After ten unforgettable years with my trusty Honda sedan, affectionately named Vikki, I had to say goodbye when it was time to sell. We shared countless memories, and parting with her was bittersweet. To honor the good times, I decided to invest in a new hybrid of the same brand. While it wasn’t cheap, I made a sizable down payment and worked hard to pay it off quickly to avoid those high-interest rates. Two months ago, I made my final payment, and I’m thrilled to say goodbye to those monthly car payments! The sense of financial freedom from car payments is a huge win this week.
#192: Good Vibes with Friends
This week was a blast as I got to spend quality time with friends. We kicked off the fun with apple picking, followed by a delicious grill session featuring burgers and hotdogs. The laughter and good vibes were infectious, and I’m already looking forward to our next get-together. There’s nothing like the joy of hanging out with great people!
#193: Sound of Fall Leaves
Autumn has officially arrived, and I’m soaking up every bit of it. While walking through the neighborhood, I couldn’t help but relish the crunch of fall leaves beneath my feet. It’s still early in the season, so the leaves are just starting to pile up, but it’s a welcome reminder of the cozy days ahead. Stay tuned for more autumn-inspired updates!
#194: Furiosa Movie Night
I finally watched Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. If you’ve seen the latter, you know how gripping it is, and the prequel lives up to that intensity. It’s a bit on the violent side, but it keeps you hooked from start to finish. I’m grateful for powerful cinema like Furiosa that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
#195: Heartfelt Notes
My wonderful girlfriend, despite her busy work schedule, took the time to leave me two handwritten notes. Her thoughtfulness and love mean the world to me, and these little surprises are a reminder of how lucky I am.
What about you? What brought you gratitude this week?
This week, I had the opportunity to attend a DEI workshop on the art of navigating difficult conversations. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are deeply meaningful to me, a passion that grew during my grad school years. The trainer’s depth of knowledge was impressive, and I walked away with valuable insights that I’m eager to apply. I’m truly grateful for this chance to learn and grow.
#187: A Short Work Week
Is there anything better than a holiday that shortens the work week? Here I am, writing this on a Thursday morning, and it still feels like a Wednesday! Yet, tomorrow is already Friday. This week has flown by, and I’m so thankful for the extra day of rest and the feeling of the work week moving just a little bit faster.
#188: Crickets
During my 5-day silent retreat in remote Vermont, something unexpected happened—I started hearing crickets. At first, I thought the sound was unique to Vermont, but when I returned home, they were still there, clear as ever. I figured it must be the season making them so active. Then, I had a lightbulb moment. When I asked my partner, who hadn’t been on a silent retreat, she mentioned she rarely noticed them unless she paused and really listened. That’s when it hit me: the crickets were always there; I just hadn’t been paying attention. This week, I’m grateful for mindfulness—and for crickets.
#189: A Walk to the Ice Cream Store
This week, my partner and I decided to walk to a local ice cream shop, about a 20-minute stroll from our apartment. We didn’t go for the ice cream this time but for the journey itself. Along the way, we enjoyed the beautiful views of trees, birds, and a sprawling open farm in the background. It was a simple but refreshing walk, and I’m so thankful for those small moments of peace and connection.
#190: Delicious Mangoes
A few weeks ago, in Week 31, I wrote about the delicious mangoes I bought at a local Indian market. This week, I couldn’t resist going back for more, and they did not disappoint! I’m so grateful for the little joys, like finding a fresh batch of delicious mangoes to savor once again.
My morning commute is usually about 45 minutes without traffic. But this week, something magical happened on one of those drives that made the journey feel much shorter. As I passed a pond on my right, a family of geese suddenly appeared, soaring alongside my car. For about 10 seconds, we moved together at the same speed, the morning sun reflecting off their black, white, and grey feathers. It was a fleeting moment, but one that filled my heart with a sense of gratitude.
#182: Leaves Turning
It’s official: fall is here! The air is getting cooler, bright yellow school buses are back on the roads, and the leaves are starting to turn. Autumn has always been my favorite season, and I’m excited for the crisp days, the warm colors, and everything that this season brings. Stay tuned for more Fall grateful moments.
#183: MBSR Course
This fall, I’ve embarked on a new journey by enrolling in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. My goal is to become certified to teach MBSR so I can share the gift of peace, love, compassion, and joy through mindfulness. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the incredible support and guidance from the staff at Brown University. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me!
#184: A Holiday Off
This week was Labor Day, and I was able to enjoy a well-deserved day off. I spent the day catching up on household chores, but it also gave me time to relax and recharge. There’s nothing better than a day of rest to rejuvenate before diving back into the hustle and bustle of a regular work week.
