This week I am grateful for…
106. Graduations
107. The Smell of Campfire
108. Cheerios & Cornflakes
109. The Smell of Fresh Grass
110. An Osprey’s Precision
#106: 🌟 Graduations
One of the many reasons I love this time of year is graduation season. Working in higher education, I now get a behind-the-scenes view of just how much planning and coordination it takes to bring these milestone moments to life. Seeing all the moving parts come together—from seating arrangements to speeches—has given me a deeper appreciation for these ceremonies. But what moves me most is witnessing the joy, pride, and emotion on the faces of families and friends as they celebrate their loved one’s accomplishments. It’s a beautiful reminder of how far we can go with support and perseverance.
#107: 🔥 The Smell of Campfire
While out on a walk this week, I caught a whiff of campfire smoke drifting through the air. Instantly, it transported me back to previous summer seasons. Isn’t it amazing how a single scent can unlock a flood of memory and emotion?
#108: 🥣 Cheerios & Cornflakes
This week, I treated myself to a throwback: a box of Cheerios and another of Cornflakes. I hadn’t had them in years, but something nostalgic pulled me toward them in the cereal aisle. I’m happy (and slightly embarrassed) to report that both boxes barely lasted the week! There was something simple and satisfying about enjoying those familiar flavors again—like breakfast time was giving me a warm hug from the past.
#109: 🌿 The Smell of Fresh Grass
After a run this week, I paused to stretch near a patch of grass. As I leaned in, the earthy, fresh scent filled my senses. It was such a small moment—but it stopped me. That smell, that breath of the outdoors, reminded me how lucky I am to be alive and present. Sometimes, gratitude lives in the quietest moments.
#110: 🦅 An Osprey’s Precision
While relaxing on a park bench overlooking a pond, my partner and I watched an Osprey circling overhead. Below, a few people lined the water’s edge, fishing with patience but no success. Within minutes, the Osprey locked eyes on its target, dove headfirst into the water, and emerged triumphantly with a fish clutched in its talons. We sat in awe, watching it shake off the water and soar into the sky until it vanished from view. The entire moment—swift, wild, and graceful—left us speechless. Nature has a way of humbling us like that.
Weekly Spotlight: The Story of the Hummingbird
This week’s spotlight is a powerful, inspirational story shared by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a PhD. She tells the tale of a brave little hummingbird who does what it can in the face of overwhelming odds. It’s a reminder that even small actions, taken with courage, can spark great change.
Take a moment to watch it below—you’ll be glad you did.
