Author: Peter

This week I am grateful for…

91. LinkedIn Connections

92. Spring Flowers

93. Dove Songs

94. Shoes

95. Family of Woodpeckers

 

#91: LinkedIn Connections

Lately, I’ve been considering applying for a meditation teaching certificate program at Brown University. After thorough research, I felt it wise to connect with alumni from the program via LinkedIn. I reached out to several, and I’m thankful that the majority responded promptly. The conversations have been invaluable, leaving me feeling empowered and inspired about pursuing this path.

#92: Spring Flowers

Every time I step out for a walk, I’m greeted by the vibrant colors of spring. It’s my favorite season of the year—wait, is it fall? Or maybe summer? Yet, the beauty of snow holds its own charm. Regardless, I’m deeply grateful for the abundance of beautiful spring flowers in every corner..

#93: Dove Songs

Spring seems to awaken all kinds of birds, making it a bustling time for bird admirers like myself. Among the variety of songs, I find myself particularly grateful for the gentle cooing of doves that occasionally wake me from sleep in the mornings.

#94: Shoes

While disposing of household trash near the dumpster this week, I accidentally stepped on sharp broken glass. Though my shoes got a minor cut, it made me pause and reflect—what if I hadn’t been wearing them? Growing up in Kitale, Kenya, I’ve encountered sharp thorns and rocks, making me especially thankful for the protection good quality shoes afford.

#95: Family of Woodpeckers

During a recent walk, I passed by a partially decayed tree and was startled by the loud cawing coming from it. Moments later, a large red-capped woodpecker emerged from a hole in the trunk, followed by another. To my delight, I could hear the faint chirping of their chicks inside. Witnessing this natural spectacle filled me with immense gratitude.

What are you grateful for this week?

This week I am grateful for…

86. Flying Swan

87. New Connections

88. Boston Celtics

89. Acai Bowl

90. Rain and Sun

 

#86: Flying Swan

This week, I found myself by a local pond, basking in the warmth of the sun and the serenity of nature. Suddenly, a rhythmic whooshing sound captured my attention, growing louder with each passing moment. Swiftly, I turned to my left and beheld a sight of sheer majesty—a white swan gracefully gliding just above the water’s surface. Later, I discovered that this close-to-surface flight is made possible by the “Ground Effect,” enhancing efficiency for birds in flight. I felt truly fortunate to witness such a spectacle this week.

#87: New Connections

During a volunteering event this week, I struck up a casual conversation with a fellow volunteer whom I hadn’t previously met. He shared with me an inspiring tale of his journey—he immigrated to the United States from Nigeria six years ago. Hearing his story was both humbling and motivational. Thank you for opening up and sharing your experiences with me.

#88: Boston Celtics

As an avid supporter of the Boston Celtics, I couldn’t help but rejoice as they secured a victory against one of their longstanding Eastern Conference rivals, the Miami Heat, just yesterday. Here’s hoping this marks the beginning of a successful playoffs this year for the Celtics!

#89: Acai Bowl

Let’s be real, indulging in the sweet delight of a Brazilian Acai Bowl is an experience I’ll never tire of. There’s a Brazilian resaurant just an eight-minute drive from my apartment that I’m convinced serves the finest Acai Bowls in existence. Thank you for always satisfying my cravings and being a reliable source of utter joy!

#90: Rain and Sun

Earlier this week, the skies were covered in darkness, with heavy rain pouring relentlessly for three consecutive days. Having grown up in Kitale, Kenya, where season heavy rains were common, I’ve developed a fondness for such weather. However, even I found myself longing for a break from the downpour. Then, on the fourth day, as dawn broke, the sun emerged from behind the clouds in a display of breathtaking beauty.

