This week I am grateful for… 91. Family and Birthdays
92. Resting
93. Playing Basketball Outdoors
94. A Surprisingly Competitive Game of Cornhole
95. Reconnecting with My High School Teacher
96. Savoring Tea
97. One Perfect Strawberry
98. A Funny Old Story
99. No Seasonal Allergies (Thankfully!)
100. Wonderful News
#91: Family and Birthdays
Last week we celebrated my nephew’s birthday. It’s wild how fast he’s growing up. I’m so grateful for him—and for the moments we share as a family. These are the memories that matter most.
#92: Resting
After a couple of exhausting weeks, I am incredibly thankful for the chance to rest and recover as I prepare for a new week. I’m grateful for the balance between hard work and the much-needed rest that follows.
#93: Playing Basketball Outdoors
With the return of warmer weather, I’ve been enjoying the chance to play basketball outside again. There’s something magical about organized sports—the thrill of teamwork, the satisfaction of sweating it out together, and those spontaneous moments of joy on the court. Playing with friends in the fresh air adds a whole new layer of fun. I’m looking forward to soaking up even more of these outdoor moments in the coming months.
#94: A Surprisingly Competitive Game of Cornhole
At a recent work event, what started as a lighthearted game of cornhole quickly turned into a hilariously competitive showdown. It was priceless watching coworkers—who I never suspected had a competitive side—bring their A-game. The playful banter, good-natured competition, and perfect weather made it a day to remember. I’m already looking forward to more moments like this with my work crew.
#95: Reconnecting with My High School Teacher
One of the highlights of the week was unexpectedly reconnecting with my high school English teacher. I instinctively called her by her formal title, and she sweetly invited me to use her first name. I respectfully declined—some habits are rooted in deep gratitude. She helped me write my college essay and played a pivotal role in shaping my educational journey. Teachers like her truly change lives, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to express my appreciation.
#96: Savoring Tea
There’s a quiet joy in slowing down and savoring something simple. This week, that joy came in the form of a warm, freshly brewed cup of Kenyan tea with a splash of milk. Taking time to enjoy that morning ritual grounded me and reminded me of the comfort found in small, intentional moments.
#97: One Perfect Strawberry
You know that moment when you bite into a piece of fruit so good it makes you pause? That happened to me with a strawberry this week—sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It made me question my fruit loyalty. Mangoes and pineapples usually top my list, but if strawberries keep showing up like this, there may be a new contender.
#98: A Funny Old Story
About five years ago, I made the bold (and clearly questionable) decision to hand-feed squirrels at a park. One of them bit me—right on the index finger! It bled a lot, and let’s just say the squirrel’s dental capabilities were… underestimated. Explaining the situation to doctors, nurses, and friends was the real ordeal. One nurse even joked about maybe me getting squirrel superpowers after the bite—whatever those might be! Now, every time I walk past that park, I smile thinking of that bizarre but memorable encounter. I hope that little guy is still thriving in his old age. I hope he did not discover a new taste for human meat.
#99: No Seasonal Allergies (Thankfully!)
Springtime brings beauty, but also sneezes—for many, anyway. I’m incredibly grateful not to suffer from seasonal allergies. Being able to fully enjoy nature’s bloom without itchy eyes or a runny nose is a gift I don’t take for granted.
#100: Wonderful News
This week, I received some beautiful news that truly brightened my day. It’s the kind of joy that bubbles up when someone close to you experiences something great. While I can’t share the details, I’ll just say this: it’s heartwarming to witness good things happening to good people.
Weekly Spotlight
This week, I’ve been diving into The How of Happiness, a practical and research-backed guide to increasing well-being.
One quote that sticks with me:
“[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.”
If you’re looking for a grounded, optimistic read that encourages growth without being preachy, I highly recommend it.