Everyday Wonders

 

Embracing Life's Little Joys: A Celebration of Everyday Wonders

We live in a fast-paced, often chaotic world. It is easy to overlook the simple pleasures that surround it. For example, we rush from one task to another, consumed with deadlines, commitments, and tasks from our to-do list. But when we take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect, we unlock incredible wonders waiting for acknowledgment in the ordinary moments of our lives. This realization brings a sense of joy and inspiration. It uplifts our spirits. It reminds us of the beauty in the everyday. 

As I  sip hot coffee, the warmth from the fireplace or the touch of Wally, my furry border collie, transforms my outlook. Before getting up, I imagine this -- waking up with the aroma of freshly made coffee in the air. That first sip (as it warms my wrinkled, cold hands and taste buds) is more than just a caffeine fix. It's a ritual. It signals the start of a new day filled with possibilities. I cultivate a deep gratitude when I notice these mini rituals; I can change how I  perceive our world. Instead of "Thank God, It's Friday," my heart mumbles, "Thank God for another promising day."

Moreover, embracing these small joys teaches me to slow down. I see beauty in the mundane, whether it's enjoying relocating decor around the house or decluttering, listening to the water filter in the aquarium, or listening to music. Each experience offers a chance to connect more deeply with myself and my environment. By regularly acknowledging these moments, I can weave a positive narrative. I can shift my attention from what's missing to what's already there.

Rediscovering Gratitude: The Transformative Power of Mindful Practices

Practicing gratitude becomes a powerful lifeline in challenging times, anchoring us in hope and resilience. This post delves into mindful practices that foster a grateful heart. Journaling is one. (I restarted in 2025). Meditation and yoga are second and third. Each practice serves as a gentle reminder to celebrate the beauty in our lives. They help us navigate uncertainty with grace, instilling a sense of hope and resilience in our hearts.

Journaling, for example, is a great way to express gratitude. By setting aside five minutes daily to reflect on what I am thankful for, I create a tangible record of positivity that I can return to during more challenging times. As I write about my day's highlights—no matter how small—I train my mind to focus on abundance rather than scarcity. My adult daughter has been doing this, too. How wonderful it is to have common ways to destress.

Meditation, on the other hand, encourages me to cultivate mindfulness. Through breathwork and focusing on the moment, I learn to appreciate the simplicity of just breathing. This practice profoundly affects my mental wellbeing. This practice fully allows me to experience gratitude. Digital distractions fade, allowing me to reconnect with my inner self and world. No gadget is needed, just myself.

Yoga complements these practices beautifully. It emphasizes physical health and emotional wellbeing. The subtle movements and stretches remind me of the incredible noises our bodies can create. Engaging in yoga fosters a sense of belonging within myself. It leads to an alignment between mind, body, and spirit. It leaves me with a grounded feeling of thankfulness for my health and capabilities. I am no yogi. But I have a mat with yoga poses, with their names under each pictured pose. I follow them carefully in three or more poses each session.

In embracing these mindful practices, I empower myself to build a lasting foundation of gratitude beyond fleeting moments of appreciation. By weaving these elements into the fabric of my daily life, I nurture resilience and a sustained sense of joy.

Unearthing Hidden Gems: The Thrill of Thrift Store Treasures

Thrift stores and virtual marketplaces often go unnoticed and unappreciated. Yet they are bursting with potential and history, waiting to be discovered. The thrill of thrifting lies in the unique finds and the experience of a new world filled with unexpected treasures, each waiting to be repurposed. This sense of adventure and excitement adds a new dimension to our lives. It helps us appreciate the joy of discovery and the potential in the unexpected.

The thrill of thrifting lies in the unique finds and the experience—stepping into a new world filled with unexpected treasures, each waiting to be repurposed. Thrifting is also an exercise in creativity and sustainability. It challenges us to think outside the box. Repurposing items that might otherwise be discarded makes us think artistically. Later, I'll share tips on bringing new life into thrifted finds. Whether through easy DIY projects, upcycling, or simply incorporating them into our decor. Each successful hunt satisfies a craving for something new to me. This hobby contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. It is a means to decorate our homes without the guilt of consumerism. I have purchased some tropical-looking furniture lately that needs varnishing, polishing, and cleaning. They all shine again! In a world often obsessed with fast fashion and perfection, thrifting invites us to embrace imperfection and uniqueness. Thrifting in style proves that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. We don't all have to follow the Jones family and always buy brand new.