The sight of vibrant orange hues mingling with the clear blue sky was nothing short of cinematic. I hurriedly opened my window to bask in the sun’s golden glow, just moments before it dipped below the horizon. It was a fleeting yet profoundly beautiful moment of clarity and serenity, for which I am deeply grateful.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

This week I am grateful for…

81. Discovering a Park

82. Chance Encounter

83. Mall Walking

84. Spices

85. Boston Marathon

#81: Discovering a Park

This week, I’m grateful for stumbling upon a stunning park within walking distance of my apartment. While leisurely walking through the neighborhood and absorbed in a podcast, I decided to explore a new street. Suddenly, to my right, unfolded a scene of lush greenery, towering trees, and joyful children, creating a joyous setting. But what truly captivated me was a basketball hoop that was all but calling my name. I eagerly anticipate my upcoming visits to this park.

#82: Chance Encounter

During another routine neighborhood walk this week, I was startled by a honk from a dark grey SUV with tinted windows. Pausing to investigate, I was greeted by the beaming face of a high school friend who lives roughly 40 minutes away. This unexpected reunion brought me immense joy, and catching up with her was a delightful surprise. I’m truly grateful for this chance encounter.

#83: Mall Walking

Despite overlooking it during the winter months, I’m now immensely thankful for the mall conveniently located just 10 minutes away.

On those bitterly cold days when walking outside was impractical, the mall provided a warm and welcoming space for exercise. To this overlooked sanctuary, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.

#84: Spices

A recent peek into my spice cabinet left me humbled by the number of options available. Though at times overwhelming, it served as a stark contrast to the limited selection I grew up with. Among them, the spice “Royco” holds a special place in my heart, a staple both in my current kitchen and in my childhood home in Kenya. For this abundance and diversity, I am truly grateful.

#85: Boston Marathon

Witnessing this year’s Boston Marathon was an experience filled with pride and inspiration. As the elite runners passed just a 10-minute walk from my apartment complex, I marveled at their extraordinary athleticism. Each year, they ignite a sense of awe within me. It fills me with immense pride to see Kenyan runners excel, with a Kenyan man clinching third place and Kenyan women sweeping the top three spots. I stand in admiration of these remarkable athletes.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

This week I am grateful for…

76. Colorful Clouds

77. Flying Kites

78. Helping a Stranger

79. Eclipse

80. Rainbow of Fruits

 

#76: Colorful Clouds

On Sunday evenings, I engage in a spirited game of basketball with friends at our local community college. As a registered mentor, one of the cherished perks is the opportunity to unwind on the court once a week. On my journey home, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, I was treated to a breathtaking sight: vibrant orange clouds painted across the sky. In that fleeting moment, I felt profoundly grateful

#77: Flying Kite

This week, on a blissful afternoon at a neighborhood park, families reveled in the warm, spring, weather. Amidst the laughter and joy, I noticed two individuals skillfully flying colorful kites. It stirred nostalgic memories of my childhood in Kenya, where friends and I crafted homemade kites from plastic bags, sticks, and string. Some attempts were more successful than others, but each flight was a lesson in perseverance and joy. We had to jog to keep the kites flying and I miss every moment of that.

#78: Helping a Stranger

This week, as I was leaving the grocery store, I noticed a man by his car, struggling to manage both his groceries and the his shopping cart. Sensing his predicament, I offered to return his cart to the docking station. His expression softened with gratitude, and he let out a heartfelt sigh of relief. In that simple act of assistance, I found a moment of genuine connection and gratitude.

#79: Eclipse

This week, our skies were graced with a remarkable celestial event: an eclipse. At precisely 3:30 pm on Monday, the moon covered 93.3% of the sun, casting an ethereal shadow over the earth for a fleeting three minutes. A generous neighbor offered my partner and I eclipse glasses, allowing us to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand. As darkness descended and the world held its breath, I couldn’t help but reflect on the marvel of existence. Amidst the darkness, there was a sense of unity and wonder—a reminder that we are all interconnected on this magnificent journey through space and time. Even in the midst of celestial drama, there was room for humor; someone later shared that the sun said “I can’t believe I got mooned” The next eclipse of such magnitude is a rare occurrence, not to be witnessed again for over 40 years. May I be fortunate enough to witness it once more.

