Today, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a few of my favorite gratitude moments from 2025 so far.
221. Moment #7: 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.
222. Moment #18: An Upcoming Trip
You know that childlike excitement that bubbles up when you’re planning a vacation? That’s exactly how I feel right now! This March, during spring break, my girlfriend and I are heading to a warm destination. While the details are still coming together, just dreaming about the sunshine and adventure lifts my spirits. Stay tuned for more updates!
223. 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 he 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.
224. Moment #26: Adventure with Mr. Cheese
A few days ago, we spotted a bright yellow cat lingering outside our apartment. It was dark and freezing, and our concern grew as we watched him hover near the entrance, as if hoping to slip inside. My first thought was that he belonged to our next-door neighbor—after all, she has a sign on her door that reads, “Please don’t let the cat outside.”
We tried coaxing him in, but he was skittish, walking away and hiding in the shadows. We tried knocking on our neighbor’s door but there was no response. Unsure of what to do, we consulted google and friends. That’s when my partner’s best friend suggested something brilliant—setting up a makeshift shelter. We placed a bin outside, lined it with warm towels, and hoped he would find refuge there overnight.
The next morning, we saw him again, this time nibbling on something near another neighbor’s door. Moments later, a window opened, and more food dropped onto the ground. Curious, I approached the neighbor to ask if she knew anything about the cat.
That’s when I learned so much.
Turns out, he’s a stray that she—a veterinarian—has been feeding for weeks! She even gave him a name: Mr. Cheese. Her goal is to slowly earn his trust in hopes of eventually adopting him. To our delight, she had even set up a time-lapse video, which captured Mr. Cheese curling up in our box for shelter. Seeing that brought my partner and me so much joy. Here is a blurry picture of him…
Stay tuned—we’re hoping for a happy ending in the adventures of Mr. Cheese!
225. Moment #31: A Healthy Baby Nephew
My heart overflows with gratitude as we welcome the newest addition to our ever-growing family. With 10 nephews and nieces now, my heart is fuller than ever. I’m especially grateful for a smooth and healthy delivery. And to top it off, this little guy made his grand entrance on Valentine’s Day—what a perfect day to be born! Welcome to the world, sweet nephew.
226. Moment #39: The Sweet Sound of Birds Returning
With the first hints of warmth come the early songs of songbirds. This week, I heard the gentle cooing of doves, a sure sign that spring is on its way. Their soft, rhythmic calls bring an instant smile to my face, a reminder that soon the world will be buzzing with new life and outdoor adventures.
227. Moment #41: A Healthy Arrival
This week brought the sweetest news—my friend welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world! I couldn’t be more thrilled. Welcome to the family, little niece! I cannot wait to meet you!
228. Moment #72: “Stand By Me”
There’s something timeless about Stand By Me. That opening instrumental? Instant chills. I was late to the party—I didn’t hear it until college—but ever since, it’s had a permanent spot on my feel-good playlist. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, once I hear that first note, I’m singing along like no one’s watching
229. #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!
230. Moment #86: Swallows Dancing in the Sky
Swallows have returned, swirling and gliding in the spring air. There’s something so calming about watching them move, their freedom and grace almost meditative. They remind me of the swallows I grew up seeing in Kenya—a sweet memory carried on the wind.
231. Moment #104: 🌊 A Refreshing Jog by the Ocean
We spent the weekend in Cape Cod with my partner’s family, and it was full of great conversations, delicious meals, and laid-back vibes. But one of my favorite moments? Going for a jog along the bike trail by the ocean. The cool breeze, ocean views, and rhythmic sound of my feet hitting the path—it was equal parts invigorating and meditative. A perfect blend of movement and stillness.
232. Moment #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?
233. Moment #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.
234. Moment #143: 🏔 Hiking the Rocky Mountains
While in Colorado, my partner and I hiked a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 3-hour trek was moderately challenging, but the view from the top was humbling—a sweeping panorama that made us pause in awe. I’m deeply grateful for the memory we made together. Look at the photo that I took above.
235. Moment #151: Family Reunion
Two weeks ago, I had the joy of spending a full week with my family at our annual reunion. The weather was hotter than I would have wished, but the chance to catch up, share old stories, play games, and explore local attractions was priceless. Like any family, it’s not always rainbows and roses—but at the end of the day, I’m deeply grateful for the love and connection we share.
236. Moment #182: An Adventurous Evening
Last night turned into a little adventure. We started with a trail walk in a local park, one I’d never tried before. As the sun dipped under the horizon, it painted the sky and trees with vibrant shades oranges and deep browns.
Afterward, we headed downtown Worcester for sushi, then stumbled upon a heavy metal concert at the Palladium. The energy was wild, and even though it wasn’t planned, it added an exciting twist to the night. We ended with a casual walk through the city, enjoying the buzz of it all.
237. Moment #193: A 5K and a Humbling Win 🏃🏽♂️
I ran a 5K this week and somehow ended up being the fastest in my age group. It felt good — though I couldn’t help but laugh, thinking, “Not bad for a grandpa!” A humbling but fun moment that reminded me progress is something to celebrate, no matter the scale.
238. Moment #190: Stars in the Night ✨
One of my favorite surprises was the night sky. With little light pollution in upstate NY, the stars were bright and clear! It was a bright as I remember growing up in Western Kenya. Back then, the moon and stars were so bright they could light your path on a clear night. Seeing bright stars again brought back a quiet kind of nostalgia.
239. Moment #196: Apple Picking & Cider Donuts
‘Tis the season for apple picking! Last year, I went four times — and somehow, each trip felt better than the last. Yesterday, I revisited one of my favorite orchards, surrounded by rows of crisp apples, good company, and the irresistible smell of freshly made cider donuts. Warm, sugary, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re a fall dream. Let’s just say the next few days will be filled with apple-inspired recipes (apple crisp is first on the list!).
240. Moment #199: Walks at Dusk
One of my favorite times of day is right before sunset. This week, I went for a quiet walk at dusk and was struck by how peaceful everything felt. People hurried home, the horizon glowed with orange light, and fall leaves shimmered like fire. I passed 2 houses where they had just turned on their TV, heard birds singing their last songs of the day, and even saw a few bats swooping through the air. It was simple and a little bit magical.
241. Moment #216: Upcoming trip to somewhere warm
My partner and I will be celebrating our five-year anniversary soon with a trip somewhere warm and beautiful. Just knowing sunshine and adventure are around the corner makes me smile every time I think about it.
