Last week, I was traveling and ended up getting sick, so I missed my usual weekly post. To make up for it, this week I’ll share eight gratitude moments, and next week I’ll post seven, averaging five extra reasons to be grateful. Here are this week’s moments of gratitude:
6. Health
7. Time with Family
8. Severance
9. Gift of a Home-Cooked Meal
10. Long Weekend
11. Key Finder
12. Health at MBSR
13. Sleepcasts
#6: Health
Last weekend, my girlfriend and I traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, to visit family. Unfortunately, I got sick on the way back. Thankfully, I’m starting to feel better, which has made me deeply grateful for my health. There’s a saying I love: “When you are healthy, you have a thousand problems, but when you are unhealthy, you really have just one problem.” It’s a powerful reminder of how vital health is to everything else in life.
#7: Time with Family
Our trip to Iowa gave me the chance to spend quality time with family. With everyone living so far apart, I’ve learned to treasure these moments more than ever. I feel so fortunate to have such a loving, kind, and supportive family. They’re truly a blessing in my life.
#8: Severance
If you’re into sci-fi and psychological thrillers, you must check out Severance on Apple TV. (Pro tip: If you’re a student or have T-Mobile, you might qualify for free Apple TV!) This show is phenomenal. While it starts a bit slow and confusing, it quickly picks up and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’m beyond excited for Season 2, which is currently airing.
#9: Gift of a Home-Cooked Meal
Returning to Massachusetts late Sunday night after our trip, we realized we didn’t have any meals prepared for dinner or the workweek.My partner’s parent came to the rescue, meeting us along the way with a delicious homemade pasta and meatball dinner. Her kindness and generosity mean the world to me.
#10: Long Weekend
There’s nothing like a long weekend to recharge, especially when you need it most. Thanks to MLK Day tomorrow, I’ll enjoy a day off and a shorter work week. This extra rest couldn’t have come at a better time as I continue to recover from being under the weather.
#11: Key Finder
My partner recently bought a set of key-finder GPS tiles and offered me one. At first, I thought it was unnecessary since I rarely lose my keys. But last week, I couldn’t find them anywhere, and I was running late. I had completely forgotten about the tile until my partner reminded me. Using the app, I quickly located my keys and even made the tile ring to pinpoint them. Thanks to this handy gadget, I made it out the door on time. Lesson learned: Never underestimate the power of tiny tech.
#12: Health at MBSR
During my weekly Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) session, the topic of pain came up. It was disheartening to hear how many people in the group resonated with this topic and had the courage to share their histories with chronic pain. I’m grateful for the sense of community and support in these sessions and well as my own health.
#13: Sleepcasts
I subscribe to Headspace, a meditation app, and one of my favorite features is their sleepcasts. These soothing bedtime stories describe relaxing settings like a cozy bed-and-breakfast or a serene park. Listening to them helps me unwind and sets the stage for restful sleep. This week, I’ve been especially grateful for this calming nightly ritual.
Weekly Spotlight
This week’s spotlight is the poem “Always We Hope” By Lao Tzu
Always we hope
someone else has the answer,
some other place will be better,
some other time,
it will turn out.
This is it.
No one else has the answer,
no other place will be better,
and it has already turned out.
At the centre of your being,
you have the answer:
you know who you are and
you know what you want.
There is no need to run outside
for better seeing,
nor to peer from a window.
Rather abide at the centre of your being:
for the more you leave it,
the less you learn.
Search your heart and see
the way to do is to be.
Abide at the centre of your being.
What brought you joy this week?