As winter settles in, this week has been a beautiful blend of small joys, meaningful connections, and reflections. Here are the moments that filled my heart with gratitude:

256. Sunrise After a Day of Snow 

257. Upcoming Holiday Break 

258. Family and Friends 

259. Short Commute 

260. Reaching 260 Grateful Moments 

#256: Sunrise After a Day of Snow

This week we have had freezing temperatures and a chilling breeze with temperatures well below freezing. We also had a 2-inch snowfall which sadly didn’t bring a snow day. However, the sunrise on fresh, bright white snow was pure magic. Sipping a hot cup of tea while admiring the snowy landscape this weekend was a moment of peace which I had the pleasure of cherishing this week.

#257: Upcoming Holiday Break

Working at a college has its perks, like an extended holiday break! From December 25 to January 1, I plan to unpack, tackle home projects, spend time with loved ones, and recharge. Knowing this time is just around the corner fills me with excitement and relief.

#258: Family and Friends

This week’s move reminded me how fortunate I am to have an incredible support system. Thanks to my family and friends, what could have been a daunting task turned into an efficient and joyful experience. Unloading a U-Haul in just over an hour? That’s teamwork! Thank you all for your love and support. Special shoutout to the “Relocation Engineer” (you know yourself)—your vision and  skills during the move were invaluable.

#259: Short Commute

One of the best perks of moving is my 15-minute commute. Late work nights have been much more manageable knowing I’d be home quickly. I’ve felt less tired and more present at work, which is a gift in itself. Short commutes truly save energy and time—something I’m especially grateful for this week.

#260: Reaching 260 Grateful Moments

This week marks a milestone: 260 moment of gratitude for the year! Documenting these big and small joys has been transformative. On dark days, this collection reminds me that life is filled with beauty and possibility. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Next week, I’ll share some of my favorite moments from 2024—stay tuned!

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight features an insightful and inspiring TED Talk by one of my all-time favorite psychologists, Professor Dan Gilbert.

What are you grateful for this week? Share your moments in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

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This week I am grateful for…

251. Endings

252. New Beginnings 

253. Sitting On a Couch After a Long Day

254. Family and Friends

255. A Slice of Cake When You Need It Most

 

#251: Endings

This week marks a big life change: my partner and I are moving to Central Massachusetts. I spent my teens and young adult lit in Central Massachusetts and now I am moving back! Moving can be a lot of work and can be expensive, so if you can avoid it, my advice is to stay put as long as possible! Amid the packing chaos, I’ve been feeling both nostalgic and grateful. For example, today is my last day at the Local YMCA—a community that has given me so much. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I’m ready for this new chapter. Change can be intimidating, and that’s perfectly normal. There are always unknowns with big transitions. But I recently read a quote at work that resonated deeply: “Difficult paths lead to beautiful destinations.” Here’s to the journey ahead.

#252: New Beginnings

One of the most exciting things about our move? A much shorter commute. My current hour-long work each way will soon be replaced with a 15-minute drive. That’s over an hour saved every day! Long commutes have always been a source of stress for me, and I know I’m not alone. If you’re lucky enough to have a short commute, take a moment to appreciate it—you’re living the dream!

#253: Sitting on a Couch After a Long Day

Here’s a life lesson: don’t sell your couch before moving. In the name of “smart planning,” we listed our couch on Facebook Marketplace, thinking we’d have time to enjoy it before lowering the price if we had no offers. Within days, someone bought it, and now we’ve been couch-less for 2 weeks. I didn’t realize how much I relied on that simple comfort—especially after a long day—until it was gone. Pro tip: dining chairs don’t quite cut it for relaxing with your hot sip of hot beverage.

#254: Family and Friends

A huge shoutout to family and friends who showed up for us during this move. From lending hands to lifting boxes, you made the impossible manageable. Your love and support mean the world to us. I might do another shoutout next week!

#255: A Slice of Cake When You Need It Most

This week was hectic, to say the least, but my coworkers got me a slice of my favorite cake. Their thoughtfulness was a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a busy week feel a little lighter—and a lot sweeter. Here is the pic of the cake…

Here’s to endings, beginnings, and the little things that make life beautiful. What are you grateful for this week?

 

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is a simple but powerful quote by Ann Voskamp

“No amount of regret changes the past. No amount of anxiety changes the future. Any amount of gratitude changes the present.” ― Ann Voskamp

What brought you joy this week? You can leave me a comment below.

