A day filled with focused work. 

An afternoon brimming with music and dance. 

An evening spent in the company of like minded folks. 

A lot to be grateful for!

With the election results, there has been a lot of angst about the future. But there have also been messages about taking the time to rest so we can recover and rekindle the fighting spirit. These articles made me ponder about self care. 

Self care has meant different things in different phases of life. But I am coming to realise that at its core, it’s about taking care of and nurturing my body, mind and spirit. It’s about knowing the boundaries of what I can and cannot do; respecting my limitations without being defined by it. It’s stepping back and stepping in. Resting and recovering.  It’s listening mindfully to the voice within. It’s all the forms, big and small, in which I show up for myself to work on the hard parts. It’s understanding that only when I wear my oxygen mask and allow myself to take a deep breath will I have the wherewithal to take care of the person next to me. It’s not something I can short change. It’s love, grace, strength, and courage rolled into one. It’s what makes me wholesome.

Gratitude for this learning. 

Thank God, it’s Friday!  Just glad that the week is done. Have to go now to cuddle up with the little one and continue to binge watch.

Like so many others in this part of the world, I am sad, disappointed and worried. Regardless of the outcome, a big salute and heartfelt gratitude for the Harris campaign and the volunteers who gave their all and more to build momentum and put up a fight leading up to the election. Grateful to the poll workers who volunteered their time so eligible voters like you and me can fulfill our civic duty.

It’s election night here. It’s nerve wracking. 

When life is overwhelming and it feels too much, I am grateful that I have my faith to lean on. I take refuge and solace in surrendering, in letting go and asking for strength and grace. Serenity prayer is what comes to mind tonight. 

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change

the courage to change the things I can

and the wisdom to know the difference.

I first heard about Suleika Jaouad in Maya Shankar’s A Slight Change of Plans podcast. I heart Maya Shankar and she had high praise for Suleika so I had to follow Suleika’s  work. I read her brilliant memoir Between Two Kingdoms and fell in love with her writing. And of course, I had to subscribe to her Isolation Journals weekly newsletter. Her writing makes my Sunday. So poignant, a reflection of life lived deeply. Check her out! 

Profoundly grateful to have crossed path with her works.

Today’s gratitude goes to my six- inch sub loaded with veggies that the family grabbed for me. It hit the right spot after a carb loaded dinner from last night. It slowed the day and allowed me to focus on my work commitments.

Dressed as Bart Simpson this year, he counts the candy one after the other. 197 in total. With excitement he insists that I take a white chocolate KitKat. I gaze at him wondering if he will go trick or treating next year. Maybe. Maybe not. 

I look at the Halloween pictures from the past – Winnie the Pooh, Ninja, Superman, DJ, astronauts, robber, skeleton, and some random characters that I have long forgotten. I feel a wave of gratitude wash over me. It was not necessarily pure fun in the early years as it was one more thing that we had to plan for – what to buy, what’s on sale, how to sneak in town trick or treating on a work day, and other minutia.  It was a lot of juggling, it was stressful at times. But it was always always worth it. That sparkle in the eye, that million dollar smile, that joy in sorting the candies, the innocence of it all… if that’s what you get in exchange, who wouldn’t want to put in the work? 

It’s November. It’s time to write gratitude posts.  I am having an unusual month so I am fully expecting not to be able to post every day.  I am telling myself not to let the perfect be the enemy of good. I will write when I can and when I can’t, I will give myself some grace. 

Ram and I are watching Kim’s Convenience Store on Netflix. This is a show that Hari and I used to binge watch. Now my second run with Ram. The child can’t stop laughing! Gratitude for the little moments of lightness after an intensive week. 

I read the posts from the past. I see the pictures over the years. It all feels like a dream. It has been 14 delightful years with this child and we can’t have enough of him. 

To my sleepover buddy, binge watching partner, stretch goal companion….may you be filled with joy, happiness, and love. May you be kind and compassionate, to yourself and others. Happy birthday, we love you more than you can ever imagine.