Gratitude · Jodythinks · Love/Life · Thanks

What I’m grateful for, week 51 of 52

1. Family and friends. I got a ton of support from loved ones this past week as I made a ton of menial moves. It’s great when people are there for the fun, exciting stuff, but being there for the not fun things, is extra heartwarming.

2. So much food we couldn’t close the fridge. Our family couldn’t be together this year for the second time in a row. So they sent over the feast. They cheated on the no gifts rule by sending over a ton of food. I’m annoyed and also extra grateful.

3. Taking more control of my life. I depend on a lot of other people, too often, but I like having control more than I would like to admit. It’s scary and impractical, but it feels like the best fit for me.

Song of the week: I’ll Be Home for Christmas by She & Him

What are you grateful for this week?

Cheese · Gratitude · Jodythinks · Love/Life · Thanks

What I’m grateful for, week 50 of 52

1. Incredibly smart people that are kind. Often, one can show up without the other. I’ve been lucky enough to know and love people that are both. I learn so much everyday and I’m thankful for the people that make that a human experience and not just a transactional one.

2. Progress. I am an extremely impatient person, and more than once I have cried about setbacks the past week, but at the end of the day, even the smallest steps are still steps. I can often forget that, so this is a good reminder.

3. Being able to witness people show up to an office talent show. It may sound lame, but with less than a week’s notice, talented freaking people showed up and did not phone it in. It could have been so easy to just be chill and not have anyone participate, but we saw amazing talent, and it’s such a great baseline for next year. It’s the little things.

Song of the week: Tayong Dalawa sa Pasko by Nobita

What are you grateful for?

-J

Gratitude · Jodythinks · Love/Life

What I’m grateful for, week 49 of 52

Holy hells. It’s 3 weeks to the end of 2021 and I’m still in early 2020. But I digress. Here’s what I’m grateful for this past week:

1. A meal for 3 for 158 pesos ($3USD). An errand run for 2 dogs with three people because our dogs do not have any chill, but gave us the chance for a meal we’ve missed these past two years. Fishball, kwek kwek and dynamites. Plus two large mango shakes. Solb.

2. Friends who show up. If there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s that there are people that really show up for you. Literally and figuratively. One of the ones I’m extra grateful for is my friend Carla, and I’ve written about her before. She just shows up for you, full tilt, no questions asked, not expecting anything in return.

3. Tagging along. I have always called myself Balsam adjacent (a step up from alumni because i’m at all events), and tagged along a small get together this week. I was half asleep and was maybe half in my flask of bourbon— but it was a good feeling nonetheless. Like a secondhand high. This team was genuinely excited to be around each other and share their happiness, and that’s hard to find nowadays. It really drives down the importance of human connection in this *gestures at everything* situation.

Song of the week: I Should Have Kissed You Then by Peej

What are you grateful for?

-J

Gratitude · Jodythinks · Love/Life · Songs to listen to · Thanks

What I’m grateful for, week 48 of 52

1. The beginning of independence. Sounds ridiculous for someone who’s 35 years old, but also in a very traditional, conservative country and family. I am being vague on purpose, but independence means a lot to me — especially what it took to get there.

2. Great support. I have leaned on a lot of people, and continue to lean on still. It still takes a village to survive this (gestures at everything), and I’m glad my tribe is solid.

3. The healing power of music. I’ve tossed, turned, had incredibly vivid sad dreams this week, and when I get up — the only people awake are across the world and are hard to hug. Solution? Music. I’ve listened to bass drops and classical symphonies, and Disney to get my headspace a little out of funk, and it’s helped a ton.

Song of the week: Eleanor Rigby, rearranged by Cody Fry with an 80 piece orchestra and 400 person choir. I have been a puddle on the floor, especially with these lyrics:

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

I’ve found my new funeral song.

What are you grateful for?