“There is no joy without gratitude.”

If you caught Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday a few weeks ago, you might have heard Brené Brown say these words.  And I cannot agree more.  As a matter of fact, it begs repeating…

“There is no joy without gratitude.”

As I was driving home from a weekend visit with my family in Sacramento yesterday, singing along to an amazing playlist as the warm wind came in through the sunroof, I couldn’t help but think of all the weekend’s events that brought me so much joy:

1. Leaving work early on a warm Friday afternoon to visit Land’s End and relish in its beauty.
2. The ability to drive just two hours north to spend the weekend with my family.
3. Sacramento’s beautifully warm Spring weather and the ability to hang out on the porch with short sleeves and sandals in the evening.
4. Going through boxes of high school memories in my parents’ garage and sharing my findings through picture texts with one of my high school amigas.
5. Watching my sister’s belly grow with new life.
6. Spending time with my furkids.
7. Having fresh pan dulce for dinner.
8. An awesome playlist that makes driving fun.
9. Returning to the bay area after a weekend away.  I love traveling, but whenever I return, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful city.  After 10 years, I still can’t believe I live here.
10. Ending a beautiful weekend with my wifey and a trip to Yogurtland.

I am so very grateful and blessed that I get to live this amazing life.  Just like everyone else, I often look at others and think my life would be better if…  but when I stop and think of all the things that I am grateful for, I realize that I’m surrounded by so much joy.  My weekend’s list may only consist of ten things, but I could really go on and on.  So today, I’m practicing gratitude.

And just in case you’re interested in what was on my playlist, below are some links to a few songs.  You’re welcome!

1. Hang Loose, Alabama Shakes
2. West End Girls, Pet Shop Boys
3. Top of the World, Slightly Stoopid
4. How Deep is Your Love, Bee Gees
5. Do You, Miguel
6. Suedehead, Morrissey
7. Hopeless Wanderer, Mumford & Sons
8. You Are the Best Thing, Ray LaMontagne
9. Jigsaw Falling Into Place, Radiohead
10. Closer, Tegan & Sara

And I just realized that this might be the first time I mentioned music on my blog, which is crazy cause if you know me, you know that I can’t get enough music in my life.  If you have an awesome playlist, please share.  I’m ALWAYS looking for new music!!

Oh, and PS, welcome to my new blog.  Things are clearly still in construction as I learn WordPress, so please bear with me.

Happy Monday!!

xoxo,

cristal veronica