Daily Glimmers
Photo Credit: Tyler Leigh Vivier

Bridget McNulty has created a delightful read that can be used every day, at moments when you need it or all at once. Daily Glimmers is a book filled with all the little things that we may miss as moments of joy.

 

South Africa (17 November 2025) – Whether it’s the joy of watching the steam rise from a hot cup of something delicious, the smell of slicing open a fresh cucumber or being surprised by a new type of birdsong in the garden, there are little Glimmers in each day that one could pay attention to. These little moments are a few of my personal favourites, but author Bridget McNulty has penned an entire book filled with Glimmers one can look out for.

Daily Glimmers was sent to Good Things Guy for a book review, but upon reading it, it felt more like a wonderfully thoughtful gift. We specialise in sharing good things, in seeing the good in every day (up to 20 times on a busy day), but Daily Glimmers goes beyond the good things happening around us; it delves into the smaller things, sometimes overlooked.

Bridget McNulty is the author of The Grief Handbook and co-founder of Sweet Life, South Africa’s largest online diabetes community. In working on Daily Glimmers, she made notes of over 1,000 glimmers, each adding a touch of joy to one’s life.

It’s simple things, like looking forward to reading your book, watching a butterfly float by, leaving your dishwasher to take care of the mess, a favourite song from your youth, freshly brushed teeth, and so many more. The book is filled with little moments you might not even think to take pleasure in, but all of a sudden, there is a chance to have a joyful moment.

Aside from the Glimmers one can find within the pages of this book, Bridget also dives into snippets of self-help, whether looking for ways to calm oneself, boost relaxation and meditate.

One of the insights Bridget gives in her seasonal opening chapters that I wholeheartedly agree with is spending your grown-up pocket money. You work hard, so if you have a little extra, buy yourself a treat; whether it’s a small treat on the way home, a top you have been eyeing out or in my case, a sunflower spoon holder that adds a splash of yellow to my kitchen, and I get to use it every day or so, when cooking meals. I see it, and my task of making dinner is instantly brightened.

As for the layout of the book, Bridget separates it into bite-sized categories. Firstly, by season, so you can start at any time of year. Then she further breaks down the Daily Glimmers into categories that may pique your interest, such as Sensory Delights, Physicality, Entertainment, Joy-Inducing Moments or Other People, to name but a few.  So whether you are looking for a way to overcome the winter blues, or you want to find some glimmer inspiration in the emotions you may be feeling about a life event, you can easily reference that section of the book.

Oh, and one last thing. If it all sounds a bit airy-fairy to you, Bridget did the work; she references various studies on joy and the science behind glimmers (along with lots of references for you to read up).

I am so pleased to have read this, and after reflecting on some glimmers from my own life, I would add to the list (totally agree, Bridget, pass-the-parcel is a goodie!): The sound of my kettle lid being sealed before boiling the water, driving past the sunflower fields in Limpopo – actually, seeing sunflowers anywhere, and probably my favourite, waking up early and laying in bed, listening to my little dog softly snore.

What daily glimmers are bringing you joy?

Back of the Book

Have you ever felt a tiny slice of pure joy that lifted your spirits for the rest of the day? That’s a glimmer – a three-second moment of magic that has been proven to lift your mood, boost your resilience and light up even the darkest days.

Whether you just heard birdsong while you worked, smelled dinner cooking or laughed out loud, daily glimmers are everywhere – waiting to be uncovered.

Complete with practical tips and reflections on happiness, this book gives you the tools to uncover micro-moments of joy while doing the same old routines. Discover more than one thousand glimmers on themes such as nature, connection and sensory delights.

This book is small enough to fit in your bag – but big enough to enrich your life.

If you would like to learn more about this book, visit its website here. It is also available at all major literary retailers and online.

Interested in more proudly South African books? You can find more of our book reviews here.


Sources: Book Supplied for Review 
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is the Editor for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader, gardener, bird watcher and loves to escape to the Kruger National Park.

1 comment

  1. What a thoughtful and lovely review, thank you Tyler!
    I’m so glad it felt like a gift – I’ve been gifting it left, right and centre to all those who I think need daily reminders of joy… Thank you!

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