Something More: Attitude of Gratitude

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." — Meister Eckhardt

In Sarah Ban Breathnach’s “Simple Abundance”, she talked about how living with gratitude can improve all areas of one’s life. All too often, we are caught up in the vicious game of keeping up with the Joneses; of being green with envy over the things we do not have. In our relentless pursuit of (material) happiness, we forget our basic hopes and dreams for ourselves and our families. It is easier to rant and vent than it is to give thanks and praise.

On my birthday, I've decided share my gratitude journal. It has helped me to put my hectic life back in focus.

1. I am grateful to God who created a world full of darkness and light. Thank you for giving me the ability to breathe and play an active role in these very interesting times.
2. I am grateful for Miles – life coach, partner in crime, travel companion, husband and lover. Thank you for caring how my day does.
3. I am grateful for my son Andre who continually teaches me the power of unconditional love.
4. I am grateful for my Daddy (Johnny in the city, Nitong in Batangas) for showing by example that nothing is more important than family.
5. I am grateful for my Mom (Beth to the general public, forever Baby among the Tolentinos) for teaching me that love is in the details. She also taught me not to deal with clerks if you want to get the right answers. =)
6. I am grateful for my brother Leonid for teaching me humility and how to find joy in the little things.
7. I am grateful for my grandparents whose lives were lessons in love, patience and sacrifice.
8. I am grateful for my Uncle Roy who taught me that one’s life should not be lived for the happiness of others.
9. I am grateful for my Auntie Evelyn whose openness and generosity of self are living testament to the adage – the more you give, the more you shall receive.
10. I am grateful for the Ona Six - quirky individuals who together have kept the Ona family going strong during times of turbulence and uncertainty.
11. I am grateful for the MALOCA who taught me the importance of family ties. For you I will be Joelle Kennedy.
12. I am grateful for Patring Hatte – my second mom.
13. I am grateful for Cristina Tahoces and Angie, who taught me that opposites can and do attract. Your friendship during the awkward tweens meant the world to me.
14. I am grateful for the underground passages leading from Queen’s Park to St. Joe’s. The labyrinth of tunnels kept me warm and dry during rain, sleet, hail and slush.
15. I am grateful for Kate Mather and Meg Busuego who taught me that it is ok not to compromise and that it is hip to keep one’s identity intact. Thanks to you, my accent is Aussie-free. =) I am also grateful to Claude Sharp and Indri Ruslim who taught me self-reliance and acceptance of things I cannot change.
16. I am grateful for D.K., my first love.
17. I am grateful for the PPO girls – Karla Querubin, Kleng Antonio and Jackie Chua. Shooting stars in the stratosphere of my so-called life.
18. I am grateful for Sunshine David whose handwritten letters to me are saved and cherished.
19. Iam grateful for Bambi Gamban who showed me how to MOOOOOO and take the Leap of Faith.
20. I am grateful for the CSO brats, for showing me that friendship can stand the test of time and distance.
21. I am grateful for Dondon and Margaux Atayde who showed me that love can work and that Ateneo and La Salle can unite.
22. I am grateful for budget airlines, without which it would not have been possible to climb the ruins in Angkor Wat or strengthen family bonds in Kota Kinabalu.
23. I am grateful for the technology that created the laptop and internet, a fount of (sometimes) useful information.
24. I am grateful for Darwin Mariano who continually shows me that there is still room for idealism in politics and who taught me that nothing can be achieved without Aksyon (pun intended).
25. I am grateful for Edwin Horca who is proof that passion for vocation can lead to inner peace, better health and happiness.
26. I am grateful for Bombit Largoza and Mrs. Mooney, inspired teachers who showed me that brilliance is not innate, it must be nurtured to its fullest potential.
27. I am grateful for the spa, my refuge from the madding crowd. I am grateful for breakdown prevention days – my therapy against postal worker syndrome.
28. I am grateful for Granny Gonzales whose life journey teaches me courage, faith and hope.
29. I am grateful for Icar Castro, my HR and life guru. Every dinner is an eye opener.
30. I am grateful for Jell Ong, Ginger Agregado and Fatima Trapaga, my partners in burning the Corfin midnight oil. Salut!
31. I am grateful for the geniuses who invented post-it flags, highlighters and hanging folders.
32. I am grateful for Doctor Seuss, author of “Oh, the Places You'll Go!”, one of the greatest books every written.
33. I am grateful for airconditioning, a godsend during these seemingly endless sweltering summer nights.