I’m deeply grateful for the past two years of 260 Grateful Moments. This space has been a steady light for me—especially through seasons that felt heavier than I ever expected. Looking back, I’m reminded that gratitude didn’t erase the hard days, but it helped me find something to hold onto in the middle of them.
Thank you to every one of you who read along, shared a kind word, or simply took a moment to pause with me. Your presence made this journey feel less like I was writing into the void and more like we were walking together—one small moment at a time.
I’m stepping into a new chapter that I’m genuinely excited about. At the same time, I’m realizing I won’t have the time to keep posting at the pace this project deserves. So this will be my final post—for now.
Not a goodbye forever, but a heartfelt “see you later.”
Below are some of my favorite gratitude moments from the past two years—the ones I know I’ll carry with me, long after this page goes quiet.
256. Time with Family
Our trip to Iowa gave me the chance to spend quality time with family. With everyone living so far apart, I’ve learned to treasure these moments more than ever. I feel so fortunate to have such a loving, kind, and supportive family. They’re truly a blessing in my life.
257. Moment #21: 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 she told me could explained some of my symptoms. H.Pylori is a bacterial infection that affects your stomach I learned 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.
258. #82: My Mother
As I write this, it’s Mother’s Day, and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for my mom. Words truly fall short. If I ever write a book about my life, it will begin—and likely revolve around—how incredible she is. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without her courage, love, strength, and guidance. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there!
259. Adventure with Baby Bunnies
Baby Bunnies part 1
June 19, 2024
As I’ve mentioned before, my partner and I rented a gardening plot for the season. This week, while tending to our garden, we noticed some disturbed grass, hinting at a hidden nest. Days later, to our surprise and delight, we discovered a nest with a litter of newborn baby bunnies. They were tiny and fragile, and we immediately committed to ensuring their safety and well-being until they’re fully grown. Stay tuned for updates on these adorable bunnies!
Baby Bunnies Part 2
June 29, 2024
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!
260. Adventure in the South
July 17, 2024
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.
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.
Bonus: Six-Day Silent Retreat
August 25, 2024
Silence
Two weeks ago, I embarked on a six-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.
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.
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.
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.
Bonus 2. Fall Adventures
Sep. 30, 2024
Apple Picking
This week, I went apple picking with friends for the second time this season, and it was just as magical as the first. There’s something about being out in nature, picking fresh apples straight from the tree, and enjoying moments of laughter and connection with the people you love. We indulged in warm cider donuts, sipped apple cider, and even spent time with some farm animals. It was the kind of day that felt like a perfect snapshot of Fall—filled with joy, warmth, and memories that will last. Here goes one pic from the occasion.
I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and for the friends who made it so special. Here’s to more days like this!
A Double Bald Eagle Sighting
Oct. 27, 2024
Speaking of beauty, I had not one, but two unexpected encounters with bald eagles this week! The first was on our walk to the fall festival. At first, I mistook the eagle for a turkey vulture until I saw its unmistakable white head and tail. I was so excited that I pointed it out to a few nearby people, and we all paused to admire its graceful flight.
Later that day, on the drive home, another eagle crossed our path about 20 minutes from home. I am grateful for nature as it has a way of giving us these fleeting, magical moments that leave a lasting impression.
Hot Beef Stew on a Cold Day
Nov. 3, 2024
After a long, stressful day at work this week, I came home to an unexpected gift. Before I even opened the door, the delicious aroma hit me—I thought it might be from a neighbor’s apartment, but no, it was coming from inside. I walked in to discover my partner had prepared homemade beef stew and freshly baked bread from scratch. After a day filled with stress, this warm, comforting meal was exactly what I needed. Nothing beats hot beef stew and fresh-baked bread on a cold, rainy fall evening. It was a beautiful reminder of how much thoughtfulness and love can lift a person up. See the picture of it above.
-Till next time
Peter
