A New Yorker is finding a way to uplift her mother’s spirit.
Cynthia Yip has been placing heartfelt messages around New York City in small glass jars filled with origami stars, a tribute to her late mother as she navigates her loss.
Now, she’s encouraging others globally to remember loved ones who have passed on.
Yip’s mother, Tai Hing, passed away in 2017 at 65, mere months after being diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“One of the ways I can contribute is by doing what my mother used to do,” Yip shared, reflecting on her motivation to spread kindness.
Her mother was a guiding light in her life, and the thought of a world without her is hard to bear.
In dealing with his grief, Yip’s therapist suggested channeling it positively, a step toward honoring her memory.
“My mother always went out of her way to help people, so I wanted to give back the same kindness and positivity,” the 38-year-old noted.
What began as a small gesture took on a life of its own.
She started by penning uplifting notes. Whenever she felt down, she’d leave one on her path home from work, hoping to provide a boost to a stranger.
One day, she received a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“Someone said they were having a tough day, and finding that note truly helped them,” Yip recounted with warmth.
This inspired her to leave more notes.
“I felt really happy knowing I could help, even in a small way,” she added.
As her enthusiasm grew, she began attaching her notes to tiny glass jars filled with handmade stars, a nod to the origami stars she folded with her mother in her childhood.
“It reminded me of those cherished moments, so I wanted to blend that memory with a message of positivity,” Yip expressed.
Now, she frequently carries her creations, spreading light wherever inspiration strikes.
In November, she encountered Star Shelton, a 26-year-old visiting for work. Spotting a jar in Times Square was serendipitous for her.
“My name is Star, and I believe in little coincidences, so finding that jar felt like fate,” she shared.
The note read: “Even if it feels like shadows will never lift, remember that the longest night ends with sunrise. Believe in your capacity to overcome and wait for the light.”
“Those words have stayed with me,” Shelton reflected, grateful for the timely encouragement.
She now treasures the note and jar on an altar in her Detroit home.
“It was the perfect keepsake,” she remarked.
Over the years, Yip has received messages from people across the globe, expressing gratitude for her uplifting words and often wanting to join her project. Now, she’s even sharing origami star-making instructions on her website.
“People tell me they’re inspired and want to contribute too,” she added.
Her goal is to transform sadness into something meaningful, resonating deeply with many who’ve faced loss.
“Many have shared that they lost a loved one too, some even to ALS, and they feel a connection to my story,” Yip noted.
“It helps them see ways to honor those they’ve lost.”
According to her, the Tiny Jars of Stars initiative has reached as far as Australia, receiving recognition for providing unexpected rays of positivity.
“I’m really excited about the project,” Yip said.
It might soon expand to the UK as well.
Kimberly Meadows from Newcastle upon Tyne found a jar while celebrating her 40th birthday at a New York venue. Feeling uncertain about pursuing a job opportunity, the jar came at just the right moment.
The note inside advised: “The hardest part of setting goals is the fear of failure. What truly matters is that you took that step—no matter how big or small.”
Meadows felt it was a sign.
“Finding the stars and messages felt like they were meant for me,” she explained.
“It gave me that push I needed to believe in myself.” She successfully landed the job.
“What Cynthia is doing is incredible, reminding people they can accomplish anything. Life can feel overwhelming but those struggles will pass,” Meadows said, considering bringing the initiative back home.
For Yip, however, her work will remain in New York, a reminder of her mother and their shared experiences.
“It was tough to revisit some places in the city after my mom’s passing, but now those jars help me remember her love for the city and for me,” she revealed.
“Losing her was hard, but it reminds me to celebrate her life,” she added.
“Every note I write feels like a reminder that although she’s gone, the joy she spread continues.”
