As I passed the 19th mile marker in the Marine Marathon, a sharp, excruciating pain shot through my right leg. The intensity stopped me in my tracks—I had to walk for a moment just to catch my breath and steady myself. I tried to run again, but the pain forced me to stop once more.

The streets were lined with cheering spectators, their energy pushing us forward. Despite their encouragement, I felt the fear creeping in. My face must have reflected the doubt and sadness I was feeling, as I began to wonder if I could even finish the race. Then, out of nowhere, a woman in the crowd spotted me. Her voice rose above the others:

“Don’t give up! Think about all the time you put into your training. You can’t give up. You can do it! You can finish!”

Her words hit me like a jolt of electricity, cutting through the fog of pain and hopelessness. Deep down, something stirred as I found the courage to push through and finish the marathon.

Looking back, what stands out most about that weekend isn’t the pain or even crossing the finish line—it’s that one powerful moment of kindness from a stranger.

I’ve since realized that life isn’t a collection of mundane, day-to-day details—it’s a tapestry woven with powerful, enduring moments like the one I experienced that day. But here’s the thing: instead of leaving those moments to chance, what if we took the time to intentionally create them for ourselves and others?

That realization changed how I approached life. I began seeking ways to create special memories, big or small, for the people I care about. Here are just two examples:

Thanksgiving Poker Night

For years, I hosted Thanksgiving at my home in New Jersey. After dinner, my uncles and aunts always gathered to play poker—a ritual they looked forward to every holiday. One year, I decided to elevate the experience. I bought a green felt poker table cover that fit perfectly on my dining room table and real Las Vegas-style poker chips made of clay. When I brought them out for the first time, my family was amazed and even more excited to play poker. To this day, they still talk about that night, and it’s a memory we all cherish.

Mary’s 21st Birthday

When my daughter Mary turned 21, she and her friends planned to “drink around the world” at Epcot in Orlando. They invited my husband and me to join the fun. To make the occasion unforgettable, I created personalized pins with Mary’s toddler photo and the words “Mary’s 21st Birthday Celebration.” I also made custom lanyards for everyone, with a checklist of each country in Epcot and a space to mark what drinks they tried. When we got to Italy, I bought a round of limoncello shots and gave a toast to the birthday girl. Years later, one of Mary’s friends told me she still has the lanyard and remembers how much fun they had that day.

Anyone can Create a Moment

Creating meaningful moments isn’t just for family or friends—it’s something I’ve brought into my professional life as well. Whether it’s for colleagues or customers, I’ve learned that even small, thoughtful gestures can leave a lasting impact.

Lastly, I encourage you, dear reader, to seize the opportunity when it arises to create defining moments in your life and the lives of others. Don’t leave it to chance. These moments don’t require extravagant gestures; they just need intention, thoughtfulness, and heart.

So in the spirit of Christmas, let’s shift our focus from the wrapped gifts under the tree to create special moments filled with kindness, connection, and joy as this gift will be remembered for all time.

Wishing you a season filled with meaningful moments and cherished memories.