7 Things I Made Time For This Week That Makes Me Grateful I’m Alive

Photo by: Levi Guzman, Unsplash

How blessed are we here in Trinidad to have two consecutive Mondays off? It’s yet another public holiday in my twin-island home and it was spent quite well, even if I do say so myself. The storm of last week, was not as terrible as we braced for. But there was serious damage to homes and flooding in low lying areas. I am so grateful that once again, our little part of the world was spared of  disaster.

I am all kinds of happy to grateful to be alive right now. And, because I’m so happy, I’m sharing seven things I made time for this week, that makes me grateful I’m alive today:

Family Time

My family is my joy and the number one thing that make me happy. But our lives are hectic these days. My brother and his wife are moving house with Baby S. My sister in burning the candle at both ends with work, school and her creative side project. And I am moving departments, trying to finish school and working on my own creative side project.

It’s a lot of busy work. And what keeps me grounded is making the time to catch up with my sibs and spend time with Baby S. I am so grateful for these people and that I get to walk this journey with them. In

Self-care

Affogatos on a Monday night? Hell Yeah! Because nothing says eff my diet like coffee and ice cream. I feel no guilt at this one….because

Exercise

I got some walking in this week, despite the rainy conditions. In fact, I think the overcast, light drizzle at times, made my walks all the more worth it.

Doing Absolutely Nothing

This week, I made an effort to spend at least one hour for four days, to do absolutely nothing. No phone, no computer, no work. Just me, a cup of coffee and my bed or sitting in my chair at the office, looking out at the ocean. It felt sumptuous, like a decadent dessert this not doing any busy work or wasting time on social media.

Friends – The Family I Chose

As I have gotten older, my relationships have matured and I am truly blessed. I know who are the one who have my back. The ones who keep it real when I’m being a punk. And I am blessed with a family, not related by blood but by ties which have been woven together stronger and tighter over the years. I am grateful.

Prayer

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Because of Him, I am alive. I’m still here.

Getting 8 Hours Sleep

One of the best things about a long weekend is that “extra” day to get back on track with sleep. But that was not the case with the storm warning and all. So I had to make an extra effort to prioritize sleep this week. And I am happy to report that I made four out of the seven days.

So that’s my seven for this week. On Mondays, “we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.” 7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow.

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today?Feel free to share below!

The One Where We Are Under Storm Watch And I’m Still Grateful

Rainy Day Storm

So today is a holiday here in Trinidad, and I am so grateful for a short work week. But it is also somewhat bittersweet, as we are under a tropical storm watch. We are told that we should start feeling the impact in the wee hours of the morning tomorrow. So far schools are closed but no word yet on whether we are expected to show up at work .

All the same, it’s Monday and I’m sharing seven things I’m grateful for today:

Rainy Days

I love the rain, storms though not so much. As an island, we always seem to be blessed when it comes to storms and hurricanes. There is a local saying, “God is a Trini.” because despite all the warnings, we always seem to escape unscathed. This storm though…doesn’t seem likely. So far we are in it’s direct path. So as much as I love the rain, I pray that everyone stays safe and we come through this with minimal damage.

A roof over my head

As we prepare for the storm, I cannot help but be grateful that I have a cozy little home to ride this storm out in.

Sharing dinner with my sister

One, I have food to eat. Two, I have enough food to share. Three, I can cook and share a meal with my sister. Life is good.

And speaking of food…

I have enough to eat

I don’t have to worry about where my next meal is coming from. Sometimes, I am too lazy to cook, so I buy food and the fact that I have that option, fills me with gratitude.

This phase/part of my journey

Things have been a little tough these past couple months, in more ways than one. While I have mostly stayed positive and having this gratitude practice has helped. I have cut back on many of the non-essentials, culled even those people I have in my inner circle. This helped me go back to the basics. It has been a most freeing time.

So thankful for Life

I am alive. I’m still here.

Quotes that remind me to be grateful

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

So that’s my seven for this week. On Mondays, “we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.” 7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow.

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today?Feel free to share below!

7 Things I Am Grateful For Today

I'm So Grateful for MangosHappy Monday you guys! I hope your week began on a great note and if not, I hope it gets better. I’m sharing seven things I’m grateful for today:

Exams Are Over

Whoohoo so happy exams are over for June. I have two more in December and then this level will be completed. I’m really looking forward to finishing, but for now, I’m in between classes and the respite is most welcomed. Working and studying is one of the toughest things you can undertake. I always admire single parents holding down full time jobs, taking care of kids aaand burning that midnight oil trying to finish a degree.

Trying New Coffee Shops

The coffee scene in Trinidad is improving, so much so, it seems like I’m discovering a new local roaster daily. On Wednesday I had the privilege of trying a newly opened coffee shop with a fellow coffee lover. We had five drinks between us before we had our fill. The coffee and conversation were so good. I’m looking forward to being back and I’m grateful to have so many options to satisfy my addiction.

Scrambled Eggs And Affogato For Dessert

It is the simple things that mean the most. An impromptu meet-up with two of my favourite people turned into the a quick dinner with on-hand pantry ingredients. This meant scrambled eggs and crix (crackers for my non-Trini readers). For dessert we had affogatos with a Chemex pour over. And on top of all that good food, we had a major brainstorm for our next project. Breakfast for Dinner! HashtagWinning! 