Finding Sanctuary at Home: Discovering Comfort in Life's Simple Pleasures  

Home is our sanctuary, where I can find comfort and recharge our spirits. I explore ways to enhance my home environment, transforming it into a haven of relaxation and solace. I am continuously decluttering and donating stuff to Vietnam Veterans of America twice a month. I have to be careful now of repurchasing items I donated in the past. :) I have done this before with books.

Imagine curling up by the fireplace with a good book. The flickering flames cast a warm glow around the room. Creating cozy spaces invites tranquility into my life. It reminds me that comfort can be as simple as a pillow on the floor by the fireplace and a lovely book.

Lighting plays an essential role in creating an atmosphere. Soft, ambient lighting can turn an ordinary room into a tranquil retreat. I learned that low, warm light from lamps is kinder to the eyes and soul, giving the feeling of a cozy home, unlike the white lights in offices and libraries. 

Finding sanctuary also extends to my senses. Adding personal touches—like photographs, (lots of) plants, and art that resonates with us—encourages a strong sense of belonging. Each item tells a story of who we are and where we've been, weaving the narrative of my life into my surroundings. Do you fill your spaces with memories that uplift you and foster joy? 

Finally, let's not forget the beauty of rituals. Whether it's an evening short Netflix reruns with family or quiet moments of reflection at the end of the day, small and large rituals create a rich texture of comfort and familiarity. By the way, the beauty of rituals is not to be confused with my new small business promoting "beauty rituals." But if you are wondering what I have been busy with from 2024 to this new year, check out Revitalized Med Spa. :)

The Magic of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Can Illuminate Our Journey to Wellness

Gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion. It's a powerful tool that can significantly impact our mental and physical health. Research shows that people who regularly practice these themes are bound to find inspiration and a renewed sense of connection, whether to the world around them, their homes, or their journeys of gratitude. Let's celebrate life's joys together. Let us create a shared narrative that uplifts us all. 

Thank you, all, for keeping the TTOT Grateful blog hop alive. "Long time, no read." I am back! If you are not a blogger-participant yet in this fun group, check it out. Just reading their blogs will put a smile on your face. "I guarantee it!"

The Alphabetical Gratitude List

Little 3-year-old Grandson Napping

Here's my gratitude list for the week, inspired by Ten Things of Thankful.

• A, he's adorable. My grandson looks so cute especially when sleeping, such an angel.
• B, for big brother. Can you imagine he will be a big brother in July?

Homemade Crustless Pizza

• C, crustless cheesy pizza that "the husband" has been making as part of our "reduced carb" diet.
• D, is for a doable diet, eating food we like with some tweaking.

• E, for easy food I can make that is good for me too. This one is a green tea banana soft-serve ice cream.

Watching Superbowl

• F is for football. My husband and I had a good time watching the Superbowl last week. It was entertaining from beginning to end--game and all with no drama.

• E is for electricity to keep our food good. (Thank goodness, our electricity is restored in our vacation home after the cleaner found our fridge with warm food. We found out, we lost power in the place for five days, yikes).
• E is also for electric cars we have on the mainland. Our cars just run smoothly, and no more visits to gas stations every week.

Bread for Fondue

• F is for friends who bring food to work to share. This one is crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.
• F is also for easy fondue in a box, which I dipped the bread in. The husband liked them both, and he is picky, that's saying a lot.

Note for Donut

• F is for more free food, doughnuts. This box came with a note. "Working in winter is tough . . . doughnuts are hot." :)

I have listed 11 things I am grateful for, exceeding by one. I will save some letters for the next weeks. Your turn. A . . . 

 

Relationships Gratitude List

Velvet dog exemplifies, "Wag more, bark less," to me. Human translation, "Voice gratitude and compliment more, complain less."

