Author: Peter

This week I am grateful for…

181. Upcoming Trip to Ithaca, New York
182. An Adventurous Evening
183. The Relief of Finding My Wallet
184. The Kindness of a Stranger
185. A Fun Fact (or Two)

#181: An Upcoming Trip to Ithaca, New York

This Friday, my girlfriend, her best friend, and her partner are all heading with me to Ithaca for Apple Fest and I’m already counting down the days. In past years, we’ve indulged in everything apple: crisp cider, warm cider donuts, and slices of pie that taste like autumn itself. But Apple Fest is more than food—it’s the atmosphere. Ithaca in the fall is stunning, with rolling hills and trees with shades of red, orange, and gold. Some of my favorite memories are from wandering the paths around Ithaca College and Cornell, completely surrounded by that magic. I can’t wait to soak it all in again, this time with even more good company.

#182: An Adventurous Evening

Last night turned into a little adventure. We started with a trail walk in a local park, one I’d never tried before. As the sun dipped under the horizon, it painted the sky and trees with vibrant shades oranges and deep browns.

Afterward, we headed downtown Worcester for sushi, then stumbled upon a heavy metal concert at the Palladium. The energy was wild, and even though it wasn’t planned, it added an exciting twist to the night. We ended with a casual walk through the city, enjoying the buzz of it all.

#183: The Relief of Finding My Wallet

You know that moment of panic when you think you’ve lost something important? That was me this week after the gym. I drove to work, reached for my wallet, and nothing. Cue the frantic bag shuffling, pocket checking, and “oh no, what now?” thoughts. Just when my stress was peaking, I found it tucked in a side pocket of my gym bag. The relief in that moment? Priceless.

#184: The Kindness of a Stranger

There’s something small but heartwarming about someone holding the door for you, even when you’re a bit too far away. Of course, it comes with that mini stress jog to show you appreciate it, but still, it’s such a thoughtful gesture. It happened to me this week, and it reminded me how little acts of kindness can make a day brighter.

#185: A Fun Fact (or Two)

I love collecting fun facts, especially the ones that make people pause and go, “Wait, really?” We all know tomatoes are fruits, right? But did you know avocados are fruits too? And get this—cucumbers, eggplants, and peppers (yes, even bell peppers) are officially fruits as well. Makes you look at your salad a little differently, doesn’t it?

Weekly Highlight 

In the spirit of fruits and veggies, here’s a quote I came across recently:
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

What about you—what’s one fun fact you’ve learned recently that made you smile?

This week I am grateful for…

171. Crickets

172. Teaching FYE

173. A Great Workout

174. The Last Ice Cream of the Season

175. Running into Old Friends

176. A Gliding Red-Tail Hawk

177. Sun After Rain

178. Music While Doing Dishes

179. Morning Fog on My Commute

180. Sleepcasts

#171: Crickets

During my mindfulness practices this week, I found myself tuning into the sound of crickets again. It reminded me of an experience a year ago after my silent retreat in remote Vermont. At first, I thought the sound was unique to that place, but when I returned home, they were still there, steady and clear. That’s when I realized something: the crickets had always been there—I just hadn’t been listening. My partner confirmed this when she said she rarely noticed them unless she paused and really paid attention. That moment changed me. This week, I’m grateful for mindfulness—and for the quiet reminder of crickets.

#172: Teaching First Year Experience Seminar

Last week, I had the privilege of teaching my very first First Year Experience course at QCC. Meeting the students, hearing about their hopes, and engaging in meaningful discussions filled me with energy. There’s something inspiring about being with students at the start of their journey. Also big shoutout to my coworker that made all this possible, you know yourself!

#173: A Great Workout

You know those workouts that leave you sore for days, yet proud of yourself for showing up? I had one this week. My pectoral muscles are still reminding me of it, but I keep going back. One classmate joked, “Remember, it’s us versus the trainer—and we outnumber her!” That got the whole group laughing.

