My Gratitude/Birthday Gift Today

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY, MI GENTE!!!! ????????

As my gift, I want to have meaningful connections, especially with family and friends. I think that this meaningful connection will be better established if I offer/share a couple of things that have meant a lot in my life recently.

Following my wife’s repeated invitation, I kept a “Gratitude Inventory”, and I just wanted to share with you some of the entries that meant a lot to me. I decided to write down things that I’d taken for granted, and easy to overlook, but also how those things, circumstances or people have a unique impact in my life.

Here are some of the things I’ve been grateful for and the lessons that they’ve taught me. I hope this list inspires you too.

The List

“My brother called me to check on me”: You might not know this, but in the last few years the situation in Venezuela has deteriorated so profoundly, that approximately eight million people have fled the country, and many families have separated. The situation fluctuates and right now we have the first glimpse in years at the possibility of freedom in the land.

With all this upheaval is a needed breath of fresh air to hear from my brother as well as other beloved ones. Don’t take them for granted, check on them (and while you’re at it, say couple of prayers or send good vibes to Venezuela, pretty please).

“I’ve got enough timely synapses to speak, understand and feel proper emotions.”: After experiencing and learning more and more about depression, I started appreciating the fact that I can make coherent talk, or write properly, or even put sentences together. Especially if it allows me to connect with you all at the human, heart-to-heart level.

?“I’ve ears to listen to Juan Luis Guerra’s music.”: He’s a Dominican musician that I’ve admired for decades. His music and message are so positive, vibrant and beautiful, that it’s rather improbable to get moved to dance or to simply be happier by listening to it.

“How God sometimes turns off anxiety as if it was a switch, just at moment I entered the men’s clothing store where I’m working.”: This is one of the many tiny miracles I’ve experienced. Look for tiny miracles in your daily life, they make a big difference.

“Having a sense of taste that allows me to try mochi cakes, chestnut flavor… good stuff.” I tried something new in my life and man, did I enjoy it. I invite you to do the same every now and then. It just adds new flavors (pun intended) to your life.

“I have hot chocolate in my life. Man, so good.”: Not only try new things, enjoy the good things you have around you.

“Receiving the accolades of an overweight man to whom I sold a shirt that would finally fit him, because ‘Gonzalo understands what it’s like’”: I’ve struggled with my weight all my life. Despite having lost more than 20 lbs. since I started working at a Gentleman’s store, I’m still in the XXL range.

This circumstance has allowed me to identify with customers that have gone through the same thing and struggle to find clothes that fit them properly. It was a special moment that allowed me to establish a brief but emotional encounter. I had been praying to be able to touch people’s lives, even if it’s working retail clothing. God does answer prayers.

Don't take life for granted

I’d taken for granted or even forgotten some of the things I’d been grateful for. If hadn’t written them down and revisited them, they would have been lost in oblivion. I’m so glad I checked on this list today.

Let me know what you think about this list, or even better, as my birthday gift, share something unique you’re grateful for, I know it’s going to inspire you and myself.

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