What a great time to list of gratitude about relationships but the Sunday before Valentine's Day week. I had one bad day out of the past 7 days. And although that one day is just a moment of my life that keeps popping into my mind, I have many more and longer lists to be thankful for. Here are my ten things of thankful for. These questions are from Ten Things of Thankful and & Summit Pathways.

1. Are you thankful you have someone to call your valentine? Yes, and he cooked some healthy meals with me this weekend good for our diet and yummy too. We had crustless pizza and zucchini lasagna.
2. What aspects of your city or neighborhood are you grateful for? Generally quiet. There are birds flying around the backyard trees today.
3. Who is someone that really listens when you talk, and how does that affect you? My husband and co-workers are at work. I had one difficult day and some actually sat down with me and talk to me with their full attention however busy it was in the hospital.
4. How many of your basic needs do you not have to worry about meeting today? Oh my God, food. Good shelter. Good environment with no earthquakes.
5. What’s the best thing about your home, and have you taken the time to enjoy it recently? The fireplace, every day, and tonight while watching the Super Bowl Sunday 2023. "Baby, it's cold . . . outside."
6. Have you had a chance to help someone recently, and how did that make you feel? Yes. My nursing volunteer team donated money to Uplift International to put new smiles on five children with cleft palate in the Philippines, literally to mend their faces. :)
7. What’s something you look forward to in the future? A spiritual and professional retreat for healthcare workers I am helping organize. We are going to the tropics away from the cold.
8. What’s an aspect of your physical health that you feel grateful for? Cancer free for 11 years now.
9. What relationships are you grateful for? My relationships with my children. My daughter just visited me yesterday. My relationship with my pets, friends, and co-workers. My heart literally smiles when I see them.
10. What made you smile today? My sister is at home sick but feeling a bit better today.

Watching these two dogs playdate in my home is entertaining. They make me smile.

It makes me feel good to eat home-cooked meals putting our healthy-ish tweaks into them according to doctor-recommended foods and cooking styles.

I am grateful we can buy the ingredients to include in our home-cooked meals.

I feel honored to be a part of this nursing volunteering group helping the community in Colorado and children in need in the Philippines born with cleft palate.

What are you proud of or thankful for?

No More Pain

• It is not too easy to focus on gratitude but we are trying. We are grateful for the ten loving years our miniature poodle, Snowball gave us.
• His pain from a deadly attack of a loose Pitbull ended. He is now pain-free.
• We are grateful for animal control staff assistance.
• We are grateful for the pictures reminding us of many years of happiness with a loving dog who loved daily walks up to his last day.
• We are grateful that none of us humans were physically hurt.

• Switching gears, I am grateful for my grandchildren who plays with me outdoors, snow or sunshine.
• I am grateful for takeouts, and in a way, I help the restaurants still have a little business.
• I am grateful for reusable personal protective equipment at work to use in isolation rooms in the hospital.
• I am happy to report that over 180 COVID-19 patients were discharged out of my hospital since March. Some are even publicized in the news happy and back with their families.

Grateful for August 2019

August 2019 comes to a close. Just looking at this past week makes me feel lucky. It is a good month with some simple reasons to be thankful. 

• A nurse wine glass from Paul he got from the wine tasting event. He got some wine too but the glass is especially cute. Why doesn't the nurse have eyes, I do not know.
• Free cactus vegetarian tacos from the employee recognition day with melon juice. I especially like the juice. It refreshed my dry mouth on a busy day in the hospital.
• A smile from my grandson quenches my thirst as well in a different way. Many times at work, in the intensive care unit, I feel stressed, depressed, and helpless dealing with critical patients. My grandson, however little, cures all the negative feelings. 
• Nature hikes this weekend feeds my soul while I get my work out. It is nice to see the great outdoors in Colorado.

• Flowers brighten my day. The red ones are from the Farmer's market Paul got me today. The others are from the hike at Pella Crossing Trail this morning around the lake.

• Here are more flowers from yesterday's hike at Apex and Enchanted Forest trails.

