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.
