When You Appreciate What You Already Have: 100 Reasons to be Grateful
To close out 2020 with my journaling group, I was tasked with writing a list of 100 things I am grateful for. I have never been much for New Year’s resolutions, but this exercise in reflection was just what I needed to set intentions in the new year. In any case, I thought I would share my list. If you are reading this, I hope you are reminded that all you need is within you.
I am grateful for…
breathe. the beginning of everything.
my guides, angels, and ancestors.
2020 vision.
community — the gateway drug to a sense of belonging.
brilliant minds, creative people, and good conversation.
Black and brown joy.
art. for making me feel, then think.
music.
storytelling.
poetry. is not a luxury.
fashion — an intimate form of expression.
carry-on luggage. it’s a way of life.
chocolat.
cats. meow.
not getting what i wanted.
liberated minds.
justice.
reparations.
dynamic women.
deep connections.
direct eye contact.
a genuine smile.
belly laughs.
love languages.
bad translations.
slang language.
chosen family, they are everything.
sisterhood. it saved my life time and time again.
movingly freely with an able body.
white passing privilege.
broken promises that lead to better opportunities.
the kindness of a stranger.
an unexpected gift.
small gestures.
kind words.
thoughtful action.
being specific.
the sound of biting into something cruciferous.
white linens. so fresh, and so clean (clean).
the sun shining through a window.
plant oxygen.
golden hour.
kindred souls, twin flames, karmic bonds.
the little black dress.
flirting.
winking.
butterflies.
just the tip.
the pacific ocean.
the lavender tree outside my window.
the hummingbirds that visit the lavender tree outside my window.
candles. light is love.
face masks — self-care’s greatest hit.
anti diet culture.
Angela’s jokes. they slap in a certain way.
The 12 Days of Christmas — that partridge is queer af.
evil eye protection.
the hand of fatima.
the mount of olives.
Jerusalem.
Palestine. will be free.
olive trees. memories.
when the beat drops.
a musical encore.
lofi beats.
noise cancellation headphones.
portable bluetooth speakers.
TRL.
eyebrows that grew back after the early 2000s.
my almond shaped eyes.
my “sparkles,” aka my “shamies,” aka my moles.
my shoe collection. bangs.
classic Vans. it’s a vibe.
blazers. will always remind me of washington.
the privilege of being a US citizen/passport holder.
california. a state of mind.
the city of los angeles. the love of my life.
pacha mama. plant medicine.
boba. it’s a drink and a snack.
cali cruising in my benz.
nails done. hair done. everything did.
the audacity of cishet white men — bc it reminds me the way you move when you know the universe has your back.
treeless toilet paper.
sunscreen.
a good book (fiction) feeds the soul.
a good book (non-fiction). knowledge is power.
snaps (not claps).
raw vegan desserts with no processed sugar. they see me.
baba’s snacks. the original act of service.
yoga. for healing body and mind.
queer spaces, familiar faces.
i see beauty in broken things.
that face someone makes when they realize I am witty and dark.
the sun, the moon, and the stars — for guiding the way.
crystals — a reminder of energy, intention and divine timing.
love. in abundance.
the full moon.
the spring bloom.
memes.
besos.