#174: The Last Ice Cream of the Season

This week, a local shop closed for the season, and I made sure to savor one last scoop of my favorite flavor, black raspberry. It felt bittersweet: a small farewell to summer, but also a sweet welcome to fall. I did, however, chuckle (and cringe a little) at their chosen end-of-season motto: “Come get your last lick.” Some things are better left unbranded. Here is a photo I took…

#175: Running into Old Friends

Sometimes life surprises you. My girlfriend and I decided to walk at a nearby park instead of our usual one, and I ended up running into not one, not two, not three—but four old friends I hadn’t seen in ages. We caught up, shared stories, and ended up walking five miles around the track together. Pure serendipity.

#176: A Gliding Red-Tail Hawk

One evening this week, I spotted a red-tail hawk high in the sky, almost motionless, gliding on the wind. The golden sunset lit up its brown-and-white feathers, and for a moment it looked like time itself had paused. Majestic.

#177: Sun After Rain

After a long, rainy day, the clouds finally broke. On my evening walk, the sun made a brief but dazzling appearance, painting the sky with shades of orange and gold. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie.

#178: Music While Doing Dishes

Doing chores isn’t always fun, but I’ll admit—I secretly enjoy when it gives me an excuse to play music. This week, I was vibing so much while doing dishes that I almost wished it had taken longer.

#179: Morning Fog on My Commute

On my way to work, I was greeted by a soft fog resting over the distant horizon. It transformed the ordinary commute into something calming and picturesque.

#180: Sleepcasts

One of my bedtime rituals is listening to Headspace sleepcasts—soothing stories set in places like cozy inns or peaceful gardens. They help me unwind, let go of the day, and drift into restful sleep. This week, I’ve been especially grateful for this gentle practice.

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’m Grateful For…

161. Overnight Rain

162. Toastmasters

163. A New Adjunct Professor Role

164. A Friendly Cat

165. Evening Walks

166. Cooling Temperatures

167. The Approach of Fall

168. Back-to-School Energy

169. Succession

170. Kenyan Tea

#161: Overnight Rain

Yesterday afternoon, while sitting outside, the sky shifted in an instant. Dark clouds rolled in, the wind shook the trees, and the air felt charged with anticipation. Soon, lightning flashed, thunder roared, and a tornado warning buzzed across my phone. It was humbling, a little scary, but also awe-inspiring.

When the rain finally came, it poured with force, rattling the windows and creating a river on the ground. Later in the evening, the storm softened into a gentle patter, tapping on the glass like nature’s lullaby. I fell asleep to it and slept like a baby.

#162: Toastmasters

This week, I delivered my very first Toastmasters speech. The nerves were there, but so was the joy. What stood out most was the thoughtful feedback I received from the group. Over the years, public speaking has become something I no longer avoid but a skill I’m learning to shape. That shift in perspective feels empowering.

#163: A New Adjunct Professor Role

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been offered an adjunct professor position at my workplace! My first class is this Tuesday, and I’m both excited and honored for the opportunity to step into this new chapter.

#164: A Friendly Cat

On a walk with my girlfriend, we stumbled upon the sweetest little tuxedo cat; black fur, white paws, and the friendliest meow. He brushed against our legs, followed us down a narrow path, and completely stole our hearts.

Curious, we knocked on a nearby door to ask if he belonged to anyone. A kind couple told us he’s the neighborhood cat, free to roam. Relieved, we said goodbye (though my girlfriend had a hard time walking away). Hoping we cross paths with him again soon.

#165: Evening Walks

Speaking of walks, I’m grateful for the evening strolls my girlfriend and I shared this week. A simple rhythm of steps, conversation, and presence. It’s these small rituals that make life feel full.

#166: Cooling Temperatures

Lately, the weather has lingered between 64–74°F, which to me is absolute perfection. Cool enough for a sweater in the morning, warm enough to exercise comfortably, and crisp enough for restful sleep at night.

