Last week, I talked about how I spent a few minutes at the end of each day to think about things – both big and small – that I am grateful for.

I’ve been capturing them on this five-year journal in 1-2 sentences each night.

Gretchen Rubin writes quotes on each page – probably to inspire ideas on those days when nothing seems to be going well. Lucky for me, it hasn’t been very difficult to think of things this week. I’ve got so much to be thankful for.

• Diwali Packages
  

Every year, we get blessed with homemade treats on Diwali by the one and only Bhabhi and Bhaiya. I don’t know where they find the time and energy in their hectic lives, but it made the entire week of Diwali so much more festive and special.

• Dirty Dishes

Initially this picture was taken because I was stressed out and annoyed and overwhelmed. I snapped a picture to complain to someone via text and then ran away to my room so I didn’t have to deal with the mess in my kitchen. And, later that night, as I was thinking of things to be thankful for, my mind wandered to my filthy, overcrowded sink. I am thankful to have such a mess in my kitchen. It means I am fully stocked with the things that I need and am well fed.

• WhatsApp

I’m thankful for a constant stream of messages throughout the day from my family scattered all over the place. It brings us together when we’re physically apart and brightens my day with silly messages and pictures from everywhere.

• Unexpected flowers 

I’m not one of those practical people that refuses to buy or receive flowers because they eventually die. I love getting flowers – they brighten up my room and my mood!

• Traditions  

I’m so proud to have been brought up in a family with such a rich culture. A family that upholds every holiday and every tradition. I hope that, when I’ve got little kiddos of my own, they are raised in the exact same way that my family raised me.

What are you thankful for?