#185: Butterflies at the Park
On Saturday, my partner and I took a walk through Callahan State Park in Framingham, MA. We were lucky enough to witness beautiful butterflies flitting gracefully from one flower to another, their vibrant colors dancing in the sunlight. We took a few deep breaths and immersed ourselves in the beauty of nature, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for that simple, pure moment.
This week brought a refreshing change—the weather finally cooled down to the mid-70s, and the nights are now crisp enough that we don’t need the air conditioner. It’s a small but welcome relief. My partner is convinced that this winter will be particularly cold; I suppose we’ll have to wait and see. But for now, I can feel fall approaching, and I couldn’t be more excited for the season’s arrival.
#177: Night Walk
One evening this week, I took a walk just after sunset, and it was truly magical. That time of day, when the sky is painted with the last hues of twilight, has always been a favorite time of day for me. As I walked, I noticed bats dancing through the air—two of them were either playfully chasing each other or competing for food. It was a small, moment that made the walk all the more enjoyable.
#178: Vegetable Soup
My partner and I whipped up a delicious vegetable soup this week, packed with kale, tomatoes, onions, carrots, green beans, chickpeas, and more. It turned out so good, warming us from the inside out. I’m incredibly grateful for the simple pleasure of cooking together and savoring a comforting bowl of homemade soup.
#179: Friends
I had the pleasure of hanging out with friends this week, and it reminded me just how much I cherish these moments. There’s something incredibly special about spending time with amazing people who uplift and inspire you. This week, I’m especially grateful for the warmth and joy my friends bring into my life.
#180: Meditation Room
At work, we have a special room designed for prayer, meditation, or simply finding a moment of peace. I’m so thankful for this space—I use it almost every day to recharge and center myself. With access to mindfulness app- Calm through my school, I feel fortunate to have these tools and spaces that support mindfulness in my daily life.
During the Silent Meditation Retreat I mentioned in my last post, I took only cold showers. On my first day, I turned on the shower, and cold water greeted me. Since I always turn off the water to lather up and conserve it, I assumed the retreat center didn’t have hot water. Unable to ask anyone about it because of my silence, I embraced the challenge. By the third day, I actually started to enjoy those brisk, cold showers—they felt invigorating! Reminded me of cold showers in Kenya. It wasn’t until the final day that I discovered the water simply took a little time to warm up. That last warm shower felt absolutely glorious, a comforting reminder of life’s simple pleasures.
#172: Work
Returning to daily life after the retreat took some adjustment, but this week, I found myself feeling especially grateful for my work. As I’ve shared before, I recently started a new job at a local community college, and I’m really enjoying it. The sense of purpose and fulfillment I get from my work has been a blessing, helping me smoothly transition back into the rhythm of everyday life.
#173: Coworkers
I firmly believe that the people you work with play a huge role in how much you enjoy your job. This week, I’ve been particularly appreciative of my coworkers. They’ve been incredibly kind and supportive, making me even more excited to build strong, collaborative relationships with them as time goes on. It’s reassuring to know I’m surrounded by such a positive team.
#174: Tomatoes
Our garden continues to bless us with an abundance of ripe tomatoes, and this week, I’m especially grateful for the gardening experience and the delicious produce. There’s something deeply satisfying about picking fresh, homegrown tomatoes and enjoying their rich, juicy flavor. It’s a simple yet profound reminder of the rewards that come from nurturing and tending to the earth.
#175: Car Air Conditioner
With the summer heat in full swing, I’m incredibly thankful for my car’s air conditioner. This week has been scorching, and without it, my car would easily reach temperatures over 105 degrees. It’s such a relief to step into a cool, comfortable car after being out in the blazing sun. Sometimes, it’s the little things—like a cool breeze on a hot day—that make all the difference.
Two weeks ago, I embarked on a five-day silent retreat at Karme Choling Meditation Retreat Center in Barnet,Vermont. I’m eager to share the profound gratitude I experienced during that time. It was my first silent retreat—a journey where I spent five days in silence, meditating for eight hours each day.
The first thing I am deeply grateful for is the silence itself. It’s astonishing how much you learn about yourself, your thoughts, your surroundings, and even other people when you choose to be silent. The retreat allowed me to observe my thoughts and emotions in real-time, without the usual distractions. Over those five days, I began to notice patterns in my thinking. I became aware of where my mind tends to wander, and I was able to evaluate whether those thoughts were serving me. If they weren’t, I felt empowered to gently let them go.
There were moments when the urge to speak was almost overwhelming, especially when I was in the company of others in a casual setting. Yet, I discovered the power of non-verbal communication—how much connection can be achieved through simple gestures and body language. In short, the silence was transformative. It’s incredible how much you can notice about yourself and the world around you when you embrace silence. I would highly recommend a silence retreat for anyone seeking peace, joy, and personal insight.
