100 things I'm grateful for
a little challenge I created when I was in the dumps
As a natural pessimist, it’s helpful for me to practice gratitude, which I do in various ways: in my head when I wake up in the morning, in my prayers when I go on a walk, or in my journal when I scribble something every day.
The list is free from affiliate links — I’m not trying to sell you anything except to practice gratefulness. This week, I was very down so I came up with a challenge: write 100 things I’m grateful for. It was harder than I thought. After 30 or so, I was surprised with the difficulty to come up with more but it proved to be a great way to push myself and see the good during this season’s chaos.
In no particular order:
this cute fish outfit that my daughter would not let me wear at school drop off.
garlic confit by Gjelina may make your farts warmer and stinkier but this recipe is worth it. Plus, I’m convinced I dodged my entire family’s cough because of my recent overconsumption of these immunity busters.
my fingers that look like E.T.’s (go ahead and look at the lead photo again for proof). But these hands have taken me through different careers in storytelling with lots of typing and handwriting.
the enneagram couples report, a meaty piece of literature exposing you and your partner’s BS. It’s an opportunity to see you and your partner through fresh eyes, with a bit more understanding and, if you’re both brave and vulnerable enough, you can meet your relationship with yourself and your partner with new wisdom.
the esalen institute, a place I went for healing in gorgeous Big Sur. My workshop teacher Erika Gagnon facilitates a BIPOC scholarship and my donation (among other donors) was used to sponsor two BIPOC scholars at a retreat this weekend. Healing should be more accessible to underserved communities.
a burgeoning practice with prayer without any religion attached to it. spirituality is fascinating to explore.
my therapist. my coach. my psychiatrist. and the many healers I’ve worked with. All different people helping me be a better me.
the brown skin I was born with. I was self conscious about it for much of my childhood.
my Filipino heritage. I was self conscious about it for much of my childhood.
my two sisters, who taught this baby sister everything she needs to know about being a woman, being myself, being a loyal (girl)friend, and the importance of women’s bodily autonomy.
my mom, an 80-year-old with lavender hair, a retired chemical engineer, who goes on cruises to ballroom dance on oceans across the world.
reminiscing about my dad with my sisters.
work pants by Big Bud Press. I learned about these from writer Chanel Miller. They’re cotton and have a stretchy waist in the back and they look so good on many different body types. Plus, you can do lunges in them, what more can you ask for in pants?!
lunar logics superbrews take me back to that moment of pure bliss when I was a kid sitting in front of the campfire sipping on hot cocoa and the 5 marshmallows my mom shockingly let me put in it. Favorites: golden mylk, cacao high, rose chai.
admitting I hate small talk and embracing meaningful 1:1 conversations.
the little talk deck to spark conversation with my kids. These are great to leave in the car and play along on long drives. Research shows that the motion of the car and facing the same way make it easier to talk.
sleeping with a cracked window to receive crisp fresh air while cozied up under a pile of warm blankets.
a perfectly boiled egg with a medium consistency yolk. I achieve this by boiling the water first, carefully placing the eggs in the pot, cook for 8 minutes and 30 seconds, then place the eggs in an ice bath.
buttered popcorn at the movies and the acceptance that I’m 100% guaranteed to feel like crap afterward.
forcing myself to write down what I’m grateful for when I’m feeling like an ungrateful POS in another mood swing.
forgetting my phone at home, freaking out, and then feeling free after I’ve realized forgetting it was the best thing for me.
my orange journal I use as a catch all. it’s my calendar, my therapist, my random thoughts holder, my deep dark secrets book, my to do list organizer.
the hammock between 2 eucalyptus trees in my front yard.
the man I met 23 years ago at freshman orientation. we recently celebrated 14 years of marriage.
walks with my friends.
walks with my daughter.
walks with my husband.
walks by myself. without carrying my phone.
my toes and feet in solid condition so I can continue to walk. And the feeling of accomplishment when I walk after a big meal even though I didn’t want to get up and do it.
my mood stabilizing drugs, which has been one of my most helpful medicines, after many years of living with a mood disorder.
our nanny, who has been with us for nearly 4 years. this is a miracle amount of time to have consistent, reliable, trustworthy help for my kids and household.
the piano in my home that my sisters and I failed to play. my kids now press their fingers on it and make music with it almost every single day.
