I often talk about being grateful on my blog and listing down things that I’m blessed to have. With everything that’s happened last month in my personal life, I realized I lost my sense of gratitude and wasn’t focused on the things that I am already fortunate enough to have and experience. Instead of thinking about what my challenge was teaching me, I detested it so much that I fell into the trap of self-loath and pity.
Once I woke up from such feelings, I knew I had to get myself grounded again and think about all of the wonderful people and blessings that life has already gifted me with. Some of them are obvious, while others became so infused with the norm that I, unfortunately, overlook them sometimes, especially when life decides to throw high hurdles at me.
And when I overlook them, I end up forgetting the help, guidance, availability, kindness, and motivation to survive that they’ve done for me and millions of individuals.
What Helps Me Stay Grateful & Grounded
WI-FI AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION
The majority of my job and passion wouldn’t have been possible with the Internet. Wi-Fi has also provided me access to online entertainment, such as Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, as well as online shopping at Walmart, Amazon, Target, etc. With Wi-Fi, I have access to millions of information across the globe. Even without Wi-Fi, I still have access to information from libraries and bookstores.
ELECTRICITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES
Wi-Fi and other devices that require power wouldn’t be possible without electricity. I’m fortunate to have electricity to charge my electrical devices, such as my phone and laptop, and use other devices such as a heater, rice cooker, vacuum, electric kettle, microwave, fridge & other electrical appliances.
TRANSPORTATION
I wouldn’t be able to reach and explore far destinations without riding in a car, or public transportation, such as buses, Lyft/Uber, trains, boats, and planes.
WEARABLE CLOTHES
I may not have many flashy branded clothes or a walk-in closet with dozens of clothes in general, but I still have clothes that keep me warm and comfortable every season of the year.
IMPERFECT BEAUTY
Beauty also comes from flaws within a person’s soul. I love my imperfections and I’m constantly learning, growing, and being a better version of myself every day.
NATURE
Being in nature helps me be in the present moment. Not to mention the beauty and wonders they hold. Without trees, I wouldn’t have clean air to breathe. Without nature, there wouldn’t be various weather to experience as well.
THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS
Sunlight provides my body the vitamin it needs. The moon provides my mind the calmness it seeks. The stars provide my heart the hope it desires.
WAKING UP
I get a new day. A new day to start over. A new day to get closer to my dreams and goals. A new day to heal. A new day to learn. A new day to see my family and friends. A new day to make a new friend. A new day to start that project. A new day to live.
EDUCATION
I’m able to read, write, and speak my native language. I learned many things about the past that’s helped me understand the present. I can count and calculate numbers. I understand the scientific explanations of gravity and the universe. I have access to learn and understand a variety of cultures and their languages.
ANIMALS AND PETS
Animals, in general, are interestingly intellectual, and many of them demonstrate emotions of kindness and empathy. Garfield, my pet dog, is a loving and loyal pet who keeps my parents company while I’m away.
A HOME
I have a roof over my head and a comfortable bed to sleep on every night. I have a kitchen where I can cook my meals and a bathroom where I can keep myself freshly cleaned. I have a huge window in my bedroom that allows me to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sunset every day.
CLEAN WATER FOR DRINKING, COOKING AND SHOWERING
I live, breathe, and embrace clean water.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
I may not be perfectly healthy or fit, but I do have all 10 of my fingers and toes, as well as my limbs working fine, thus allowing me to be able to get up out of bed, walk around, clean, cook, exercise, and other physical activities. I also have a bullet journal that helps me take care of my mind and habits.
MIND, MEMORIES, AND EMOTIONS
I may think a lot, but with my thoughts, I’m able to think of anything and everything that helps me learn and move forward, as well as tap into my creative side. I may not remember a lot of things, but at least I still have some memories not tucked away. I may not always feel the best, but I can feel. I can feel happy, sad, excited, angry, confused, sleepy, etc.
COURAGE AND CHANGE
Without the tiny amount of courage I had, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Without the urge to follow my dreams, I wouldn’t have accepted my fate to change my own comfort for adventure.
BLESSINGS AND LESSONS
Everything good that’s happened is a blessing. Everything challenging that’s happened is a lesson. I wouldn’t have matured if I hadn’t gone through the hardships that I did, and I wouldn’t have stayed hopeful if I didn’t work hard to receive any and all accomplishments I have.
FREEDOM AND PASSION
I have the freedom and passion to go after my goals and dreams. I have the freedom to work from home, be my own boss, and do what I love. I have the freedom to express my thoughts and remain patient and diligent to stay on this path because it’s something that’s called out to me for a long time.
PRODUCTIVITY
I have the freedom to keep my mind and body moving throughout my day. Every action I take is one step closer to achieving everything I need and want and helping anyone along the way. I enjoy doing various things throughout my day, whether it’s writing, designing, chores, self-care, or talking to a family/friend.
LEISURE
Walking/hiking, coloring, playing mobile games, reading a book, and journaling help me stay relaxed and creative.
QUALITY TIME
Any moment with a friend or family member is always special to me. We catch up, go exploring, eat, and simply enjoy each other’s company. With the worldwide situation, this is something I’m looking forward to doing when the world finally heals.
SOLITUDE AND A DAY/NIGHT IN
And when I don’t feel up to hanging out with others, I never refuse a relaxing night in where the focus is fully on myself. I get to recharge my own energy and take care of my mind, body, and soul.
CREATIVITY AND COLORS
Although I’m not a singer or illustrator, I’m still capable of expressing my emotions through stories, poetry, and photography.
SLEEP
Without proper sleep, I wouldn’t be able to be as proactive and sharp as I normally would. Sleep allows my body to rejuvenate and my subconscious (my dreams) to bring light to what’s been bothering me and what I need to do in the real world.
QUOTES AND WORDS
My mind always feel so much lighter when I get to relate to someone else’s words and that I get to express and hopefully reach out to those who relate to my words.
PEOPLE (FAMILY, FRIENDS, ESSENTIAL WORKERS, INSTRUCTORS, EXES, STRANGERS)
Whether they are my personal support system or deliver my food or break my heart or give me a random compliment or act of kindness, I am eternally grateful for them. If it weren’t for them, I would be lost. I wouldn’t be able to find products on the shelves easily. I wouldn’t have gotten stronger. And, I wouldn’t have continued believing that the world still has kindness within.
REJECTION, PAIN, AND HEARTBREAKS
“Rejection is protection.” Anything that didn’t go how I wanted them to or anything that just wasn’t within my grasp wasn’t meant for me. Something else is waiting for me and any pain or hurt I felt is normal, but I’m going to keep moving forward and reach my own happiness.
LOVE AND APPRECIATION
I have family and friends who love and appreciate me unconditionally. My circle may be small, but they will last a lifetime. I am meant for someone in this life and I will never undervalue myself for anyone less.
WHO I AM
There’s no one else like me and no one else who I’d trade my life for.