Lazy Sundays

Weekends were just made for slow starts and lazy days. I am so grateful to have a few of those in the coming months to look forward to.

4-Day Work Weeks

For the rest of June, here in Trinidad & Tobago, we have a public holiday every week. Who say beach run! Life is good here on my island in the sun. I am so here for all these 4-day work weeks. We get Thursday off this week and then two long weekends back to back because the next two Mondays are all both holidays. Life is good!

The Start of Mango Season

I had my first julie mango this weekend and it was divine! We don’t have summer here in the Caribbean….we have something better, we have mango season and I couldn’t be happier.

Binge-watching my favourite show

The new season of Orange Is The New Black dropped on Friday. And my potential for this weekend was to watch all the episodes I could around my laziness. I’m on episode 5!

So that’s my seven for this week. On Mondays, “we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.” 7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow.

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today?Feel free to share below!

Day 156: Seven Things I’m Grateful For

7 Things I'm Grateful For Happy Little Boy

It’s Day 156 of 2017 and here are seven things I’m grateful for:

Rainy Days

We get two seasons in my part of the world: Dry Season and the Rainy Season. And it is pouring over Trinidad today. I am so grateful for and just really love rainy days, they are the perfect excuse for extra snuggles under warm covers and plenty cuddles. Somehow, even if the rest of the day is cold and wet, you cannot help but think it’s a great day. Like the true pluviophile that I am, rainy season is my absolute favourite time of the year.

Toddlers One toddler in particular

Baby S is no longer a baby baby. He is already 16-months old and is walking, touching everything and baby-talking up a storm. We are into the toddler stage and I am loving it. He is always singing to himself, such a happy child. Yes I am that aunty and I won’t have it any other way.

Growing Green Things

You guys I now have eight! house plants. I cannot believe it. After seriously doubting my ability to keep green things alive…I am now the proud plant mama of 8.

My Sibs

After God and my mother, they are the ones who know the real me. And I am so grateful that to this day we are still close. I am blessed with a sister and a brother (both younger than I am) and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Brunch with friends

If you didn’t have a mimosa, did you even brunch? Every other weekend we meet for some sips and chat and those meet-ups really make my world go round. I have surrounded myself with people who reflect my light and who are able to shine their own light when I am being pulled into the darkness. I will be forever grateful for these wonderful people who have allowed me to be part of their journey here on earth.

I’m Grateful For Coffee

A special shout-out to the bean juice that makes all this possible. I would not achieve half the things I do without it. Cheers!

My favourite shows are coming back in June

From Orphan Black to Orange Is The New Black … some of my favourite shows are coming back this month. And I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to binge-watching em all. Friday nights are gonna be soooo lit – well my scented candles at least!

So that’s my seven for this week. On Mondays, “we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.” 7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow.

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today?Feel free to share below!

7 for SEVEN: Glitter and Confetti Confessions

 

…every Monday, we post seven positives from the previous seven days of the week as a reminder of what we have so that the week starts out on an upswing. There is much truth in the belief that happy people attract good things, so it is important to start the week out right. Sometimes it’s the more grand, but other times, it’s the simple things.~ Key + Arrow

7 for Seven originated at Key + Arrow and here is my 7 for this week:

15K

Apparently when you consistently hit 10K steps, Fitbit prompts you to up the ante. So like the overachiever that I am…my new target is 15K. It’s a struggle. I am realizing just how attached I am to the little buzz you get when you hit your goal. 15K has been proving to be elusive…but I’ve stepped up my game and I have a plan for this week. So let’s see how it goes.

Feeling like it’s 2009

Well it’s official, I’m seeing figures on the scale, I haven’t seen since 2009. Yay me. Just the last 10lbs to go now and I will be in 2005 territory and well on my way to better health.

Road trips

These days, a simple pleasure I’m grateful for is being driven. So when one of my friends wanted company for a long drive, I was totally game. Turned out that the destination was actually to a mutual friend we didn’t know we had in common. Talk about an awesome turn of events.

Coffee with cream…in chocolate

Because I have the best friends and they know that I love coffee and chocolate and that I would be over the moon for coffee with cream flavoured chocolate!

Tiramisu

I had dinner with a couple friends on Friday night at an Italian restaurant I’ve been longing to go to. I don’t have to tell you, what the star of the meal was!

Rainy Days

I’m grateful to the precipitation gods, we’ve been having some rainy days lately and it makes me so happy. Because I’m a hardcore pluviophile.

Old Posts

I was looking for a link to an older post to add to this one and fell down a rabbit hole reading my own words. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

I hope that by continuing to pay attention to the little things, the mundane details that make up all the blessings in my life and by sowing the seeds of faith and gratitude, I can truly carry with me and reap the rewards of “positivity + balance + bliss” throughout the days ahead.

Thank you for reading, I appreciate you! This is me blowing some glitter and confetti on you because you’re super blessed to have received the gift of another 86,400 seconds today, to spend any way you desire.

Make those seconds count!

I love hearing from you…what are you grateful today? Feel free to share below!