Tag: The Present

Gratitude

Gratitude in Remembrance (#263)

By Jacob Ames on

09.11.18

For my American readers, today is a day we all know too well. I was too young to remember any of the images but what I do remember is my parents. My mom, in tears desperately trying to reach my dad. Teachers at school, stunned. My heart goes out to those impacted by today and I have gratitude for the first responders who gave their lives.

We can use gratitude in so many different ways and we feel it for so many different reasons. But today, I just want to say thank you.

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Spotify Discover Weekly
  2. Home made anything
  3. The fan keeping me cool
  4. The green trees in western Mass
  5. The view from my balcony
  6. Hot tea in the morning
  7. Time to read
  8. Shared silence
  9. Getting things done
  10. Tubing in the winter
  11. Singing in the car
  12. Safe travels
  13. Good health
  14. Peanut butter sandwiches
  15. Good parking and no traffic
  16. Getting rides to school in the morning from my mom
  17. Bike rides with my family
  18. Learning new things
  19. Games in gym class
  20. Chocolate desserts
  21. Being busy
  22. Staff meeting
  23. Life map timelines
  24. My Kennedy peer mentors
  25. This very moment

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image from the Liverpool Dock

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Gratitude

What Do You Call Home? (#160)

By Jacob Ames on

I’ve made posts about “Home” before. What it feels like, who you share it with. It’s an important feeling to come back to. It’s where you can use gratitude to keep you grounded and people to remind you how important the present is.

06.01.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. My parents
  2. A cool night’s breeze
  3. The summer months
  4. All that May brought
  5. Home cooking
  6. Shared laughter
  7. Catching up
  8. Warm blankets
  9. Night drives with the windows down
  10. Ice cream trips with Mel
  11. Honesty and good communication
  12. Trust and openness
  13. Getting a ride
  14. Soccer in stone park growing up
  15. Bike rides in the circle back home
  16. Not having to set an alarm
  17. Comfy pillows
  18. My cat Ned, and the happiness he brings me
  19. Talking Westworld with my dad
  20. Being home
  21. How the sun wakes me up
  22. How the birds chirp nearby
  23. How quiet the street is
  24. How lucky I am for so many reasons
  25. The precious present

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of my own. My family. Wouldn’t be here without these people.

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Gratitude

Starting Is Half The Battle (#127)

By Jacob Ames on

Feeling the end of semester burn out. I have a couple assignments left but have lost all motivation to finish. This is my personal reminder to be grateful I’ve made it this far and the encouragement I need to make it to the end. In less than a month, I’ll be in England celebrating change and new beginnings. Just have to be present here first.

04.29.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. Thoughtful reflection
  2. The summer sun
  3. Old friends
  4. Mentors and teachers
  5. The rain
  6. Warm green tea to soothe my throat
  7. My family
  8. Helping out at the library and assisting with summer reading last year
  9. Naps in the car, not while I’m driving
  10. Catching up
  11. Love
  12. Time for me
  13. Helping people out
  14. Peanut butter
  15. Signs from the Universe
  16. Sleep, even though I don’t get enough of it
  17. Gratitude!
  18. Clean water
  19. Friendly passing smiles
  20. Accountability and ownership
  21. Life lessons and growing up
  22. The funny faces my cat makes
  23. Summers working at BSU
  24. Introvert time
  25. The present

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of my friend Kim in Cambodia!

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Gratitude

A Moment To Reflect And Breath (#126)

By Jacob Ames on

I was disappointed in myself for missing a couple of days of blogging. I’d like to think I kept my gratitude promise by writing for those days today but I know it’s not the same thing. It shouldn’t matter that I published the blog a couple of days late because it was never about posting every day or proving I can write 365 blogs. I didn’t start writing about gratitude to quantify a list of things I have. It’s not about the stuff on the list, or how many there are. It’s about the feeling each list item brings. So that’s why I’ll keep writing about gratitude. I believe in the power of thankfulness and hope sharing mine can inspire more.

I recognize I hold a lot of privilege in my identities and opportunities. Sometimes preaching gratitude feels like I’m just simply advertising my advantages. I think like every feeling or emotion, we all feel it differently. The way I feel and express gratitude will be different than how others do the same.

Albeit small, I want to use this platform to bring positivity into this world and inspire others any way I can.

04.28.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. My dad coaching my teams growing up
  2. Orange juice in the morning
  3. Deep conversation
  4. Our existence
  5. Trying something new
  6. A platform to share my thoughts
  7. My fraternity brothers and goodbyes
  8. The sound of birds chirping in the morning
  9. Tattoo stories
  10. Meeting new people
  11. A couple deep breaths
  12. Bryan Gammon, one of my best friends
  13. The calming rain and how it feels when it lands on my skin
  14. Passion and energy
  15. My job here at UMass
  16. Summer walks through the state park
  17. Nights on the beach
  18. Night time stretches
  19. Listening to my parents tell old stories
  20. Letting go
  21. Good self-care
  22. Coming home to my cat
  23. Clean water
  24. Support and encouragement

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image is my own this time! A silhouette I took on the beach in California. Truly, a great day.