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This week I am grateful for…

246. A Sunset Glow

247. Leftover Restaurant Food

248. The First Snow of the Season

249. The Movie Wicked

250. The Holiday Season

#246: A Sunset Glow

After a rain-soaked day, I was greeted by an unexpected gift: a radiant orange sky, glowing in the aftermath of sunset. I paused for a few mindful breaths, savoring the fleeting beauty of the moment. Nature has this way of grounding us when we least expect it if we stop and notice, doesn’t it? My photo below doesn’t quite capture the magic, but it’s a reminder that sometimes, life’s simplest scenes leave the deepest impressions.

#247: Leftover Restaurant Food

A little shoutout to restaurants with generous portions—there’s nothing better than opening your fridge to find a second serving of your favorite meal waiting for you. It’s like a delicious sequel at no extra cost! Special thanks to the places that don’t skimp on servings.

 

#248: The First Snow of the Season

This Thursday, we received the first snowfall of the season in Massachusetts—just 4 inches, but enough to give students (and staff!) a snow day! Working at a college, I found myself behaving like a student again, obsessively refreshing my notifications. Then bing!—there it was: “Due to inclement weather, the college will be closed on…” That’s when I had an involuntary happy dance and a chorus of “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” It was great to watch the snow from the indoors and enjoy my morning cup of tea. Thank you Mother Nature for that amazing gift.

#249: The Movie Wicked

Confession: I’m not big on musicals, and I’ve never seen The Wizard of Oz. But this week, my girlfriend and I went to see Wicked, and let me tell you—I was pleasantly surprised. As a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, it weaves a captivating tale that had me invested from start to finish. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were mesmerizing in their roles, and now I’m low-key excited for part 2. I need to know what happens next!

#250: The Holiday Season

Ah, the holiday season—my second-favorite time of year (fall still reigns supreme). There’s something magical about the merry buzz in the air, the twinkle of lights, and holiday songs that seem to warm even the coldest of days. I adore hearing strangers exchange heartfelt “Happy holidays!”—it’s like a warm hug for the soul.

 

Weekly Spotlight 

This week, I want to share a poem often attributed to Nadine Stair, with the story going that she wrote it in her 80s. It’s a beautiful reminder to embrace life with a touch of daring and joy:

“If I had my life to live over, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I’d have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I’m one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them.
In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer,
a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.”

— Nadine Stair

What brought you joy this week? You can leave me a comment below.

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This week I am grateful for…

236. Raindrops While Sleeping

237. Leaving work Early

238. Endings and New Beginnings

239. A surprise Album Release

240. An Unexpected Encounter with a Deer

#236: Raindrops While Sleeping

The Northeast USA has been experiencing drought, with many wildfires and ponds and lakes shrinking. But this week brought a gift we’ve all been waiting for: rain. The last few days have been marked by steady showers, and last night, it rained through the night. The gentle tapping of raindrops on the windows and roof created a peaceful melody, a backdrop for the best sleep imaginable under warm, soft blankets. It felt like nature’s lullaby.

#237: Leaving Work Early

One of the best perks of my job? The flexibility to leave early when my weekly hours are met. This week, I finished my tasks ahead of schedule and left work guilt-free, knowing everything was taken care of. There’s nothing quite like stepping out into the afternoon, with extra time to savor the day and the satisfaction of a job well done.

#238: Endings and New Beginnings

This week marked the end of my 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. Saying goodbye to such a compassionate and insightful community was bittersweet. Over the weeks, we shared courageous moments, insightful wisdom, and transformative growth. While parting ways was difficult, I left feeling inspired, carrying the tools and motivation to continue this mindful journey. Endings, I continue to learn, often pave the way for profound new beginnings.

#239: A Surprise Album Release

Waking up to the news of a surprise album release from a favorite artist? Pure joy. This week, not one but two of my favorite artists, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, dropped new projects. It’s the kind of surprise that turns ordinary errands into mini road trips, with the car’s speakers providing a concert experience. These albums are the perfect soundtrack for life on the go—and I’ve been finding every excuse to hit the road just to soak them in.

#240: An Unexpected Encounter with a Deer

While walking through a local wildlife sanctuary with my girlfriend, she suddenly exclaimed, “Ohh look!” My heart skipped a beat—I was sure she had spotted a snake. (Quick side note: I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of snakes, but let’s just say I respect them, a lot… from a distance.) Instead, to our left stood a deer with antlers that seemed seasoned. He was completely unbothered by us, strolling across the path with a quiet confidence. It was a moment of awe and connection with nature. See the photo above.

