Month: June 2025

126. Cooling Summer Temperatures

127. Morning Dove Songs

128. A Kind and Helpful Attendant

129. Basketball with Friends and Family

130.Black Raspberry Ice Cream

#126: Cooling Summer Temperatures

Last week, we were hit with a brutal heatwave—the kind where the humidity wraps around you like a heavy blanket, and the air feels like it’s 110°F. This week, though, the temperatures finally gave in. I’m so grateful for the cooler, breezy days that have returned. I can go for walks again without feeling like I’m melting. As I write this, it’s a perfect 75°F outside, and the summer feels sweet again.

#127: Morning Dove Songs

There’s something special about waking up to the soft cooing of morning doves. Lately, their gentle songs have been my morning soundtrack, especially on sunny days. I find myself smiling before I even open my eyes, feeling welcomed into a brand-new day.

#128: A Kind and Helpful Attendant

Last week, I went to renew my Kenyan passport, bracing myself for what I thought would be a stressful process. Instead, I was met by a kind and patient attendant who guided me through everything with ease. Thanks to their helpfulness, what could have been a headache turned into a smooth, productive experience. Kind strangers really do make the world better.

#129: Basketball with Friends and Family

This week, I had the chance to shoot some hoops with friends and family. There’s something about the teamwork, the energy, and the friendly competition that makes those moments feel priceless. It’s not just a game—it’s connection, laughter, and a great workout. I’m definitely hoping for more pick-up games this summer.

#130: Black Raspberry Ice Cream

Every summer, I find myself returning to my favorite simple pleasure: a small black raspberry ice cream in a plain cone. That first taste? It’s pure magic. For just a moment, everything else fades away, and all that’s left is sweet, creamy joy.

Weekly Highlight

This week’s highlight is a quote from Neil Pasricha’s The Book of Awesome that perfectly captures one of life’s simple joys:

“Gliding down the bike path on a Saturday morning, you whip by somebody pedaling in the opposite direction and give each other a nod. For a moment it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re both doing the same thing. Let’s be friends for a second.’”

Here’s to those fleeting moments of connection, those quiet nods that remind us we’re all just moving through life together.

This week I am grateful for…

121. A Kind Stranger at the Checkout Line

122. Walking Into Sunshine After Work

123. A Surprisingly Delicious Mango

124. A Taste of Childhood

125. Running Into an Old Friend

 

#121: A Kind Stranger at the Checkout Line

While in line at the grocery store this week, a kind stranger let me go ahead of him. I had just stopped in to grab some chicken noodle soup for my partner, who was feeling under the weather. It was a small act, but it meant a lot. Thank you, kind stranger, for your thoughtfulness—it reminded me how simple gestures can brighten someone’s day.

#122: Walking Into Sunshine After Work

One of the best things about summer? Stepping out of work into warm, beautiful weather. It feels like nature wrapping me in a hug. With longer days, I’ve had time to head to the park, shoot some hoops, or just take a walk. These moments—unrushed, joyful, alive—make the everyday feel special. I’m enjoying these days and looking forward to more.

#123: A Surprisingly Delicious Mango

Confession: I’m picky about mangoes. Growing up in Kenya, I’ve tasted some of the best. So when my partner brought home mangoes from Market Basket, I didn’t expect much. But wow—juicy, sweet, and delicious! I was slurping through every bite. Pleasant surprises like this remind me to stay open—and to say yes to mangoes more often.

#124: A Taste of Childhood

While browsing at an Indian market this week, I stumbled across cookies I hadn’t seen in years—the same ones we used to snack on in boarding school back in Kenya. We called them “biscuits,” and they were gold among friends. Of course, I had to grab a pack. Each bite brought a rush of nostalgia and a quiet moment of gratitude for how far I’ve come.

#125: Running Into an Old Friend

There’s something magical about unexpectedly hearing a familiar voice. At the store this week, that’s exactly what happened—I turned around, and there was an old friend! We caught up right there in the aisle, and it felt like no time had passed. Life moves fast, but these little reunions remind me that meaningful connections last.

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is a quote from Neil Pasricha’s The Book of Awesome, a reminder to embrace the now:

“Life is so great that we only get a tiny moment to enjoy everything we see. And that moment is right now. And that moment is counting down. And that moment is always, always fleeting. You will never be as young as you are right now.”

Here’s to slowing down, savoring the small stuff, and remembering that now—this exact moment—is the gift.

This week, I found myself reminiscing about a special trip my partner and I took to the South last summer. As I looked back at photos and memories, I felt a wave of gratitude for those warm, joy-filled moments. Sometimes revisiting the past is the perfect way to appreciate the current moment.