#167: The Approach of Fall

These cooler days are a gentle nudge that fall is near. I don’t want to rush it, but I can’t deny that autumn is my favorite season. Stay tuned for some fall-themed posts coming soon!

#168: Back-to-School Energy

As a student, back-to-school season was always bittersweet, happy reunions with friends mixed with the sadness of summer’s end. Now, working in higher education, that ambivalence remains. Part of me mourns the quiet of summer, but another part comes alive seeing students return and campus energy build again.

#169: Succession

After putting it down last year, I recently restarted Succession on HBO. Five episodes in, and I’m completely hooked. The writing is sharp, the characters messy, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes.

#170: Kenyan Tea

Few rituals bring me joy like a cup of Kenyan tea. The aroma, the creamy swirl of milk, the warmth in my hands—it’s a daily moment of comfort I savor deeply.

---

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is a quote from Arthur C. Brooks:

“Satisfaction comes not from chasing bigger and bigger things, but paying attention to smaller and smaller things.”
— From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

151. Family Reunion

152. Nephews and Nieces

153. Raspberry Chip Frozen Yogurt

154. Hosting an Elite Runner

155. Toastmasters

156. A Coworker’s Kindness

157. Delicious Veggie Omelette

158. A Quick, Cheap Tire Fix

159. A Friendly Cashier

160. Abbot Elementary Laughter

#151: Family Reunion

Two weeks ago, I had the joy of spending a full week with my family at our annual reunion. The weather was hotter than I would have wished, but the chance to catch up, share old stories, play games, and explore local attractions was priceless. Like any family, it’s not always rainbows and roses—but at the end of the day, I’m deeply grateful for the love and connection we share.

#152: Nephews and Nieces

My nephews and nieces brought a whole new level of energy to the reunion. Unpredictable, hilarious, adventurous, and endlessly joyful, they made every moment more fun. Honestly, the gathering wouldn’t have been complete without their laughter and playful spirit.

#153: Raspberry Chip Frozen Yogurt

My partner’s family has a tradition of getting raspberry chip frozen yogurt whenever they’re together. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of chocolate, but there’s something magical about the crunchy chips blended into that black raspberry flavor. It just works. Yum!

#154: Hosting an Elite Runner

Last weekend, my girlfriend and I had the incredible honor of hosting an elite long-distance runner. She welcomed us into her world, introducing us to her teammates and coach, and the entire experience felt nothing short of inspiring. Our curiosity got the best of us—we asked her way too many questions—but she answered them all with kindness and patience. To top it all off, she finished 5th in her race, with her teammate taking 3rd. I’m still in awe, and deeply grateful for the time we shared. Thank you for your authenticity and brilliance—we can’t wait to see all the great things ahead for you.

#155: Toastmasters

I recently joined a local Toastmasters club to improve my public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. The group is welcoming, supportive, and full of insightful feedback. Every meeting feels like a step forward—and I’m grateful to be learning from such inspiring leaders.

#156: A Coworker’s Kindness

I can’t share too many details just yet, but I’m very grateful to an amazing coworker who connected me with an exciting potential opportunity. Fingers crossed—I’ll share more soon!

#157: Delicious Veggie Omelette

No explanation needed—just look at the picture below. Pure happiness on a plate.

#158: A Quick, Cheap Tire Fix

Last week, my car’s low-pressure light came on. At the gas station, I spotted the culprit: a nail in the tire. I braced for a headache at the repair shop, but instead, they patched it in under 30 minutes—for only $13! Fast, painless, and affordable? It felt like Christmas came early.

#159: A Friendly Cashier

Sometimes it’s the little things. At Whole Foods a few weeks ago, I had a cashier who was so cheerful and helpful that I left the store smiling. People who bring that kind of positive energy into the world deserve a shout-out.

#160: Abbot Elementary Laughter

My girlfriend and I have been binging Abbot Elementary, and it’s been laugh-out-loud hilarious. Sometimes we literally have to pause the show just to catch our breath from laughing so hard. Can’t wait to finish this season and gear up for Season 5!