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is an inspiring quote:

I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

–-Michael Jordan

This week I am grateful for…

51. Local Diner

52. Best Friend

53. The 100 TV Series

54. MBSR

55. Delicious Strawberries

#51: Local Diner

There’s something magical about stumbling upon a hidden gem in your own neighborhood, isn’t there? This week, my best friend and I found ourselves basking in the warmth of a local diner, and let me tell you, it was a delightful experience.

From the moment we stepped in, the aroma of homemade soup welcomed us, instantly setting the tone for a great evening. What struck me the most was the genuine friendliness by everyone there. It felt like stepping into a welcoming summer oasis, a place where worries melt away and good vibes flourish. And the food? Oh, it was a symphony of flavors, all at a reasonable price. With each bite, it felt like a tastebud adventure, and I found myself already planning my next visit.

#52: Best Friend

But of course, what’s a memorable experience without your best friend by your side? Their presence added an extra layer of joy to the evening, turning it into an unforgettable memory. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of cherished friendships and the simple joys they bring. Thank you for a wonderful time!

#53: MBSR

On Mondays I attend the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) sessions offered by the University of Massachusetts Medical School. These sessions have become a lifeline, offering a sanctuary where I can unwind and center myself. The transformative power of mindfulness cannot be overstated, and I’m immensely thankful for the peace it brings to my life.

#54: The 100 TV Series

I recently started watching the show “The 100” on Netflix. While the acting may not be Oscar-worthy and the plot a little predictable at times, there’s an undeniable allure to the storyline. It’s one of those guilty pleasures that keeps you hooked despite its flaws, and for that, I’m grateful.

#55: Delicious Strawberries

Did you know that strawberries are not widely grown in Kenya? In fact? I did not eat my first strawberry till I moved to the United States. Strawberries can be a hit or miss for me. But this week I ate some really delicious strawberries from Trader Joe’s. I am very grateful for delicious strawberries.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

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.

This week I am grateful for…

201. Walk to the Laundry Room

202. Waitress Remembering You

203. Weekends Off

204. Banana Oatmeal Bar

205. Taste

#201: Walk to the Laundry Room

At my apartment complex, the laundry room is a short three-minute walk from my place. When the weather is nice, that brief stroll becomes one of my favorite parts of doing laundry. It’s a simple pleasure—feeling the sun on my face, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying a few peaceful moments before getting back to my chores.

#202: Waitress Remembering You

This week, my girlfriend and I visited a local sushi spot, and to our surprise, the waitress remembered us and even our usual sushi order. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but it definitely gave us a good laugh. It was a light-hearted moment, and I was grateful for the shared laughter with my girlfriend and the waitress—it added a fun twist to our evening out.

#203: Weekend Off

One thing I often take for granted is having weekends off. Not everyone has that luxury—my partner, for instance, is a nurse and sometimes has to work weekends. I’ve also had jobs in the past where weekends weren’t always free. But this week, I had the entire weekend to myself, and I’m particularly grateful for the freedom to do whatever I wished. It was a much-needed break, and I didn’t take a single moment of it for granted.

#204: Banana Oatmeal Bars

My girlfriend and I recently discovered an amazing Banana Oatmeal Bar recipe that has quickly become a breakfast staple in our home. The best part? The recipe calls for very ripe bananas, which means we haven’t wasted a single banana since we found it. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert. This week, I am especially grateful for these tasty treats.

#205: Taste

A few weeks ago, I tested positive for COVID, and along with other symptoms, I lost my sense of taste. I wouldn’t call myself a foodie, but I do enjoy a good meal, so losing that ability was incredibly frustrating. This week, I’m beyond grateful to be able to savor food. It’s amazing how much you can miss something as simple as taste until it’s gone.

What are you grateful for this week?

This week I am grateful for…

206. Breakfast Pancakes

207. Fall Leaves

208. Apple Crisp

209. Red Tailed Hawk

210. Mindfulness Journey

#206: Breakfast Pancakes

This week, my partner and I whipped up some delicious protein pancakes, and let me tell you, they were a hit! We experimented with blueberry, chocolate chip, and plain varieties, all of which came out perfectly. Our favorite way to top these pancakes is with a mix of frozen berries reduced on the stovetop to create fruit syrup drizzled generously over the stack. Of course, we couldn’t resist adding some maple syrup and some whipped cream. Just writing this has my mouth watering all over again! Here’s a photo of our beautiful creation—doesn’t it just look irresistible?

#207: Fall Leaves

Fall is in full swing, and I’m loving every minute of it. The trees in my neighborhood are showing off their vibrant colors—some are still in the midst of changing, while others have already shed most of their leaves, looking like overachievers! The weather has been a perfect mix of cool breezes with the occasional day reaching the 70s, giving me the best of both worlds. I snapped a picture of one of the trees near my apartment this week. Here it is…

Every time I mindfully observe the changing leaves I feel a wave of seasonal bliss wash over me.