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Gratitude

Finding Motivation (#108)

By Jacob Ames on

At this point in my semester, I’m drained to say the least. I have a lot of work left and not a lot of time. I’ve been itching to just start packing for England but I have to remind myself to be present. I’m grateful to be exactly where I am but constantly find myself searching for something to keep me going in the here and now.

04.10.18

Today I’m grateful for…

  1. Taking a nap at the same time as my cat, Ned
  2. Getting a good sweat at the gym
  3. My friend Peter! He’s been so supportive and seeing him around campus makes me happy
  4. Time to read
  5. Advancing to the Champions League Semifinals!
  6. Good advice
  7. Tattoo stories
  8. Cozy clothes
  9. Rainy days
  10. New beginnings
  11. Dream team meetings with Carley and Jess
  12. Getting things done
  13. Real instruments
  14. Friends from home
  15. Old man basketball with my dad
  16. Backyard sports with my brother and neighbors
  17. The sunshine and warm weather
  18. Home cooked meals
  19. Buffalo chicken
  20. Morning stretches
  21. Time to journal
  22. Handwritten notes and letters
  23. All forms of learning
  24. Taking it slow
  25. The here and now, this very moment

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of the red sky marking the close of another special day. Every day I’m alive, every breath I’m granted, I’m grateful.

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Gratitude

100 Days of Gratitude! (#100)

By Jacob Ames on

100 days of gratitude. That’s 2,500 listed things, people, foods, places, smells, critical thoughts, beliefs, and a whole lot else I’m grateful for SO FAR. I’m excited to share this with my gratitude readers because you all have been so encouraging and supportive of this list and the concept of gratitude / thanks / and appreciation.

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I still have many more lists ahead of myself but this is a cool milestone 🙂

04.02.18

Today I’m grateful for…

  1. Working with Carley. Our car rides back from class, chats in the office, and everything else has made this year at UMass special. She’s become one of my best friends and I have loved working with her.
  2. My Peer Mentors. I am a brand new supervisor with A LOT to learn. They’ve been patient with me as I have been patient with them. Together we’ve had a special year and they teach me a lot about myself and how I work with others. They’re a really great group, even if they do stress me out sometimes.
  3. My family, I write them into every list for a reason but I am so lucky to have supportive parents and siblings. These people are my best friends and I have had a lot of good days thanks to these people.
  4. My cat. He’s been a fantastic emotional support and gives me a reason to get up in the morning when I’m grumpy and tired.
  5. Stretching before bed. It has done wonders for me and it’s important to be “flexible” in life.
  6. Working with Kelcey and teaching CORE. She is a fantastic co-facilitator and we have an outstanding class. So many of these students will positively change UMass during their time here.
  7. My supervisor, Adam. He really understands me as a person and has been so helpful and encouraging during my process of transitioning to grad school this year.
  8. Music! It’s a mood booster, a time consumer, and a window to the soul O.O (wow). I love sharing music with people and it’s something I really enjoy to do with my friends. This is a really cool instrumental I used today when my anxiety was acting up (https://open.spotify.com/track/0902cldCDA0AjfeO1fyuUJ?si=ErA8a43dSuiyrGf6IQvlHg$
  9. Clean Water! I take it for granted all the time here but wow does it make a difference in the way I live my life here in America compared to Cambodia.
  10. The sound of birds summer mornings. I love being warm and cozy but I’m not a fan of being hot. I love the summer but I’m not a fan of my birthday. Overall, it’s a good time for me.
  11. The smell of the ocean once you get to the cape. I’ll miss my family in England this summer.
  12. Peanut butter. It just had to make the 100-day list lol. It’s not only delicious, it’s simple. No dishes, no mess, just a man and his sandwich.
  13. My bed. It’s not only big enough for me to fit on but it’s my safe space and where I recharge for the next day.
  14. Learning new things. That’s my goal for every day on this planet and I’m grateful for the really good ones.
  15. Laughing with Melissa. Monday’s are always my longest day but FaceTiming with her helped turn my day around.
  16. THE Bridgewater State University. So many people I love are there and it’s become my home away from home. It changed my life and helped make me who I am today.
  17. Inspiration in every form. I love good quotes, movies, clips of people who want nothing more than to make you believe in yourself. I hope to be that person for as many people as possible.
  18. Good food. Man, I love food.
  19. My laptop still works after 8 years of use. Can’t take that stuff for granted.
  20. Patience. It’s been the biggest lesson I’ve been trying to learn for the past year and I can see my progress. It’s been so helpful for a lot of reasons and something I know I can go back to when I’m stressed out.
  21. Laughter. I’m someone who really enjoys humor and I think genuine laughter can be the mark of a good connection between however many people.
  22. Honesty. Sometimes it’s scary but it can feel liberating when you get it off your chest. It’s also good to know and trust others are being truthful with you. Definitely, something I’m grateful for on both ends.
  23. Reflection. With reflection comes learning and I LOVE learning. Whether it’s out loud as I’m processing with one of the many supportive people in my life, or just in my journal, it makes me happy.
  24. Gratitude. It’s changed my life for the better in every way.
  25. The present moment! The here and now!

