Gratitude Series: Day 6
Day 6 of 7
I am grateful for my mom’s support and her constant presence when I need her.
I am grateful for the kindness of a stranger who helped me when I needed it today.
I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate my niece’s journey into parenthood (baby shower is tomorrow).
I am grateful for the fulfillment that comes from helping others.
I am grateful for the people who show up for me when I need them most.
I am grateful for hearing from a friend today (it was really nice to know I was on his mind).
Today was one of those days where everything felt like it was for someone else, but somehow, by the end, I felt unexpectedly full. A big part of that is thanks to my mom. In my adulthood, our relationship has had its rough patches. No surprise there. And yeah, we still bickered a little today while getting ready for my niece’s baby shower. But it wasn’t like before, when things would spiral and leave us both pissed. This time, it was different. We had our moments, those quick flare-ups, but instead of letting them fester, we worked through them. We actually listened to each other, and I realized how much we’ve both grown.
Don’t get me wrong, there were still some side-eyes and a few words exchanged (okay, mostly from me), but we didn’t let it ruin anything. We’ve reached this point where we can have those small disagreements, talk them through, and just move on. It feels like such a win. The kind of growth that sneaks up on you but leaves you feeling grateful once you notice it.
And then, there was this moment at Aldi that really made me pause. I’m standing there, digging through my bag, realizing I didn’t have a quarter for the cart. Just as I’m about to head back to the car, this woman hands me her cart without saying a word. Just smiled and kept going. It was such a small thing, but it felt like exactly what I needed in that moment. Sometimes, the kindness you didn’t ask for hits the hardest.
I made sure to pay it forward, leaving my cart out for the next person, no quarter needed. It felt like my way of keeping that quiet, good energy moving. It’s funny how the smallest gestures can shift your whole mood. Those little moments of connection, even with strangers, remind you that we’re all in this together, just trying to make each other’s day a little easier.
Tomorrow is the baby shower, and I still can’t believe I’m about to be a great aunt. Let’s be honest, though, there’s no way I’m embracing the “Great Aunt” title. I’m just Aunt Shaye, and that’s more than enough. But this baby… He feels like a little bit mine too, and I’m so excited. Watching my niece get ready to step into motherhood has me feeling all kinds of things; proud, nostalgic, and a little overwhelmed. It’s wild to think how much life is about to change.
Then, out of nowhere, I got a text from an old friend. One of those unexpected messages that just make you smile. He wanted to hang out, but with the baby shower craziness, we had to push it off. Still, it felt good to know someone’s thinking about you. We’ve already set a time to catch up, and I’m actually looking forward to it. There’s something grounding about reconnecting with people who’ve known you through different phases of life. It’s like a reminder of who you were, and how far you’ve come.
So yeah, today was a lot about other people, but somehow, in all of that, I ended up feeling more connected to myself. It’s funny how life does that. You go about your day, doing things for others, and then you realize those little moments, those quiet exchanges, are what really fill you up.
Today was full in the best possible way. Full of small wins, random kindness, and those tiny moments that remind you life is always giving more than you think.