• Pella crossing trail hike was nice around 7 to 8 am this morning. The trail can be heavily trafficked by the locals but the earlier hours are not crowded at all.
• Yesterday afternoon, my daughter and I got 15-year old Snowball, our miniature poodle his shots and renewal of dog license. We spent $75 for everything in the clinic. That is pretty good price, we think.
• I have yet to thank some of my fellow nurses. They helped me a ton trying to stabilize my patients last Wednesday and Thursday to prevent them from crashing. Everybody's effort helped make a difference in my patients' life. I feel lucky to be apart of a highly efficient and helpful team.
• And last but not least, the All Trails app that helped me find easy to moderate trails in my area. It is a great app in the U.S. I heard you can use it too in other countries like Mexico, China, the Philippines, France, England, and Ireland. It is available for free and paid pro-membership as well.

Thankful for the Great Outdoors

The Main Reservoir walk in Colorado

The Rooney Trail before the bikers and runners came

I feel proud of myself for making time to post in a few weeks streak. It just means one thing. I focus on gratitude for weeks now. What a great feeling.

This week, I am thankful for:

1. The beautiful mountain views in my city, just over ten minutes drive.
2. 60-degree mornings, so the hike felt very refreshing.
3. The energy to rise early and avoid the crowd.
4. My dog joining me in the otherwise solitary walk.
5. The effect of going outdoors has on me--wonderful happy feeling.
6. Calories used for exercising. 
7. Days off to enjoy life outside work.
8. Coffee to keep me going on my workdays in the hospital.
9. My son adulting. He paid for his two old tickets!
10. Apps to motivate me and lose a few pounds. 

Time with Family and Friends

Indoor fun times with son and grandson +

Hello. It is the month of July. I have not blogged for a while. I did have thought about writing many times. I did not get into sitting down and writing my thoughts and gratitude in this medium. I did have a few entries in my planner. I have many reasons to give thanks for especially to the friends and family around me.

We are social human beings. Most of my gratitude links to family and friends—the time I spend with them and the time they lent to me. They are precious and cannot be bought by money. This includes a hike with daughter and our dogs — no money spent on shopping. OK, we did stop by Starbucks on the way home to pick up cold caffeinated drinks and some Puppy-ccino for free. They are whipped cream for the doggies in a cup.

I have a new (and only) grandchild. He is three months old, so tiny, precious, and bubbly. He would give me his little smiles and make baby sounds that I think means, “hi grandma.” We with his parents went to the mall last week as the park was not an option. It was raining outside. We had a good time, just the same. We got in for free as my little grandchild was less than a year old. Parents and grandparents get in for free with a child! “We” got to play in an indoor playscape with inflatable slides and foam-floored crawling areas with large puzzles and colors everywhere.

My grandson was looking around. He seemed amazed by the beautiful colors. My son, the dad, commented, “this is so nice.” He was referring to the time in general in the mall on a slow day, pushing little Josiah around in a stroller while stopping at some interesting shops. The restrooms are just there close by ready for a quick diaper change. They played some games and earned little toys for Josiah. We ended the day with dinner in a Mexican restaurant right in the store.

Fun times outdoors with family

In the fourth of July, we get to see spectacular fireworks in the city. My kids have plans on their own, but Paul and I went and had a good time snacking and watching the show. We are glad the fare was controlled. Each entrance had a checkpoint checking bags. Alcohol was sold inside, but nobody could take them out. Police were around just in case. It was clean fun with no crazies getting drunk and causing trouble.

That night ended with heavy rain. I had a poncho and did not get very wet. Paul, who refused to bring one got soaked with cold rain. He did regret his stubbornness. LOL.

Speaking off us people wanting to spend time with others, I would like to mention about my nursing group. We are getting together this coming Saturday for wine tasting. Every month Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado get together for fundraising, social time, or meeting. I once heard from my college professor in dental assisting that whatever specialty you have or profession, look for an excellent group to belong to. And do not just sign up. Participate. Contribute. Make a difference. Being part of a functional group gives more meaning to your profession.

One of the groups I pick (in nursing) is the PNACO. We do more than volunteering our time; we spend fun times together. This group of educated people inspires me to continue serving as a nurse, paid, or unpaid. Nursing is hard, but each day I see reasons to continue doing what I do. It is not all about money but the happiness it gives me knowing I touch someone’s life every day.

If you can, and if you are a nurse or nursing student in Colorado, you can join us in Denver for wine tasting this coming Saturday. Just contact me if you are coming.