#80: Rainbow of Fruits

I once read in a health magazine that a balanced diet should include a colorful array of fruits and vegetables. This week, I found myself deeply appreciative of the vibrant spectrum of fruits on my breakfast plate. I am talking strawberries, blueberries, avocados, bananas, and grapes. As I savored the flavors, I couldn’t help but marvel at the nourishment they provided for both body and soul.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

This week I am grateful for…

71. Spring Flowers

72. MBSR

73. Friends

74. Safety

75. Bird Feeder

 

#71: Spring Blossoms

During a walk around the apartment complex this week, I was greeted by the sight of vibrant white flowers from trees, signaling the revival of nature. Beneath them, a tapestry of colorful flowers had been carefully planted, eagerly anticipating the forthcoming warmth of summer. The embrace of spring and the blooming flowers fill me with great gratitude.

#72: Mindful Sessions

Every Monday evening, I participate in a Mindful-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) session facilitated by the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

This gathering serves as a sanctuary, grounding me amidst life’s turbulence. I am deeply thankful for the supportive community and the wisdom imparted by our instructor.

#73: Friends

This week afforded me the joy of spending time with a dear friend. Our culinary adventure led us to an Asian restaurant, where an array of delicious dishes awaited.

As expected, I indulged in a big platter of sushi, much to the disbelief of my friend, who underestimated my appetite.

#74: Safety

The North Eastern region of the USA was rattled by a significant earthquake this week, marking one of the most serious earthquake event in recent memory. Miraculously, there have been no reports of injuries or casualties. Gratitude washes over me as I reflect on the safety of those in the affected areas.

#75: Bird Feeder

Across from my apartment, my neighbor has installed a charming bird feeder, offering me a delightful view from my window. Witnessing an array of beautiful birds, from vibrant songbirds to woodpeckers. I even spot squirrels and chipmunks getting their share. Inspired by this daily communion with nature, I am inspired to set up a feeder of my own.

This week I am grateful for the following 5 things while traveling…

66. Safety

67. Weather

68. Restaurants

69. Strip Distrip

70. View of Pittsburg

 

#66: Safety

This week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traveling brings me immense joy, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to explore new places. However, my flight from Boston to Pittsburgh was marked by some of the most intense turbulence I’ve ever experienced. For about six minutes, it felt as if we were on a rollercoaster ride. Despite not having a fear of flying, the experience left me shaken, and I breathed a sigh of relief when we finally landed safely, about 30 minutes later. This week, I am particularly grateful for the gift of safety.

#67: Weather

During my visit to Pittsburgh, I was fortunate to encounter beautiful weather. Despite learning that it had been rainy and cold all week, I experienced warm and sunny days during my stay. I am truly grateful for such delightful spring weather.

#68: Restaurants

One of the highlights of my travels is indulging in brunch and dinner at local restaurants. I thoroughly enjoy exploring new cuisines. Pittsburgh’s dining scene did not disappoint. I’m thankful for the delicious omelets, Korean BBQ, Ice Cream Sundaes, chicken wings, tacos, and breakfast lox, among other delights.

#69: Strip District

Strolling down Penn Ave in the Strip District was a delightful experience. The shops lining both sides of the street boasted captivating displays, and engaging with some of the vendors provided insights into their products. I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in this vibrant atmosphere.

#70: View of Pittsburg

Perhaps the most memorable moment of my trip was taking the incline ride up Mt. Washington to behold the panoramic view of the city. The breathtaking vista left me in awe. Pausing to take it all in, I savored the moment, appreciating the sheer beauty of the cityscape. Such moments remind me of the profound gratitude I hold for life’s wonders. Here is one picture I took…

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

 

This week I am grateful for

61. An Inspiring Student

62. My Health

63. A family Member’s Health

64. 10% Happier

65. Travel

 

#61: Inspiring Student

I currently work as a Regional Program Manager for an organization that trains youth and young adults in filmmaking. This week, I was reminded of a student from Haiti who was to play a principal in a scene recreation. He is an immigrant and an English learner. The script was in English and he was struggling to deliver the lines and do the scene justice. After multiple failed attempts, we suggested that he should do the lines in French, which is his native language.