Weekly Spotlight

At Toastmasters last week, our club president shared a quote that really stuck with me:

“Effort and courage are not enough without direction and purpose.”
A powerful reminder that it’s not just about working hard—it’s about knowing why we’re doing it.

Back to Routine, Full of Gratitude

There’s something refreshing about returning to your own rhythm after time away. The past two weeks have been a blur of travel, new faces, breathtaking views, time with family, and little moments that made me pause in gratitude. From standing on stage at a national conference to savoring Earl Grey ice cream under the Colorado sun, these days were rich with experiences worth remembering.

141. Great Talk at a National Conference

142. New Connections

143. Hiking the Rocky Mountains

144. Delicious Hand Rolls

145. Perfect Weather

146. Earl Grey Ice Cream

147. Strolling to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre

148. A Great Conversation with an Uber Driver

149. Running into an Old Coworker

150. Fishing

 

#141: 🎤 Great Talk at a National Conference

Two weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at a national conference in Denver, Colorado, alongside the Dean of my program. Our presentation, Fostering Belonging for Students at a College, drew a little over 30 attendees. The reception was heartwarming. Several participants stayed afterward to share how impactful the talk was. My hope is that they bring what they learned back to their campuses and create practices that truly help students feel they belong.

#142:🤝 New Connections

I connected with higher education staff from across the country, swapping stories about both successes and challenges. Hearing about shared struggles and creative solutions was both validating and inspiring.

#143: 🏔 Hiking the Rocky Mountains

While in Colorado, my partner and I hiked a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 3-hour trek was moderately challenging, but the view from the top was humbling—a sweeping panorama that made us pause in awe. I’m deeply grateful for the memory we made together. Look at the photo that I took above.

#144:🍣 Delicious Hand Rolls

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love sushi. On this trip, I tried hand rolls—like sushi, but in a crisp seaweed cone. Just writing this makes my mouth water.

#145: ☀️ Perfect Weather

We lucked out, sunny skies, dry heat, and hardly a drop of rain the entire trip.

#146:🍦 Earl Grey Ice Cream

Move over, black raspberry, there’s a new contender. Earl Grey ice cream was a surprising, fragrant delight. I may have found my second favorite flavor.

#147: 🎶 Strolling to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre

We made a stop at Red Rocks Park in Jefferson County, home to the iconic amphitheater. A concert that night kept us from going inside, but the walk around the park was stunning. We even spotted a mother deer with two fawns, an unforgettable sight.

#148: 🚗 A Great Conversation with an Uber Driver

One of my favorite ways to experience a place is by talking with locals. Our driver, a towering 6’6” artist, had traveled the globe—from China to Ethiopia to countless U.S. states. His stories were as colorful as his life.

#149: 👋 Running into an Old Coworker

This weekend brought an unexpected joy: running into a coworker I hadn’t seen in 12 years. We swapped updates and reminisced about old colleagues.

#150: 🎣 Fishing

Over the past two weeks, I went fishing a couple of times. I’m no pro, but being out in nature with the water lapping nearby is pure relaxation.

Weekly Spotlight

A parable: The Monk and the Minister
Two close boyhood friends grow up and go their separate ways. One becomes a humble monk, the other a rich and powerful minister to the king. Years later they meet.
The minister, seeing his friend’s worn robes and thin frame, says, “If you could learn to cater to the king, you wouldn’t have to live on rice and beans.”
The monk replies, “If you could learn to live on rice and beans, you wouldn’t have to cater to the king.”

Most of us fall somewhere in between. As for me, I’d rather be closer to the monk.
—J.L. Collins, The Simple Path to Wealth

This week I wanted to bring back a post from last summer. Revisiting this post filled my heart with gratitude.