my robot swiss knife I have a love-hate relationship with — a.k.a. my iPhone, data tracker, mini laptop, music machine, texting tool, calendar, timer and alarm clock, digital shopping gadget, weather man, and GPS gizmo.
my home uniform consisting of house robes and house shoes. It’s all about comfort and warmth.
this ceramic travel mug/bottle because drinking coffee out of stainless steel tastes like acid metal. Although, mine is starting to chip even though I obsess over taking care of it. Is there a better one out there?
over-the-ear headphones to muffle noise because I learned I’m sound sensitive.
a women’s moon circle I’ve been attending for more than a year.
our healthy kids. And the privilege to raise them, guide them, and prepare them for the world when they become adults.
our two dogs, two cats, and 8 chickens.
my sourdough starter.
my long hair I do not need to style or blow dry. it air dries fabulously.
the grays in my hair.
coffee. Specifically, Joshua Tree Coffee Company’s Mellow Ethiopian.
drinking a large glass of warm water in the morning. it gets things moving in my body after a long night of stagnation.
seeing my kids’ art work.
seeing my kids do their chores around the house.
second-hand clothing on poshmark.
my home office. I recently remodeled it to evoke more peace, therefore more creativity.
watching my 3 teenage nephews grow into intriguing young men.
yoga.
throat coat. even when my throat doesn’t need any coating. it just tastes good.
when I’m served coffee in a ceramic cup at a coffee shop. baristas, why ask me if I want it “for here” or “to go” if you’re going to give it to me in a paper cup anyway?!
sun chips (french onion flavor) and ruffles (cheddar and sour cream flavor).
ceramic bowls from A-Z West containers. these are sturdy sons-of-Bs, can handle the microwave and dishwasher, and a bit of a beating.
two swings in my living room, the most used seats in the house.
the fridge and freezer. the dishwasher and washing machine. microwave and toaster oven. all the machines that have changed domestic life.
our solid oak dining room table, a family heirloom.
our orange hand chair that no one sits on because it’s crazy uncomfortable but it’s a giant plastic piece of fun and proof I make responsible purchase decisions.
financial security.
my college experience and bachelor’s degree.
a consistent flossing routine + my happy gums.
streaming tv and movies. Remember being at Blockbuster when we’d wait at the returns section for someone to drop off the hot movie out of stock?
quick pickled onions. chop a red onion, place it in a jar, fill halfway with 2 types of vinegars, fill the rest with water, optional teaspoon of sugar. ready in 5 min.
my extended family members.
my in-laws.
trash service.
the owls that hoot in my trees.
clean water to drink.
the hot water in my shower.
San Diego weather.
my book club.
cheese and crackers.
my favorite fruit, a crunchy persimmon.
my favorite vegetable, beets.
the dictionary and thesaurus. both online and in book form.
my probiotic and multi-vitamins for women over 40.
the long couch in my office, on which I take naps.
the ability to breathe thanks to my allergist — my respiratory disease is currently in remission.
our garden. I do not have anything to do with it. It is a labor of love from my husband and two kids.
our beautiful remodeled home. And when we receive the compliment that our home has good energy.
my book collection.
a creative drive.
my emerald ring from the 1800s.
solitude.
quality time spent with my family and friends.
free shipping. expedited shipping. online shopping.
shopping in-store and getting to hold, feel and smell the item I’m buying when I’m buying it.
my work ethic.
doing my best and doing hard things.
quitting what’s not working for me.
rest. naps. relaxation.
seats that recline at the movie theaters so that when I watch a kids movie, mama has the option to NAP.
meditation.
the smell of eucalyptus in my yard after a night of rain. When we bought our home 11 years ago, we had to cut down more than 150 overgrown eucalyptus trees because it was a hazard and ugly. We still have plenty left on the land and the smell after the rain is glorious.
our pool and jacuzzi.
the sauna that came with our house and I keep meaning to use more.
fresh air to breathe.
the US Navy veteran’s benefit that helped pay for my college. And my parents who paid for the rest of it!
my parents, who did their best. And the other guardians of my childhood, my grandma, my aunts and uncles, and my sisters (hey, they’re on here twice!)
my ancestors.
Those pants though! Love your list and your resilient spirit. Thanks for sharing your gratitude glimpses with us. BTW have you heard of Ross Gay and his Book of Delights? You'd dig him.
I’m sorry you’re feeling down and I hope you feel peace in the coming weeks. 💕