We were blown away. It was like a switch flipped. He seamlessly delivered his lines with authority and confidence like I have never seen before. I was very inspired by him. It reminded me of the saying, “If you judge a Fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live its all life believing that it is stupid“

#62: My Health

For as long as I can remember, I used to have really bad stomachaches that would even wake me up in the middle of the night. It was excruciating and persistent. It was worse when I was going through a stressful time in my life. This was before I started mindfulness meditation so I did not have any tools to help with my anxiety and stress. What used to work was medicine that my doctor prescribed for the pain but I do not like depending on medication plus it had a terrible taste.

One day, my doctor decided to test me for H.Pylori which he told me could explained some of my symptoms. H.Pylori is a bacterial infection that affects your stomach I leaned after I tested positive. I learned that it usually happens in childhood and the cause can be contaminated water. So not having access to clean water or coming from developing countries can be a risk factor.

I got on an anti-bacterial medication for the first time in my life and two weeks later, all my symptoms had ended. No more waking up in the middle of the night from pain. No more avoiding high acid meals like pasta with red sauce. No more stomach pain when hungry. I could eat fruits with citrus again like oranges and mandarin. I am very grateful for health this week.

#63: A Family Member’s Health

This week I am continuing to be very grateful for a family member’s health. I still can’t share anything publicly but they are recovering well and I am grateful for them and their health.

#64: 10% Happier

Last week I reported that I was grateful for the podcast 10% happier by Dan Harris and that I was looking forward to reading his book by the same name. I am about a third through the book and let me tell you, it is incredible. Thanks Dan for sharing you story with the world. It is very inspiring.

#65: Travel

I traveled to New Jersey this week to visit my partner’s family. I enjoyed the brisk boardwalk, the beautiful skyline, the peaceful ocean, the delicious food, and the great company.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

This week I am grateful for…

56. 10 Percent Happier

57. Kind Stranger at Airpot

58. A Family Member’s Health

59. Savoring Tea

60. Kind Store Manager

 

#56: 10 Percent Happier

This week I stumbled upon a podcast by Dan Harris called 10 Percent happier. I was little familiar with Dan Harris and his work on mindfulness before this week, but this was the first time I actually listened to him at length. The more I research him, the more inspired I am becoming. I am very excited to read his NY times bestselling book, 10 Percent Happier.

#57: Kind Stranger at the Airport

I flew to NYC on Thursday this week for work. I was working on my laptop at the gate while waiting for the plane to start boarding. The flight got delayed for an hour and a half which put everyone on edge. My laptop was about to die but none of the outlets were working. All the seats were taken around me and I kept struggling to find an outlet that worked. A kind stranger got up and asked if I wanted to use a working outlet that he was sitting next to. I appreciate you, kind stranger!

#58: A family Members Health

I still can’t share too much publicly but this week I am grateful for a family member’s health. I am very grateful you are beginning to feel better

#59: Savoring Tea

I do not always get a chance to slow down and actually savor my morning cup of tea, but this week I was able to for at least 2 occasions. The science on savoring is pretty clear, slowing down and savoring positive experiences is a powerful source of sustainable happiness and wellbeing.

This week I am grateful for an opportunity to savor my tea. I usually close my eyes and really pay attention to the flavor, temperature, smell etc. of the cup of tea. I also pay attention to any sensations that come up. In this state, I sometimes have flashes of some of the happiest moments of my life. This week it included my travel to Portland, Oregon and Cotopaxi, Ecuador! I am grateful for those moments

#60: Kind Store Manager

This week I went to a True Value Store that had just closed 5 minutes prior. I needed to make copies of a key one for me and the other one for my sister. The lights inside the store were off and I was on a tight timeline so I couldn’t go to any other stores at that time. I knocked at the door hoping they would take me but there was no answer. Just when I had given up and started walking away from the store, I heard the door open behind me. It was the store manager who was very happy to assist. Thank you so much! You saved me a lot of time and stress.