136. New Opportunities

137. Traveling 

138. Campfires 

139. Perfect Timing 

140. Baby Bunnies 

#136: New Opportunities

This week, I’m full of gratitude for new beginnings. I’ve been offered a job at a local community college, and I’m absolutely thrilled about it. I’ll officially start my new role in late July. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the person who told me about this position (you know yourself- you are a real one) and to all my references (I appreciate you all so much!) Your support means the world to me, and I’m eagerly looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

#137: Traveling

Next week, my girlfriend and I are heading to Nashville for a fun vacation! We’re on a mission to visit all 50 states, and with this trip, we’ll have crossed off our 14th state. Nashville, Tennessee, here we come! Stay tuned for a future post where I’ll share all about our adventures.

#138: Campfires

I absolutely love summertime and all the activities that come with it. This week, while on a hike, I was enveloped by the nostalgic and comforting smell of a campfire. There’s something so magical about that scent, isn’t there? It instantly brought back memories of past summers and made me appreciate the simple joys of the season.

#139: Perfect Timing

In my apartment complex, you need a key to enter the apartment’s dumpster area. This week, as I was about to pull up to the dumpster with my car, I had that familiar, sinking feeling of knowing I forgot something important—my dumpster keys. Just as I had successfully completed a big, disappointed sigh, I noticed something magical. A woman driving behind me saw my predicament and knew exactly what I needed. She happily opened the gate for me. Not all heroes wear capes—thank you so much, kind stranger in the Honda Civic.

#140: Baby Bunnies

As I mentioned on June 19th, we discovered a nest of adorable baby bunnies in our garden. I’m happy to report that we successfully kept them alive and healthy until they left the nest this week. Watching them grow and venture out into the world has been such a joy. Here’s a picture I took of them.

Good luck out there, baby bunnies—wishing you all long and happy lives!

This week I am grateful for…

131. Couch-Shuffling Comedy

132. Petting a Random Dog (Who Wasn’t “Cute”… Until She Was)

133. A Great Audiobook

134. A Canceled Work Meeting (Sweet, Sweet Freedom)

135. Family Vacation on the Horizon

#131: Couch-Shuffling Comedy

My neighbor is moving out, and this week I caught a glimpse of two of her friends helping her carry a couch. What cracked me up was the way they did it—tiny, overly cautious shuffle steps, completely in sync, like they were performing a weirdly elegant dance routine. It was unnecessary, hilarious, and oddly beautiful. They seemed to be having the time of their lives, and I thought: When it’s my turn to move, may my people show up with that same ridiculous, joyful energy.

#132: Petting a Random Dog (Who Wasn’t “Cute”… Until She Was)

My partner LOVES dogs. And by “loves,” I mean she will suddenly grip my arm with great urgency and whisper, “I must pet that dog,” whenever one crosses our path. This week, we met a little Shih Tzu on our walk. At first glance, I’ll be honest—she wasn’t the cutest pup I’ve ever seen. But then she came up to us, tail wagging like she was on caffeine, full of personality and joy. She had this gentle, goofy spirit that melted our hearts. Within minutes, we were grinning and noticeably more relaxed—like she had cast some kind of fur-covered stress relief spell.

#133: A Great Audiobook

There’s something deeply satisfying about a good audiobook—especially one with a captivating narrator. It turns errands into a treat and makes chores feel like quiet moments of escape. Right now, I’m listening to Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari. True to form, he’s brilliant, thought-provoking, and just a little terrifying. The book dives into the future of humanity and AI, and while some parts are bleak, I find myself completely absorbed. It’s the kind of listen that lingers long after you’ve hit pause.

#134: A Canceled Work Meeting (Sweet, Sweet Freedom)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: few things spark unexpected joy quite like a canceled meeting. That moment when you’re mentally bracing yourself for another long Zoom call and then—bing!—an email arrives: “Apologies for the late notice, but I’ll need to reschedule…” Suddenly, you’re doing a silent victory dance and whispering, “Thank you, universe.” You reply with a polite, “No worries at all!” but inside, you’re thinking, Thank you for having the courage to save us both. 