#167: Community
The retreat wouldn’t have been as meaningful without the incredible community that surrounded me. The teachers were knowledgeable and truly inspiring, guiding us with wisdom and compassion. My fellow participants were supportive and kind, adding layers of richness to the experience. I’m deeply grateful for each and every one of them, as they made the retreat not just rewarding, but deeply meaningful and unforgettable.
#168: Awe Moment 1
During the retreat, I experienced two moments of intense awe and gratitude. The first occurred on the third day during a walking meditation. We strolled through a garden bursting with vibrant flowers. After three days of silence and eight hours of daily meditation, I found myself in a state of profound peace, fully present in the moment. As I knelt down to smell two different flowers, I was struck by the beauty around me—the bright colors, the fresh scents, and the sight of tomatoes ripening from dark green to bright red. My heart swelled with gratitude for the Earth and its endless gifts. A tear slipped down my cheek, and for about ten minutes, I was enveloped in an overwhelming sense of gratitude—a feeling that stayed with me for the rest of the retreat.
#169: Awe Moment 2
The second awe-inspiring moment happened later that evening. It had been raining on and off throughout the day, with a hurricane passing nearby. During our last meditation session at 7 PM, the rain was pouring down. But as the session ended at 7:30, the rain stopped. A fellow participant gestured that there was something beautiful outside, and I rushed out, thinking I might catch a glimpse of a rainbow. Instead, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight—the moon, enormous and radiant, peeking through fast-moving clouds at dusk.
Drawn by the beauty, I walked down to a stream that passes close by. The power and sound of the water was humbling. As I looked up hill, I saw tall grass swaying gently in the wind, and the moon glowing brightly as the clouds danced across the sky. I was filled with an intense sense of awe, gratitude, and pure joy. The birds were singing their final songs before nightfall, and in that moment, I felt incredibly fortunate to be alive, witnessing such natural beauty.
#170: Nature
This retreat reminded me of just how breathtaking nature can be, especially when observed in silence. The retreat was nestled amidst mountains, their slopes lush with a variety of green trees. I noticed the vivid colors of birds and their sweet songs, the intricate patterns of rocks, and the dance of butterflies. Throughout the week, I encountered deer, a groundhog, and even fish in the stream.
On the last night, a meteor shower lit up the sky. I woke in the middle of the night to marvel at the stars, and in remote Vermont, it was undimmed by light pollution. At 4 AM, I joined two other participants to watch the sunrise, a moment of serene beauty that filled me with joy. For all these experiences, I am profoundly grateful.
In my culture, naming traditions are taken seriously. The firstborn boy is named after his paternal grandfather, and the firstborn girl after her paternal grandmother. The second-born children are named after the maternal grandparents. If there are more children, as was the case in my family, they’re named after the parents’ siblings in order of birth. I was supposed to have a different name, but a happy accident led to me being named Peter. I love my name and the story behind it.
#162: Niece
Kids can be unintentionally hilarious. This week, my sister was about to share something sensitive over the phone and asked my niece to give us some space. Without missing a beat, my niece said, “Ok, but you go away though!” Her innocent humor brought so much joy to my day. Thank you for the laughter, baby niece.
#163: Older Brother
As the youngest in my family, I was fortunate to have protective older siblings. This week, I reminisced about how my older brother shielded me from bullies in primary school. His protection made my school experience much more enjoyable. I don’t think I’ve ever properly thanked him—my primary school years wouldn’t have been the same without him.
#164: Friends
A big thank you to my friends who were there for me this week. Your support means the world to me.
#165: Basketball with Partner
I’m grateful for the fun of playing basketball with my partner this week. That ball fake you have is deadly!
The Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris kicked off last week, and I’ve been absolutely glued to the screen! As a huge fan, especially of track and field events, there’s nothing quite like watching these incredible athletes give their all after years of intense training. This season, one of the standout moments for me has been witnessing Mondo Duplantis set not one, but two consecutive world records in the pole vault. The energy was electric, and it was heartwarming to see his fellow competitors cheering him on as he attempted, and ultimately succeeded, in breaking his own record on the third try.
I’ve also been captivated by the relays and long-distance races like the 5000m and 10000m. There’s an indescribable pride I feel when I see Kenyan athletes crossing the finish line in those fiercely competitive races. It’s been a thrilling Olympic season, and I’m grateful for every inspiring moment.
#157: Meditation Retreat
Next week, I’m embarking on a new journey—my first silent meditation retreat! It’s a 5-day retreat in a remote part of New England, where we’ll be completely disconnected from electronics and the outside world. I’m excited, but there’s definitely a bit of nervous anticipation about what’s to come. The thought of being in total silence for that long is both intriguing and daunting. I can’t wait to share my experiences with you all in a future post, so stay tuned!