This week I am grateful for…

51. Local Diner

52. Best Friend

53. The 100 TV Series

54. MBSR

55. Delicious Strawberries

 

#51: Local Diner

There’s something magical about stumbling upon a hidden gem in your own neighborhood, isn’t there? This week, my best friend and I found ourselves basking in the warmth of a local diner, and let me tell you, it was a delightful experience.

From the moment we stepped in, the aroma of homemade soup welcomed us, instantly setting the tone for a great evening. What struck me the most was the genuine friendliness by everyone there. It felt like stepping into a welcoming summer oasis, a place where worries melt away and good vibes flourish. And the food? Oh, it was a symphony of flavors, all at a reasonable price. With each bite, it felt like a tastebud adventure, and I found myself already planning my next visit.

#52: Best Friend

But of course, what’s a memorable experience without your best friend by your side? Their presence added an extra layer of joy to the evening, turning it into an unforgettable memory. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of cherished friendships and the simple joys they bring. Thank you for a wonderful time!

#53: MBSR

On Mondays I attend the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) sessions offered by the University of Massachusetts Medical School. These sessions have become a lifeline, offering a sanctuary where I can unwind and center myself. The transformative power of mindfulness cannot be overstated, and I’m immensely thankful for the peace it brings to my life.

#54: The 100 TV Series

I recently started watching the show “The 100” on Netflix. While the acting may not be Oscar-worthy and the plot a little predictable at times, there’s an undeniable allure to the storyline. It’s one of those guilty pleasures that keeps you hooked despite its flaws, and for that, I’m grateful.

#55: Delicious Strawberries

Did you know that strawberries are not widely grown in Kenya? In fact? I did not eat my first strawberry till I moved to the United States. Strawberries can be a hit or miss for me. But this week I ate some really delicious strawberries from Trader Joe’s. I am very grateful for delicious strawberries.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…

 

This week I am grateful for…

46. Sushi

47. Leap Year

48. 60 Degree Weather

49. A Family Member’s Health

50. Student Loan Forgiveness

 

#46: Sushi

Earlier this week, I was at a Japanese restaurant with some very reasonably priced but delicious sushi. My partner’s family have been going to that restaurant for a long time and I am very happy they introduced me to it. I love the sushi from this place so much that I have notes on my phone with all the options of sushi they have with a score indicating how much I love that specific kind. Tied for number one is Shrimp Tempura and Eel with Avocado sushi!! I can never seem to eat enough sushi. I am very grateful for sushi this week.

#47: A Family Member’s Health

I cannot share too much publicly about this but my whole family had a scare this week concerning a family member’s health. Sounds like all will be well so I am very grateful for that family members health this week. Matter of fact, I am grateful for all members of my family’s health.

#48: Leap Year

This year 2024 is a leap year. I have always found it fascinating that we get a whole full day a year every 4 years. We only get to see 25 of those years if we are fortunate enough to live to be 100. I have already seen 7 of those and I hope I get to see at least 18 more. I am grateful for the leap year this week.

#49: Student Loan Forgiveness

Given that I work for a not-for-profit organization, I qualify for student loan forgiveness. I believe education should be free for everyone but until then, I am very grateful for the student forgiveness program. I still have a very very long way to go but I am grateful that I am on the path to student loan forgiveness.

#50: 60 Degree Weather

On Wednesday this week, it was very warm for February. It was 60 degrees Fahrenheit at 2pm in the afternoon. I am grateful I got a chance to go for a walk outside in that beautiful weather. Spring is around the corner. I can feel it.

What are you grateful for this week? Feel free to leave me a comment.

See you next week…