I’m honestly asking. Are Stanley and Tervis enemies or are they evil twins with a plan to corner the market?
Because judging by the number of insulated cups living in kitchens across America, I feel like there must be something I missed.
Some have handles.
Some don’t.
Some have straws.
Some promise to keep your drink cold until next Tuesday.
Some fit in the cup holder.
Some absolutely refuse.
Yet somehow…
they all hold water.
Which makes me wonder why so many of us own more than one.
Or five.
Or…well…let’s not count. I’m pretty sure there is a support group out there somewhere for Tumbler hoarders.
I suspect we’re not really buying another tumbler.
We’re buying the version of ourselves who remembers to drink enough water.
The woman who leaves the house prepared.
The one who has her life together.
The organized woman with matching lunch containers and a beautifully packed tote bag….and the matching Stanley.
It’s amazing what a pretty color and a clever advertisement can convince us of.
Don’t get me wrong.
I enjoy a good tumbler as much as the next person.
I have favorites.
I have backups.
Apparently, I also have opinions.
But every now and then I open that cabinet and laugh.
Because all those cups are quietly reminding me of something.
Hope has a funny way of showing up in ordinary places.
Sometimes it looks like a brand-new journal.
Sometimes it’s fresh flowers on the kitchen table.
Sometimes it’s another tumbler in a color that somehow feels like this will be the week I finally stay hydrated.
Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Maybe hope has always worn ordinary clothes.
Maybe it’s tucked inside little decisions that whisper,
“I’m going to try again tomorrow.”
And if tomorrow begins with coffee in one mug and water in your favorite tumbler…
I’d call that a pretty good start.