Gratitude List – August & September 2020

Posted on by Parul Thakur
  • Sunrise
  • Crochet
  • That’s when we said bye to our little home of 10 years
  • Flowers
  • Us
  • Another sunrise

“The days are long but the years are short.”, said Gretchen Rubin.

Looking back at the last two months, my story has been similar. If you did not notice, there was no gratitude list for August. A few of my loyal readers (including my Mum) reached out asking why there was none. And I had no answer. It wasn’t about time but the state of mind. I did write in my journal on and off but this space has been quiet.

As I type this when October has just started, I am glad that time is running. I am fearful of what’s yet to come but I am also grateful for all that turned out to be well even during hard times. We talk of Murphy’s Law but I have also experienced that Murphy was not that bad a guy. Things don’t go bad all the time.

Not dwelling into what wasn’t okay, let’s talk about what was good.

Moving in to our own house – VT and I packed our home of 10 years and finally made the big move to our own place in Bangalore. As much as I was happy, I also thought of attachment that we still have with our little rented home. We made a ton of memories in that house and leaving it wasn’t easy. I am grateful that our new place looks and feels positive and hopeful.

VT – VT clocked in another year of life in September and we had our quiet little celebration. I am grateful that I have him to listen to things that I rant about and someone who lets me be. I love the space we have in our relationship and that brings us close.

Friends and family – This one has been a constant on my list. Turning to family and friends is what I do all the time. When I am sad or happy, these are the people who lift me up and tell me that ‘things will be okay.’. My brother packs and sends me things that I don’t even know I love. Friends who cook what I love to eat and parents who let me open my heart. I am grateful to have a loving set of friends and family.

Kindness from unexpected quarters – We were in a tight spot over a month ago and ready to deal with what was to come. But then, someone opened up a door and that was just the best thing that happened. Over years, I have learnt that when you let go and stop taking control, things get back in order in a better and quicker way. I am grateful that someone’s kindness made such a huge difference to what we were going through. The only way to pay it back is to pay it forward. And VT and I will do that.

Routines and workouts – Since the pandemic, I have realized that I love having a routine. Getting up at the same time every day, my morning chai, working out, getting ready to work (from home) and then following through the day gives me a sense of accomplishment. I worked out atleast 20 days of the month and kept a good variety through out. These are just those little things that we take for granted. Don’t we?

Work and people I work with – I have said this before but I love my work. It brings me joy, satisfaction and reminds me that I can make a difference. The people I work with are kind and genuine. I know it’s a hard combination to find but I am grateful. Always.

Reading and crocheting – The days I was not writing on this blog, I was either reading or crocheting. Yes, you heard it right. For a few weeks, I had this itch to try crochet and then on a whim, I started. It’s been a month and if you have seen those few updates on Instagram, I am at it. It feels like a creative outlet and I am glad I stumbled upon it. On the reading front, I met my 2020 goal and that feels good. Always grateful to have a Kindle that I can take along where ever I want.

Mornings, music and nature – I love music in the morning. I start the day with bhajans (devotional songs) and then switch to some Hindi music. Adding to the happiness then is the sunset, moon watching and flora around. Give me these things, and I won’t complain. These two months, I have seen some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Always grateful for the views.

These two months, I have understood that what you really want, would not happen. So it’s only wise that we accept what is happening around, take one day at a time and stay put. The light shines after the dark clouds sail through.

What are you grateful for? And how are you planning to wrap up the last three months of the year?

Linking up with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle.

Gratitude List - August & September 2020

16 thoughts on “Gratitude List – August & September 2020”

  1. Hi Parul, lovely to read your post as always. These gratitude lists work as a reminder for me also to appreciate what is good. You are right sometimes wishing/hoping/praying also does not make things go the way we want them to and acceptance is the best way forward. But even in the darkest days not all is bad and we need to take note of the good too.

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      1. Your writing has provided me comfort/distraction/ reminder to also notice the good on many occasions. Glad I could reciprocate in a small way. 🙂

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  2. Finally you wrote.
    I am happy that you are learning the lessons of life dealing with them .
    Believe me no one can teach you except time itself .
    Always remember whatever happens , happens for our good .( though we understand it later on )
    Be always positive as it’s your inner self and post gratitude list timely .
    Love you .

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  3. Oh I missed your post last month and now realize that you didnt write it. Glad to see you back here and hope all is well at your end.

    Congratulations on the move- I pray that this new home lets you make that perfect bubble of your own. A belated wish for VT!!! Loving your crochet stories and you seem to have quite the knack for it. Looking forward to seeing your future creations.

    Wishing you a wonderful month ahead Parul XOXO

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    1. Thanks Shalini!
      Things have been crazy but manageable so far. I hope that too for the house. Will tell you more when we chat. It’s on me that I’ve been quiet.
      Oh and Crochet – thank you so much. Enjoying it! Hugs and love!

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  4. Hi Parul

    I read you but don’t always comment. I too wait for your gratitude post and reading them always makes me feel everything is so good. there are times I have been very low I have prayed hard for things to happen but it didn’t and I still I feel blessed in so many ways. Keep writing your posts are a source of joy, simple and something we can relate . even after the darkest days the sun does rises.

    Keep shining.

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  5. Happy to read your post; congratulations for the new place, it is a big thing to have a place of our own and arrange everything the way we want it to be, the freedom, comfort, security that you don’t have to pay the monthly rent gives a sense of peace. Agree that when we get used to living in place for a long time, there is a tendency to get attached, letting go for a better place would be motivating. Glad that family, friends and work is a huge blessings, and I can relate to this… as I feel blessed too. Nice to know about your workouts for 20 days.. and sun rise and sunsets are gifts that add to our joy, thanks for sharing,

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      1. hmmm. I was ready with the post for a change :). Looking no post in your blog was wondering if its 2nd or still 1st Thursday of the month and checked the calendar twice 🙂

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  7. Moving is a lot of work – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It takes time to adjust. The quote, the days are long, but the years are short is true and relates to moving and so many other things in life. I liked your statement: “I love the space we have in our relationship and that brings us close.” I appreciate that my husband and I have the space and freedom to do our own things as individuals and come together at various parts of the day or evening to share and be close. Your list inspires me to be clear about what I’m grateful for. When I do this, I’m always surprised at how much there is, like good weather, a comfortable home, and a supportive partner. May the blessings continue in spite of the challenges.

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