This post is written by Katie Lemons, a wonderful blogger, and creator you can learn more about at (Hot & Sour). Katie was recognized as a recipient of Amazon’s Top 35 Family Lifestyle blogs.
I am a woman. I am Chinese-American. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a scientist. I am a writer. I am all of these things, yet none of these words can accurately portray my individuality or even begin to explain the essence of who I am.
It wasn’t until after my son was born that I truly began to think deeply about my own identity. Before then, I had taken it for granted that I knew who I was, that it wasn’t something that needed to be reflected upon. But after having a child, my identity became inextricably intertwined with the little person who was now a permanent fixture in my life. It was only when I tried to separate myself from the role of motherhood that I realized I didn’t know where to begin.
Little by little, I began to realize that my identity is not defined by my roles, my job, or my hobbies. Rather than looking for labels to describe me, I began to look at the various aspects of my life as the things which bring me overwhelming joy. It wasn’t until I began to appreciate and be thankful for the things I have that I was able to shift my focus and live life to the fullest.
I am grateful for…
- The feeling of sinking into my bed, after an exhausting day
- Watching my son eagerly absorbing everything the world has to offer
- Reading a book that truly resonates with me
- Finding something in common with someone else that is totally unexpected
- Witnessing the immense love my son continuously receives from his grandparents
- A long hug with my husband after work
- Sleeping in on the weekend when my son visits with his grandparents
- A big bowl of delicious noodle soup
- Discovering a TV show that my husband and I both love
- Amazon Prime Two Day Shipping
- Coming home to a house cleaned top to bottom by my husband
- Creative inspiration
- Making a difference and being recognized at work
- Connecting with old friends without missing a beat
- Financial security
- The feeling of comfort and nostalgia when eating food I grew up with
- Doing something random and silly that causes my son to laugh from his belly
- Finding a great deal on something I was going to buy anyway
- Listening to podcasts
- People and situations that are placed in my life that facilitate personal growth
- My health and well-being
- Knowing that what I do makes a difference in patients’ lives
- A workplace and supervisors that are incredibly supportive of parenthood
- Changing into my pajamas and snuggling under a blanket on the couch
- Being a homeowner with two parks within walking distance of our neighborhood
For more from Katie, check out her blog at Hot & Sour, where she writes about motherhood, marriage, food, culture, and much more.
Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own.
If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!