#135: Family Vacation on the Horizon

Every year, my family comes together for a week of laughter, games, shared meals, and storytelling. It’s a tradition I look forward to and cherish deeply. Knowing that it’s just around the corner fills me with gratitude and excitement. These moments recharge me in the best way and remind me of what really matters: connection, love, and quality time with the people who know you best.

Weekly Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is a Swahili saying:
“Ukipishana na ndovu kunya, utapasuka msamba.”
Literally translated: “If you compete with an elephant to defecate, you will rip your crotch.”

The meaning?
Not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes, wisdom lies in walking away rather than trying to prove a point or match someone else’s might. Choose your battles wisely, not all battles are worth fighting.

This week I am grateful for…

131. Catching the Bus Just in Time

132. Hanging Out by the Beach

133. A Refreshing Shower After a Long, Hot Day

134. The Gentle Dings of a Wind Chime

135. Chipmunk Chase (Love or War?)

#131: Catching the Bus Just in Time

This weekend, my partner and I took a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. It was quite the adventure—we biked to the ferry station, hopped on the ferry to the island, then rushed to catch a bus to Oak Bluffs. One highlight of the day was catching the bus back just in time to grab lunch before our return ferry.

We were power-walking toward the bus stop, about 100 feet away, when the driver closed the doors and prepared to pull off. I quickly waved, hoping to catch his attention. Thankfully, he saw us and gladly let us on. We had to jog a little to make it, but that was a small price to pay for perfect timing. Sometimes, it’s the little wins that make the day even sweeter.

#132: Hanging Out by the Beach

I never thought of myself as a beach person, but slowly, I’m starting to get it. There’s something about the calm, the sound of the waves, and the relaxed energy that’s growing on me. I still prefer sitting under some shade—I’m not a fan of intense sunlight on my skin—but the whole vibe is incredibly soothing. This week, I’m grateful for the chance to simply sit by the beach, feel the breeze, listen to the waves, and just be. It’s a beautiful reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

#133: A Refreshing Shower After a Long, Hot Day

After spending the day biking, walking, and soaking in the summer heat on Martha’s Vineyard, few things felt as satisfying as the cool shower that awaited me at home. It was pure bliss—washing away the sweat, the dust, and the stickiness of the humid day, leaving behind only a clean slate and great memories. That simple, refreshing shower was a quiet, perfect ending to an active day.

#134: The Gentle Dings of a Wind Chime

There’s something magical about the soft, random dings of a wind chime swaying in the breeze. My partner’s grandma has one hanging in her backyard, and sitting on the porch listening to it is surprisingly peaceful. It’s one of those small pleasures I didn’t know I needed. Maybe one day I’ll have my own wind chime—of course, I’d probably need a house to go with it first!

#135: Chipmunk Chase (Love or War?)

One afternoon this week, I sat outside and watched two chipmunks in what seemed like an epic chase. They danced around with so much urgency and determination that I couldn’t tell if they were fighting or flirting. I like to think it was a playful game, maybe even a little romance. Either way, it made me smile and reminded me of the joy in observing everyday moments.

---

Weekly Highlight

This week’s highlight is a thought-provoking quote from Yuval Noah Harari:

“One of history’s few iron laws is that luxuries tend to become necessities and to spawn new obligations… How many young college graduates have taken demanding jobs in high-powered firms, vowing that they will work hard to earn money that will enable them to retire and pursue their real interests when they are thirty-five? But by the time they reach that age, they have large mortgages, children to school, houses in the suburbs that necessitate at least two cars per family, and a sense that life is not worth living without really good wine and expensive holidays abroad. What are they supposed to do, go back to digging up roots? No, they double their efforts and keep slaving away.”

It’s a powerful reminder to be intentional about the life we’re building and to regularly check whether what we’re chasing still aligns with what truly matters to us.

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.