#27 - Identify 101 things that I’m thankful for. (2/101)

A little over two years ago, I lost a dear friend who I think of everyday and always reminds me to be thankful and shine on. In her memory and because identifying things I am thankful for makes me even more grateful for the goodness in my life, here is my current list (in no particular order):

1. Parents. They always tell me they are proud of me and never end a conversation without saying "I love you".
2. Family. They support and love me unconditionally no matter how far or close we are to each other.
3. Friends. I have such a strong support system of friends, from all parts of my life and all parts of the world.
4. Sunsets. They are always unique and beautiful. They bring me a comfort sight at the end of each day.
5. Travel. I'm so grateful to have explored many parts of this world; everywhere I travel I get to experience something new.
6. Books. “What I know for sure is that reading opens you up. It exposes you and gives you access to anything your mind can hold.” – Oprah Winfrey
7. My past. For being raised in a Jewish household with a Filipino grandfather and always being set up by my family for success.
8. Smiles. I love giving them and getting them.
9. Green tea. I start almost every morning with a cup of tea, it starts my day off right.
10. Change. While change can sometimes be tough, I am thankful for the ability to grow and learn through change.
11. Chicken noodle soup. This is my favorite food and wherever I find it around the world, it always reminds me of home.
12. Passion. I love seeing someone passionate about what they do or who they love. I love exploring the things I am passionate about.
13. Giving. The opportunity to give - whether time, money, a listening ear and more.
14. Positivity. I once won a "Positive Polly" award and believe in looking for the good in everything.
15. Dancing. Always a good time, no matter what kind.
16. Star gazing. Looking up at the sky and knowing wherever you are in the world, you are always looking at the same sky.
17. Good news. We live in a time of lots of news and unfortunately lots of bad news. I love when  I look at the TV or receive a phone call with good news.
18. Weekends. Time to relax, recharge, enjoy and explore.
19. Handwritten letters. I love sending them and receiving them. There's something really special about snail mail.
20. Quality Time. When you get to spend really quality time with someone, it's fantastic.
21. New places. I love exploring the unknown and am always up for an adventure.
22. New people. I'm a huge believer that you learn something from every person that comes into your life.
23. Shoes. To protect my feet.
24. Sunshine. For those days that you have to put sunglasses on and there's not a cloud in the sky.
25. Wine with friends. I love getting together with girlfriends and a bottle of wine.
26. Kisses. All kinds of kisses and I love every one of them.
27. Walking clubs. Always finding someone to go on a walk with.
28. Memories. While I tend to not dwell on the past, there is something quite powerful about thinking back on the memories that stick with me.
29. Thoughts. I have a lot of them and am thankful for each and every one.
30. Nonverbal Communication. As I've traveled many places where I don't speak the language, I'm always thankful for my ability to communicate with my body, hands and senses.
31. Time. A very special commodity.
32. Curiosity. I love approaching life with curiosity and learning about the people and things that surround me.
33. Questions. When I question things and when others question me,  I learn.
34. Honesty. It really is the best policy. 
    
