Categories
Weekly Gratitude

4/20/2025

76. Warm Weather

77. Spring Flowers and Leaves

78. Bird Bathing Joy

79. A Long Weekend

80. The Boston Marathon 

#76: Warm Weather


Spring is officially here, with temperatures floating happily in the 50s and 60s. On Saturday, it even hit 70 degrees and turned partly sunny. I stepped outside in a T-shirt, and it felt like the sun wrapped me in a soft, golden blanket. I could almost feel my skin soaking up the vitamin D thatI desperately needed according to my doctor. Oh, sweet spring—where have you been all my life?

#77: Spring Flowers and Leaves


Everywhere I look, trees and plants are waking up. Green leaves are beginning to unfurl, and bursts of color are appearing in parks and gardens. On a walk this week, I found myself mesmerized by lush green grass and trees adorned with white, pink, and red blossoms. Bees buzzed from bloom to bloom, busy and joyful. I’m excited to witness the full bloom of nature in the coming weeks—it’s like the world is exhaling beauty again.

#78: Bird Bathing Joy


This week, I caught a bird in the middle of what looked like the most refreshing bath. It flapped and fluttered in the water, soaking its feathers, then shook them out with such exuberance—it looked like pure joy in motion. I couldn’t help but stop and smile, feeling that joy secondhand. Little bird, I wish you many more refreshing baths this season!

#79: A Long Weekend


Thanks to Patriots’ Day on Monday, we got a lovely long weekend. And honestly, the only thing better than a long weekend… is the short week that follows! The extra day to rest and reset was much needed and much appreciated.

#80: The Boston Marathon


Every year, the Boston Marathon moves and inspires me. This year, I was especially proud—the Kenyan woman who won didn’t just take first place, she shattered the course record by more than two minutes. As a Kenyan myself, I felt extra pride watching her strength, grace, and determination. In her post-race interview, she thanked her mother who was waiting for her at the finish line, and she expressed her gratitude to the city of Boston for hosting the event. Her story left me feeling both inspired and deeply connected.

Weekly Sportlight

This week spotlight is a Poem by Safire Rose:

She let go.

She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear.

She let go of the judgments.

She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.

She let go of the committee of indecision within her.

She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons.

Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a book on how to let go.

She didn’t search the scriptures.

She just let go.

She let go of all of the memories that held her back.

She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.

She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go.

She didn’t journal about it.

She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer.

She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.

She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.

She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go.

She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter.

She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment.

She didn’t call the prayer line.

She didn’t utter one word.

She just let go.

No one was around when it happened.

There was no applause or congratulations.

No one thanked her or praised her.

No one noticed a thing.

Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort.

There was no struggle.

It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.

It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be.

A small smile came over her face.

A light breeze blew through her.

And the sun and the moon shone forevermore…

Safire Rose

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Categories
Weekly Gratitude

April 13, 2025

This week I am grateful for…

66. Family Time

67. Old Childhood Stories

68. An Unexpected Snowy Saturday

69. Black Mirror: Love It or Hate It?

70. Trying New Food

71. Delicious Burritos from Bajas

72. “Stand By Me”

73. Sun After a Day of Clouds

74. Falcon at Dusk

75. A Good, Sweaty Workout

 

#66: Family Time


This week, I had the chance to spend some quality time with my family—and honestly, few things feel more meaningful. With most of us living far apart and many working in healthcare, syncing our schedules isn’t easy. That’s why I’m especially grateful for the moments we shared this week. Every gathering feels like a gift.

#67: Old Childhood Stories


One of the best parts of being with family? The endless loop of funny, ridiculous, and sometimes slightly embarrassing childhood stories. Sure, it’s a little cringey when my partner gets front-row seats to my most foolish moments—but I wouldn’t trade those laughs for anything. I’m grateful for the stories that never get old and the conversations that bring us closer.

#68: An Unexpected Snowy Saturday


Waking up to a couple of inches of snow this Saturday was an unexpected surprise—and I chose to embrace it. Normally, weekend snow feels like a nuisance (no snow day perks, just slushy errands). But this time? I had nowhere to be. My partner and I tackled some cleaning, then cozied up and caught up on our favorite shows. It ended up being the kind of slow Saturday I didn’t know I needed.

#69: Black Mirror: Love It or Hate It?


Speaking of shows, I still can’t decide how I feel about Black Mirror. It’s one of those series that leaves me feeling disturbed, amazed, confused, and intrigued all at once. Every episode ends with me thinking, What the hell did I just watch?—and yet, I keep going back. The new season is no different… if anything, it’s taking the emotional chaos to a whole new level.

#70: Trying New Food


This week, we tried a new restaurant that checked every box—affordable, tasty, and conveniently close. I had a bowl of rice, spicy shredded chicken, salad, and that irresistible white sauce. You better believe we’re going back.

#71: Delicious Burritos from Bajas


Sometimes, all you need is a burrito. When I’m hungry and looking for something nutritious, satisfying, and budget-friendly, burritos are my go-to. Shout out to Bajas this week for delivering the goods—grateful for every bite.