Busy Thankful Post

I am thankful for various things in my life but too busy to write much.

Here's my picture collage for the week, however late. I miss you all.

Do Without Complaining

Can we go for a walk now?

I complain that my teens are messy in their rooms, that they don't help enough around the house . . . that . . .

Wait, two years ago, they were not even in the house. They ran away many times, etc.

I can clean up their rooms, do most of the tasks. The true peace in my heart is knowing where they are, hearing their voices, watching them eat, hearing their stories. . .

I am not going to allow complaints to invade my day. I close the door on it. There is no room for it in my heart.

Today, I will go to work thinking about what I can do to help my patients and their families. I will listen to their complaints with an open mind and help them.

It's gonna be a cold day. But for now, I have to tend to my dogs before I leave the house. They are watching me now craving for attention.

Philippians 2:14
"Do all things without complaining and disputing."

Zippy

Meet my hiking partner, Velvet, in this zestful open space.

The letter of the week from ABC Wednesday is the letter Z.

I choose the word zippy.


I belong to a Facebook group on body transformation where each member defines his or own transformation. Whether the goal is to lose weight, shape your body, add bulk, etc, we all want to work on our goals with eating and exercise.

We talk about, among other things, what gives us energy or motivation to exercise and go to the gym.

What makes me zippy and energetic? I tell them my secrets of having the energy to exercise or workout.

1. A breakfast with 20 or more grams of protein makes a difference. It gives me this satisfied feeling and not feel hungry for hours. When I go to the gym, I do not think about hunger or food because I am not hungry. How do I get 20+ grams of protein? I cheat by adding protein powder to my green smoothie. I eat yogurt or eggs or ham in the morning.
2. I drink lots of water. By the time I hit the door leaving the house to go to the gym, I would already drink 4 cups of water and then two more in the gym. I am well hydrated. In the past, before I get conscious about my water intake, I get so thirsty and get a headache while exercising. I reach my maximum heart rate according to my age within minutes of walking in the treadmill. I think I was dehydrated, that was why. In 15 minutes, I was so tired and could barely continue.
3. Caffeine also keeps me going. I feel a bit hyper after 1 cup of coffee and 2 cups of matcha tea. I pour this energy in cardio and weight machines. It works. It extends my stamina. No need for me to use expensive pre-workout out supplements.
4. Meditation and yoga, I think, helps my mind and helps me to think about positive things too so my mind does not wander too much and I could concentrate on what I want to do--exercise, read, or work.
5. My dog Velvet, keeps me going as we walk outside. She is so fun to be with on a hike. To see her happy motivates me to go further.
6. A good quality sleep. To me, it can be anywhere from six to nine hours with a good amount of deep sleep. I use my Fitbit blaze to track my sleep and I notice, the more I spend time in deep sleep, the better I feel throughout the day.

How about you? What gives you energy? How do you motivate yourself to move?

My Daughter and Our Dogs

I got up and did my routine chores on a Saturday morning. My seventeen-year-old daughter appeared only to use the bathroom, then back to her bedroom she went. I had to call her to come back out and eat something and take her medication. She did. Her phone rang a couple of times for the few minutes she was with me. Again, she left and went back into the room.

Good Week

1. A lollipop from my daughter she bought from her allowance debit card. It is her first purchase and she thought of me.

Overcoming Procrastination Project 1

I went outside and thought, "It's not so bad." There is beauty outside.
I just have to choose the way there and capture the moment.

I'm trying this free app on my phone, Dragon dictation, for the first time for my post. The first sentence worked great so far. 

The Day My Name Changed

I was doing my usual walk with my dogs at the park one day when a man with his dog came close.

Promising Future

My Ten Things of Thankful
It's a promising-future-week

(1) Here’s my Velvet doing Child pose

With our early morning yoga

Look at her extend her paws

She’s my cute partner in yoga

Happy Fourth of July, Americans

Snowball is not too sure about this 4th of July hat.

Wally will keep the 4th of July hat on if I hold it in place, the whole time. 

Here are Snowball and Wally
Posing with their non-favorite sparkly
I can't get them to join the party
Outside tonight with everybody