Every day is a day that reminds us to cherish the people we still have in our lives and spend moments with them whenever possible.
In any moment that I feel like I’m lacking in something or when I’m jealous of what someone else has, I take a moment to grab my journal and write down at least 10 things I have in my life that I’m blessed with. Doing this has continuously helped me release these down feelings and put a smile back on my face.
And so, I ask of you, dear reader, to take a moment from reading, grab a piece of paper and pen (or a notepad on your laptop or phone), and think of all the blessings you currently have in your life. Experiences, achievements, people, and emotions. Everything and anything that comes to mind. Write them down one by one. Reflect on them, and how you felt when you received these blessings. Once you’re done, keep it in a safe space. As the year progresses, write down at least one blessing every day or week, or month on this same list. Feel free to add a date and time.
When you’re in constant gratitude, you’re constantly opening your door to the infinite blessings that are waiting to enter your life.
This past year has been challenging for all of us, some more than others. As much blame as I can put on what’s happening around the world, I’d like to focus on the blessings I hold dear to my heart as they have helped me get through this time.
Blessings in my Life
MY PARENTS, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, MENTORS, INSTRUCTORS, PEERS
You kept me afloat when I felt like drowning. You helped open doors for me that were chained shut. You kept pushing me forward. Your undying support and belief in me and my abilities have motivated me to gain my own confidence and strength. You are the ultimate blessing I’m grateful for.
Read More: Thank You
BEING BORN AND RAISED IN SAIPAN IN THE 1990S
I can’t imagine myself being born anywhere else in the world at any other time. I’m grateful to have grown up in a culturally diverse community that is not only proud of their background, but are highly resilient when challenging times occur. Saipan may be geographically tiny, but it’s my home, and home will always feel infinitely abundant. I’m also grateful to have been born in a decade that experienced massive transitions with technology and historical progressions.
MOVING TO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
I don’t think it’s any surprise to my family and close friends that moving to San Francisco has been a positive life changer for me. I, and they too, have seen immense growth and maturity in my actions and behavior. I’m quite surprised, but grateful, with the change. If I hadn’t moved to San Francisco, I don’t think I’d be as emotionally mature and free now as I was for the past three years. Of course, there are moments when I slip up, and when I do, I turn to meditation and prayer to calm down, reflect, forgive, re-learn, and move forward.
MY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
I may not physically be in great shape, but I am learning to love my body more and more, and I’m working on having it at a much healthier weight to not just be able to wear smaller sized clothes, but to take care of my heart, lungs, and stomach, and every organ inside my body that hasn’t been treated well in a while. I may also have tons of mental breakdowns, but I am extremely grateful that I’m mentally strong enough to keep going and achieving goals greater than what I had originally set.
DISCOVERING THE CREATIVITY AND PASSION WITHIN ME
Thank you, DC and The 7. You both taught me to take a path that welcomed only a few travelers, at least in our environment. With that, I was able to unlock what’s been hiding for so long and accept them into my life.
MY EDUCATION AND SKILLS
I had been a student for 20 years. Whether I was an honor student or a blossoming artist, I’m grateful for every single byte of knowledge that my brain has absorbed. From the Pythagorean Theorem and Newton’s Laws of Motion to HTML, CSS, WordPress, and UX/UI design, I am grateful for it all. The pressure of attaining perfect grades and envisioning beautiful creations was always there, but with hard work and determination, the results we want will always be achievable.
MY BELONGINGS AND PRIVILEGES
“I don’t have many things” is what I’d say if I truly believe that I don’t. But I do. I’m grateful to have and be able to get, all the general necessities as well as indulgent wants throughout my lifetime. I’m happy that my belongings last for years, and would need replacements only either when they’re worn out or when I want to switch to new energies. I’m also grateful for all the privilege I possess from my citizenship and student status.
PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Because of them, I feel safer in my own home and neighborhood. I have fresh meals served at convenient restaurants; my mail sent and delivered anywhere in the world; my eyes, teeth, and body checked at hospitals; practical and creative knowledge; technology; power & water; groceries; smooth roads; laws; and so much more that is often taken for granted. You are greatly appreciated, and I admire you for your passion and willingness to help others. You are the superheroes in this universe.
MY ADVENTURES AND EXPERIENCES
Good and bad, happy and sad, I’m grateful for everything that I went through. I wouldn’t have known many of what I know now if it weren’t for them. I wouldn’t have gone out of my comfort zone and discover what I’m capable of if it weren’t for them. I’m so excited about what other adventures and experiences await.
CONSTANTLY HEALING, LEARNING, AND GROWING
I’m no longer being so hard on myself when something uncomfortable happens. I’m slowly forgiving and loving myself every day. I now know that when challenges happen, I’m being taught a lesson. I embrace the opinions and understanding of others. I welcome the expansion of my knowledge, skills, and compassion towards everything and everyone.
LETTING GO AND MOVING FORWARD
The weight on my shoulders has been lifted and is still continuing to lift, and I’ve been feeling so much lighter on my journey.
Read More: Letting Go & Moving Forward
NATURE
I’m grateful for oxygen. I’m grateful for the mesmerizing forests, skies, and oceans. I’m grateful for the unique and beautiful creatures of the land, air, and sea. Mother Nature has given us more than what we’ve asked for; and, in return, all she asks is for our love and care, the same as I would treat my own mother. So, I’m doing everything I can to make sure my mothers are just as happy as a baby giggling away on a sunny day. Let’s all do that, shall we?
ENTERTAINMENT
Music, books, movies, museums, fairs, art shows, TV shows, plays, concerts, dances, sports, games, etc. I’m grateful for each and every one of them. Fictitious or not, they help keep my imagination, knowledge, physical health, and excitement going. I’m grateful for all of the talented and hard-working individuals who participate in these and provide laughter, excitement, healing, happiness, and peace to everyone else around the world.
WAKING UP
I don’t know when my last day on Earth will be, so while I’m able to open my eyes each day, I will make my days worth living.