#158: Health
Three weeks ago, I tested positive for COVID. It wasn’t easy—I dealt with a terrible headache, sore throat, constant sneezing, fatigue, and even lost my sense of taste. But this week, I’m feeling so much better, and I’m incredibly grateful for my health. It’s easy to take it for granted until it’s compromised.
#159: Rain
I’ve come to realize that I might enjoy the rain more than most people! I’m not entirely sure why, but I’ve got a few theories. Whatever the reason, I’m thankful for the rain this week. It’s brought cooler temperatures and has done wonders for our garden. There’s something soothing about the sound of rain, and I’m grateful for the sense of peace it brings.
#160: Workouts
Mornings are my favorite time to work out—they set the tone for the entire day! My routine usually starts with a short yoga stretch, followed by a 30-minute meditation session, and then I dive into my workout. I aim to exercise every other day, and the mornings when I get to follow this routine feel extra special. This week, I’m particularly grateful for those energizing workouts that help me start the day on a high note.
Every summer, my family gathers for a reunion that’s become one of my favorite traditions. It’s a week filled with fun, nostalgia, games, and activities—creating memories that last a lifetime. I don’t remember exactly who started this tradition, but it’s been the perfect way for us to reconnect and catch up. With five siblings, my mom, in-laws, and nine nephews and nieces, our gatherings are anything but small! This year was particularly special. We brought back childhood games from our days in Kenya, shared old songs and stories, and created new memories with the next generation. I’m incredibly grateful for a loving, caring family that keeps this tradition alive.
#152: Ice Cream
One of the highlights of this year’s reunion was visiting a charming petting zoo and ice cream shop tucked away in rural Connecticut. The scenery was breathtaking—the lush green trees climbing up the mountain, the fresh air tinged with the scent of hay and farm animals. My nephews and nieces were thrilled to meet the llamas, alpacas, chickens, goats, pigs, peacocks, mini-horse, donkey, and rabbit. After spending time with the animals, we indulged in some delicious ice cream from the cozy shop nearby. This outing was a perfect blend of nature, fun, and sweet treats—an unforgettable experience!
#153: House of Dragons
I was a latecomer to the Game of Thrones hype, but after finally watching all seven seasons a few years ago (yes, I will skip talking about season 8, for obvious reasons!), I was hooked. Last night, I watched 2nd to last episode of season 2 of House of Dragons, the epic prequel to Game of Thrones, and wow—I’m so grateful for the incredible storytelling that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
#154: Gardening
Returning to my apartment and to the garden, I was greeted by a garden bursting with ripe, red tomatoes ready for harvest. Gardening has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so grateful to my girlfriend for having the vision to create this little oasis. It’s been a joy to watch it grow and thrive.
#155: Delicious Mangoes
If there’s one fruit that holds a special place in my heart, it’s mangoes! Back in Kenya, I was spoiled with the juiciest, most flavorful mangoes you could imagine. Finding good mangoes in the States has been a challenge, but this week I hit the jackpot at an Indian grocery market. These mangoes were absolutely mouthwatering, and I’m beyond grateful for the taste of home they brought me.
Growing up, my partner and I experienced vastly different worlds. She was raised in Massachusetts, and I never tire of hearing her childhood tales. One of a recent story involves her and two neighborhood friends using walkie-talkies to communicate. She says it was the coolest experience ever and she recalling how they’d track the mailman, whispering updates like, “He just left my house, heading to yours next!” They felt like secret agents, complete with code phrases like, “Meet at HQ!”—a designated spot where they’d gather to debrief about their adventures and the mailman’s whereabouts. These stories always make me smile, and I’m grateful she shares them with me.
#147: Sisters
I’m grateful for my three lovely sisters this week. Their love and support were invaluable during my childhood.
#148: Birds at Dawn
There was a magical moment just before sunset after a rainy day. The birds were singing their hearts out, either celebrating the end of the rain or the day. The crisp air and the sound of car tires splashing through puddles added to the serene atmosphere. I’m grateful for such peaceful moments.
#149: Psychology Reunion
A couple of weeks ago, my undergrad college held a psychology department reunion. I didn’t see anyone from my time there, but it was wonderful to reconnect with some of my former professors. I’m very grateful for my undergraduate experience, even though it felt too short. I guess it is true that time flies when you are having fun.
#150: Niece
My nephews and nieces are adorable, but this week, I’m particularly grateful for my niece. I went to pick her and my sister up to visit my brother, and just as we were about to leave, she casually said, “Sina Kiatu,” which means “I don’t have shoes.” While her mom was annoyed that she waited until the last minute to mention this, I couldn’t stop laughing at her casual delivery.
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