116. Perfect Timing

117. Grand Ole Opry

118. Delicious Brunch

119. Ice Cold Water

120. Sunset On The Walk Home

#116: Perfect Timing

Last week, my girlfriend and I embarked on a five-day adventure to Nashville, TN. At least, that was our initial plan. Instead, we found ourselves renting a car and exploring four states: Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Indiana. Due to our hectic schedules at work, we didn’t plan a detailed itinerary which ended up being a great thing as we allowed for room to be spontaneous. About two days into the trip, we realized that you can experience the essence of Nashville in just two full days. Despite our lack of preparation, everything fell into place perfectly.

For instance, our cab driver from the airport dropped us right in front of the African American Music Museum, one of the spots on our list. It was the first Wednesday of the month, and we discovered they offered free admission on that day! It couldn’t have been more perfect. We had just enough time to explore the museum before our Airbnb was ready for check-in.

A couple more moments happened during brunch in Louisville, Kentucky. I forgot to ask our waitress to bring my tea with the meal. She brought the tea first, and as I realized my mistake, my meal arrived just a minute later. It was a small moment of gratitude for me.

In Birmingham, AL, we visited the Civil Rights Square. My girlfriend needed to use the restroom, and we couldn’t find one nearby. We decided to head towards the 16th Street Baptist Church, a significant civil rights site. To our surprise, we arrived just in time for the last tour of the day, which started two minutes later. This tour was the highlight of our trip, a poignant and memorable experience that I’m incredibly grateful for.

#117: The Grand Ole Opry

On Sunday night, we attended a country music show at the Grand Ole Opry. I was blown away by the rich history of country music and the incredible performances. My favorite act was the final one by Don Schlitz, the songwriter behind classics like “The Gambler” and “When You Say Nothing at All.” It was a night filled with history and unforgettable memories.

#118: Delicious Brunch

One of the best parts of traveling is indulging in delicious brunches at local spots. I savored veggie omelets, pancakes, biscuits, and home fries. Each meal was a delightful experience, and I’m grateful for the wonderful brunches we enjoyed throughout our trip.

#119: Ice Cold Water

The weather was scorching hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 96 degrees. I was immensely grateful for ice-cold water during those sweltering days. Each sip felt like a moment of pure tranquility.

#120: Sunset on the Walk Home

On July 4th, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset on our walk home. The sky was illuminated with a soft, bright orange and yellow glow, with fireworks sparkling behind tall buildings. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie. Here is a photo I took which does not do it justice at all…

I’m deeply grateful for that awe-inspiring moment of bliss.

 

Weekly Spotlight 

This week’s spotlight is a thought-provoking quote by Arthur C. Brooks that reminds us what truly matters in the end:

“No one sighs regretfully on his deathbed and says, ‘I can’t believe I wasted all that time with my wife and kids,’ ‘volunteering at the soup kitchen,’ or ‘growing in my spirituality.’ No one ever says, ‘I should have spent more time watching TV and playing Angry Birds on my phone.’ 
— Arthur C. Brooks

It’s a powerful reminder to invest in the people and values that bring lasting fulfillment—not just temporary distraction.

 

This week I am grateful for..

111. Graduation, Part 2

112. A Workout That Hit Different

113. A Work Trip to Look Forward To

114. Family Reunion Time

115. Rain, But Make It Refreshing

#111: Graduation, Part 2

This week, my heart was full as I watched students I’ve worked with over the past year walk across the graduation stage. I had the honor of calling their names, and seeing them light up with pride while their families and friends cheered them on was unforgettable. I’m so proud of all they’ve accomplished—and I can’t wait to see where life takes them next.

#112: A Workout That Hit Different

You know those workouts that stay with you for days? I did one of those ab sessions this week. Every sneeze, cough, or laugh reminded me of it—but in the best way. I’m sore, but also energized and ready to “torture” myself all over again soon.

#114: A Work Trip to Look Forward To

I’ve got an out-of-state work trip coming up, and I’m genuinely excited. It’s a chance to meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn best practices that will help me grow in my role. Can’t wait to soak it all in.

#114: Family Reunion Time

Each year, my family gathers for a week of laughter, games, storytelling, and adventure. This tradition is one I treasure, and I’m especially grateful for the upcoming reunion—it always fills my cup.

#115: Rain, But Make It Refreshing

It’s been raining a lot lately, but thankfully the weather has been warm. One day while walking to my car, a soft rain hit my face—and instead of being a nuisance, it felt oddly refreshing. Let’s see what the weather will be the next couple of days.

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is NPR’s Hidden Brain podcast titled “Being Kind to Yourself.” It offers a powerful reminder to practice self-compassion and treat ourselves with the same kindness we extend to others. Truly a thought-provoking listen!

Being Kind to Yourself