#208:Apple Crisp

This week, I made what might just be the best apple crisp of my life. Seriously! I used apples I picked fresh from the orchard last week, and they turned into a sweet, crunchy masterpiece. My girlfriend couldn’t agree more—she was just as enthusiastic about how delicious it turned out. I paired it with vanilla bean ice cream, and the combination was heavenly.

I’ll definitely be making this again soon!

#209: Mindfulness Journey

A few weeks ago, in Week 37, I mentioned enrolling in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course at Brown University. This week, I’m especially grateful for the amazing people in that class. The diversity of knowledge and experiences that has been shared so far has been truly eye-opening. I’m also incredibly thankful for our MBSR instructor, whose wisdom and support have been invaluable on this journey. Stay tuned—there’s more to come on this path mindfulness path.

#210: Red-Tailed Hawk

While outside at work this week, something extraordinary caught my eye. A massive red-tailed hawk came swooping down from a tree, gliding through the air with incredible precision. Unfortunately for the hawk, it missed its target, but the power of its wings sent a flurry of fallen leaves swirling into the air. It then soared back to the tree, but landed so low that one of my brave coworkers managed to get close enough to snap a picture. Here’s the stunning shot she captured—an awe-inspiring moment!

 

Weekly Spotlight

Thanks to the generous feedback I received from family and friends a few weeks ago, I’m excited to introduce this new section in my weekly gratitude posts! Each week, I’ll be highlighting something special—whether it’s a resource, a story, words of wisdom, scientific research on mindfulness, gratitude, and happiness, or even someone else’s gratitude moments. The goal is simple: to educate, inspire, and engage readers.

So, let’s dive in!

This week’s spotlight shines on an inspiring quote from The How of Happiness by the renowned Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky, a trailblazer in the science of happiness:

“[Optimism] is not about providing a recipe for self-deception. The world can be a horrible, cruel place, and at the same time it can be wonderful and abundant. These are both truths. There is not a halfway point; there is only choosing which truth to put in your personal foreground.”
― Sonja Lyubomirsky, The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want.

This week I am grateful for…

211. Fall Foliage at a Park

212. Breathtaking Full Moon

213. A Glowing Sunset

214. Apple Oatmeal

215. A Surprisingly Quick Oil Change

#211: Fall Foliage at a Park

This week, my partner and I took a peaceful walk through a park in Central Massachusetts, and the scenery was nothing short of magical. The fall leaves were at their peak, and the vibrant shades of yellow, red, orange, and green painted the landscape like a work of art. I couldn’t stop marveling at the beauty around me! I captured a few photos, but they hardly do justice to the breathtaking view. Here is one.

#212: Breathtaking Full Moon

Driving home one evening just an hour after sunset, I witnessed something that stopped me in my tracks—a massive full moon hovering on the horizon. It was one of the largest and brightest moons I’ve ever seen! As I merged onto the highway, the moon loomed so large in the sky, I let out an instinctive “Woah!” right in the middle of listening to the radio. The sheer size and brilliance of the moon made me feel incredibly small and reminded me of the vastness of the universe. It was a humbling, awe-inspiring moment.

#213: A Glowing Sunset

You know that magical orange glow that happens just before the sun dips below the horizon? I was lucky enough to catch one of those perfect sunsets this week. The clouds lit up with a bright, fiery hue that only lasted a few fleeting minutes, but it was enough to remind me of how stunning nature can be when you pause to appreciate it.

#214: Apple Oatmeal

In my kitchen this week, I’ve been experimenting with apple recipes, and I stumbled upon another winner—apple oatmeal made on the stovetop. Imagine warm oats simmered with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and sliced apples, all topped off with crunchy walnuts. It was pure comfort in a bowl and a perfect fall breakfast. I loved it so much, that I might add it to the breakfast rotation.

#215: A Surprisingly Quick Oil Change

Life has been busy this week, and my car was long overdue for an oil change. On a whim, I stopped by a local express oil change shop, expecting a long wait. To my surprise, there was only one car ahead of me, and I was in and out in 30 minutes! The cherry on top? They threw in a free car wash for choosing their service and even fixed one of my wipers, which had been making an obnoxious sound for weeks. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight shines on a moment of gratitude from a family member who commented on a previous post.

It has been somewhat challenging week but one beautiful thing this week was seeing my son swimming, more like learning to swim, with his father in the pool 🏊! Soo grateful to be alive and well to witness that!

What are you grateful for this week?