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of me giving my commencement speech. Telling people “Love Your Process”, and that we have a lot to be grateful for.

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Gratitude Uncategorized

This Isn’t About Me (#96)

By Jacob Ames on

Yes, the list is mine and these are things I am grateful for but often times I need to remind myself, “This isn’t about me”. As I continue to make lists and strike for one list a day for an entire year, I hope to improve as I go and learn more about how to best inspire others.

It’s a work in progress but I think everything else should be too.

03.29.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

  1. When my cat listens to my commands as I train him to do tricks
  2.  A productive day in the office
  3. Favors from friends
  4. Sleeping in
  5. Frank Ocean’s Moon River Cover (https://open.spotify.com/track/41cpvQ2GyGb2BRdIRSsTqK?si=XoglJwx0Re6uCFKA52G3ag)
  6. All three Kung Fu Panda Movies
  7. Family dinners
  8. Saturday and Sunday morning Soccer
  9. Trying new things
  10. Journaling and time to process
  11. Disney songs on car rides
  12. Sigma Pi at BSU
  13. 3+ Years living in Shea Durgin
  14. Sledding down the hill with my sister in the Winter
  15. Easter at my Grandma’s
  16. Quick feedback
  17. My Peer Mentors and what they teach me
  18. Cambodia and my time serving others
  19. Meeting new people
  20. Going to Revs Games with my friends from home
  21. Patience and a few deep breaths
  22. Finding new music
  23. Soft pillows
  24. Spotify Playlists
  25. The present moment

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image from an old hike. Don’t quite remember where or when.

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Gratitude

No Pain, No Gain (#95)

By Jacob Ames on

I’m not actually in pain but the sentiment is true when it comes to adversity in life. The challenges we face in life are opportunities for growth. Whatever you’re working towards, put your faith in the Universe and have the patience to see it through. One day at a time.

03.29.18

Today I’m grateful for…

  1. A good day at the library
  2. Time for the gym
  3. Booking my first flight to Iceland
  4. Calls with my dad
  5. Celtics Buzzer Beaters
  6. Honesty
  7. Punk Rock
  8. Nighttime stretches
  9. Tv show references with my brother
  10. My friends from BSU
  11. Old family movies
  12. Big sweatshirts
  13. When my cat greets me at the door
  14. Good books
  15. Working as an LCG
  16. Continuing my education and graduate school
  17. Learning more about history
  18. A clear night and a full moon
  19. Live music
  20. The smell of the beach and the breeze from the ocean
  21. Cleansing rain
  22. New beginnings
  23. Trust, Love, and Hope
  24. Peanut Butter 🙂
  25. This very moment!!!!

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of the place I spent all day. This research project is kicking my butt. In my mind, there’s no challenge I can’t handle and this is another great reason to be grateful come time for my summer in England.

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Gratitude

What Do You Do When Nothing Is Going Right? (#91)

By Jacob Ames on

Today was not a good day. There were a lot of little reasons why that was true. They add up, we find every reason to forsake the universe, clench our fists, and be angry with our current situation.

Here’s my advice. Taking a couple deep breaths is always a good place to start. Use your tools and only worry about the things you CAN control. Break it down. Every seemingly insurmountable problem can be solved with a little patience and some organization. Remember to take it one day at a time and do everything in your power to make tomorrow better.

03.24.18

Today I’m grateful for…

  1. My family
  2. A couple deep breaths
  3. To be here at UMass
  4. Surviving middle school
  5. Talking things out with my friends
  6. Jijutsu in the summer
  7. Everything that happened in 2017
  8. Learning new things
  9. Good health
  10. My grandma and hearing her voice
  11. Board games with my dad
  12. The weekend
  13. My brother is visiting me in England this summer
  14. My cat, Ned getting me out of bed in the morning
  15. Clean water
  16. A good documentary
  17. A clean apartment
  18. Being warm
  19. New friends
  20. My brothers in Sigma Pi
  21. The University of Essex
  22. Home cooked food
  23. Music to calm me down
  24. Having this blog to process
  25. This very moment

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of me during my commencement speech talking about gratitude!

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Gratitude

Working Towards My Goals, One Day At A Time (#90)

By Jacob Ames on

03.23.18

Today I’m grateful for…

  1. My fellow LCGs
  2. Exploration and Discovery
  3. Clean Water
  4. My family
  5. An Empty Gym
  6. Time to breath
  7. A little luck
  8. Playing in the backyard with my brother
  9. Warm laundry
  10. My friend Mel for always checking in
  11. Team Kennedy
  12. Liverpool FC and growing up with Soccer
  13. People who hold the door open
  14. Second chances
  15. Time for Self Care
  16. Learning new things
  17. Friends from Cambodia
  18. Kind people
  19. Building trust
  20. The smell of fresh cut grass
  21. Understanding
  22. Good advice
  23. A clean apartment
  24. Communicators and leaders
  25. This very moment

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of the sun and clouds walking back from the gym today in Amherst. Grateful to be here.

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