35. Organization. While some don't mind clutter, I'm so glad that I'm organized.
36. Free WiFi. Finding this is awesome when traveling out of the country.
37. Generosity. So many others have been generous with me and taught me to be generous too.
38. Google. The fact that you can pretty much look up anything you’re curious about.
39. Health. I'm a pretty healthy girl so I'm happy about that!
40. Instagram. It captures memories and my feed is a great reminder of the adventures I've taken.
41. Seasons. And living in a place where I have all (summer, fall, winter, spring) of them.
42. Green smoothies. I can make green smoothies everyday and start my day off right.
43. Photographs. There is nothing quite like a brilliant image to capture a moment. 
44. Good red wine & wine tasting. Especially red wine blends and Argentinian Malbec.
45. Lists. Making them and checking things off lists are my favorite.
46. Plans. I love making plans to have fun things to look forward to. 
47. Local Adventures. I love exploring my neighborhood and city just as much as exploring the world.
48. Random acts of kindness. Even the smallest act or word can change a day around.
49. Calendars. To keep track of the day and to plan for the future. 
50. Hugs. I was once told we are supposed to receive 8 hugs a day, a good hug can brighten any day. 
51. iPhone. I may be glued to it but I'm thankful for the ability to keep in touch and always have somewhere to write down thoughts or a list.
52. Disconnecting. I'm thankful for the times I choose to disconnect from technology in this digital age and focus on those around me and myself.
53. Clean Sheets. As much as I don't enjoy making my bed, there is something wonderful about getting in to bed with clean sheets.
54. FaceTime/Google Hangout/Skype. It allows me to stay connected with friends and family all over the world. One of my favorite memories is "sitting" around the Thanksgiving table last year when I was in Argentina using FaceTime.
55. Learning. I learn something new almost everyday. Gaining and possessing knowledge is one of my favorite things.
56. Choice. I love that everyday I have the ability to choose.
57. Purple. It's my favorite color. A  purple sweater or having purple nail polish on puts a smile on my face.
58. Laughter. Especially the laugh-so-hard-you-cry kind.
59. Berries. Especially fresh berries in the summer and berry picking.
60. Safety. More often than not, I feel very safe and I'm so lucky to have that privilege. 
61. Strength. Both for a little bit of  physical strength and for having a lot of internal strength.
62. Productivity. It feels so great to get stuff done. 
63. Nature. The world is a beautiful place and I'm thankful to those who make me want to explore it.
64. Surprises. Although I like surprising others more than I like others surprising me.
65. Constructive Criticism. Helps me grow and be a better person.
66. Living abroad. Living in Argentina for a year and spending a summer in Oxford was incredible but made me appreciate coming back home even more.
67. Respect and the "Golden Rule". Treat others how you want to be treated, including ourselves.
68. Changing leaves. Watching nature turn from green to beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red is incredible.
69. Sweat. I'm thankful to have been raised to appreciate living a healthy life and taking the time to work out and sweat.
70. Hard times. Because they keep me grounded and make me appreciate the best times of my life.
71. Freedom. A thing I often take for granted, but am SO lucky to have.
72. Comfort. Comfy clothes, comfort food, a comfortable relationship...so much comfort.
73. Diversity. The world is so much more vibrant with difference.
74. Music. The right music can put me in the right mood...and usually makes me want to dance.
75. Energy. Both living in a place where I have electricity and for having lots of natural energy.
76. Teachers/Mentors. For having many people coach me, encourage me, correct me, motivate me, challenge me to do my best and teach me.
77. Independence. My parents raised me to be independent from a young age and for that I'm grateful.
78. Colors. I love living a colorful life - and love writing in different colors.
79. Ethnic food. I love it - all of it. Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Peruvian, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Japanese, Ethiopian, etc.
80. Colleagues. I work with some of the smartest and most fun people, it makes it a pleasure to go to work.
81. Senses. For being able to taste delicious food, smell delicious scents, feel the world and hear the sounds of life.
82. Fun. Who doesn't love a little bit of fun in their lives?
83. My UVa experience. My four years at the University of Virginia left me with knowledge, connections, memories, friends and a love for Charlottesville and the hoos.
84. Internet. For making our lives more efficient and connecting us to others despite physical space in between.
85. Art. It makes the world a beautiful place.
86. Bonfires. I love the smell around a campfire and that they usually include s'mores.
87. Challenges. For helping me grow and become who I am.
88. Holidays. Any reason to celebrate is something to be thankful for.
89. Money in the bank. Having just a few coins makes me richer than most people on earth and allows me to do the things I want to do.
90. Fresh-baked cookies. Especially that first, mouth-burning bite out of any fresh batch.
91. Cooking. It's so fun making a recipe myself and knowing I'm eating what I created.
92. Mistakes. They are some of life's most effective teachers.
93. Love. The world is a better place with it. To know that I can love and be loved.
94. Words. For being able to read, write and express myself through words. For all the wonderful words that have been written and the quotes that inspire me.
95. An able-bodied body. For barre classes, running, yoga, climbing stairs, driving, walking, etc.
96. Toes in the sand. One of my favorite things to do is to walk on a beach with my toes in the sand.
97. Heart-to-heart talks. I love having a good one-on-one chat, one that leaves you thinking and makes you feel fulfilled.
98. Water. Whether it is an ocean, lake, river or pool - water calms me and makes me smile. I'm also thankful for having clean water to drink.
99. Inspiration. I love all the things that I read and see that inspire me, whether on Pinterest or on the sidewalks.
100. Gratitude. Without it, I don't think I would be nearly as happy as I am right now. 
101. For living a life that I love. I live a wonderful life and am so thankful for it.