This week I am grateful for…
231. Brunch at a Local Diner
232. The comfort of a heated room
233. Spotting an Owl
234. The Convenience of a Laundry Machine
235. The Crunch of Fall Leaves
#231: Brunch at a Local Diner
My partner and I are moving in December from the apartment complex we’ve lived in for 2 years in Natick, MA. One thing I’ll miss the most is the local restaurants and diners we’ve grown to love.
This week, after a tough workout at the gym, we went to one of our favorite diners for brunch. As we ate, we realized it might be the last time we’d eat there before the move. I ordered a veggie omelet with home fries and wheat toast, and we made an effort to savor the moment, even practicing mindful eating by focusing on the taste of the first bite. See the picture of my plate above. It was a simple yet meaningful experience.
#232: The Comfort of a Heated Room
Temperatures are continuing to fall each week with freezing nights and frosty mornings. Stepping into a heated room after being in cold feels magical. It’s like receiving a warm hug from both humanity and technology.
#233: Spotting an Owl
During an evening walk to check on the garden we rented over the summer, we experienced a moment of pure wonder. As I opened the gate, its metallic creak startled a light gray owl, which silently took off, flying deeper into the woods. My partner and I stood there, amazed by the elegance of the moment.
For me, it was extra special—it was my first time seeing an owl in the wild since moving to the States. That fleeting encounter at dusk felt like a gift from nature.
#234: The Convenience of a Laundry Machine
Sometimes, it’s easy to take modern conveniences for granted. This week, I found myself reflecting on how thankful I am for something as simple as a laundry machine.
Growing up in Kenya, doing laundry was a whole-day commitment. With unreliable water supplies, we often fetched water from local streams, taking multiple trips to gather enough water. Then came the handwashing—scrubbing each piece of clothing, rinsing, and hanging them to air-dry. It was labor-intensive and time-consuming. So this week I am thankful for the convenience of a washing machine.
When a friend in Kenya recently told me how transformative a washing machine would be for her life, I nodded with deep understanding. I’ve lived that reality. So this week, as I tossed clothes into the machine and pushed a button, I felt a profound sense of gratitude.
#235: The Crunch of Fall Leaves
The trees have lost their leaves, and the ground is covered with Dry leaves. On my walks, I’ve enjoyed the simple pleasure of stepping on crunchy leaves. It’s a small thing, but it brings back memories of colder seasons and makes me look forward to the upcoming holiday season.
Weekly Spotlight
This week’s spotlight is one of my favorite Ted Talks by Tim Urban on Procrastination. It is funny, thoughtful, and highly Inspirational.
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