#72: “Stand By Me”


There’s something timeless about Stand By Me. That opening instrumental? Instant chills. I was late to the party—I didn’t hear it until college—but ever since, it’s had a permanent spot on my feel-good playlist. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, once I hear that first note, I’m singing along like no one’s watching

#73: Falcon at Dusk


While working near the window at dusk, I caught a glimpse of something wild—a sleek grey falcon swooping into a bush, scattering small birds into the sky. It didn’t catch anything, but the moment—ten seconds of pure, raw nature—was breathtaking. A little reminder of the wild beauty all around us.

#74: Sun After a Day of Clouds


It’s been grey, rainy, and cold lately—and we’re all feeling it. A coworker recently cracked us up saying, “I’m waking up angry at the clouds now.” But this week, after a full day of gloom, the sun finally peeked out for about an hour. That short burst of light reminded me: spring is almost here, and soon the trees, flowers, and all things green will be back in full bloom.

#75: A Good, Sweaty Workout


After a food-filled trip to Puerto Rico (hello, mofongo and flan!), I was definitely feeling out of shape. But this week, I finally got in a solid, sweaty workout—the kind that feels like you’re detoxing every pastelillo and pina colada. It wasn’t easy, but it felt amazing to get moving again.

Weekly Spotlight 

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”African Proverb

This timeless saying reminds us that while ambition and drive are essential, true success is rarely a solo journey.

 

Categories
Weekly Gratitude

April 6, 2025

This week I am grateful for…

56. The Ocean 

57. Summer Weather 

58. Epic Adventure

59. Delicious Food

60. Dessert Delights 

61. A fun Coincidence 

62. The Rainforest

63. History

64. Safety 

65. Birds 

It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted a gratitude update—life took me on a 10-day adventure in beautiful Puerto Rico! To catch up, I’ll be sharing 10 gratitude moments in this post and the next, bringing me back on track toward 260 moments for the year. Here’s what I’m especially grateful for this week:

#56: The Ocean


If you’d asked me three weeks ago whether I’m a beach person, I would’ve said, “Not really.” But now? It’s complicated—but yes! I fell head over heels for the crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches of Puerto Rico. Our Airbnb was right by the ocean, and when I close my eyes, I can still hear the soothing sound of the waves. It was magic.

#57: Summer Weather

Escaping New England’s chilly, rainy spring for Puerto Rico’s sunny warmth felt like a dream. Most days were in the 70s and 80s, with the occasional dramatic downpour that only lasted 20–45 minutes before the sun came shining back. It was refreshing in every sense of the word.

#58: Epic Adventure


One day, my partner and I joined a rainforest tour that turned out to be more adventurous than we’d anticipated—and I loved every second. We hiked deep into the forest, slid down a natural water slide, did a bit of rock climbing, cliff-jumped into cool waters, and swung on a rope tied to a tree like we were kids again. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m so glad it did.

#59: Delicious Food


Puerto Rico is a food lover’s paradise. From savory mofongo to the most flavorful Puerto Rican rice and bean, I couldn’t get enough. I even tried a piña colada at the restaurant that claims to have invented it—and as someone who rarely drinks, I have to say, it was worth it.

#60: Dessert


Oh, the desserts! Traditional Puerto Rican flan, rich chocolate cake with creamy ice cream… It felt like a week-long celebration of sweetness. I may have come back with 3 extra pounds but Zero regrets.

#61: A Fun Coincidence


While enjoying dessert at a little restaurant near our Airbnb, we randomly chose a fancy-looking table. Midway through our cake, we noticed a sign above us that read: “On June 14, 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama had lunch at this table.” What a fun and surreal surprise—we were literally eating cake where a president once sat!

#62: The Rainforest


El Yunque National Forest stole a piece of my heart. We visited twice and could’ve gone again. Cooler than the rest of the island, it was a welcome break from the heat and humidity. From the top of one of its towers, we had a stunning view of palm trees, endless shades of green, a distant city, and even the ocean. Nature at its most majestic.

#63: History


Old San Juan was a vibrant mix of history, culture, and color. I learned so much about the island’s rich past—Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, early American influence. Every cobblestone seemed to tell a story.

#64: Safety

I never take safety for granted. The fact that we flew, explored, drove around a new place, and returned home without incident is something I deeply appreciate. It’s a gift that’s easy to overlook.

#65: Birds


I spotted so many bird species I’d never seen before—each one with its own unique song and splash of color. Listening to them in the early morning or while walking through the rainforest added a quiet joy to the trip.

Weekly Spotlight 

This week, I’m shining the spotlight on one of my all-time favorite songs—“Lovely Day” by the late, great Bill Withers. Few songs lift the spirit the way this one does. Withers’ smooth voice, soulful energy, and timeless message are the perfect recipe for instant good vibes.

Here are some of the lyrics that always bring a smile to my face:

“Lovely Day”
Written by Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough

When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be…
A lovely day

Chorus:

Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day
Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day

A lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day
Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be…
A lovely day

What brought you joy this week? Feel free to leave a comment below.