Wherever I Am, There Are My Blessings!

When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in. – Kristin Armstrong.

Hello, gorgeous people! I’m so happy to be back with you. I know I missed our last date, but it was for good reasons, and I’ll tell you all about it. You see, I started this podcast to follow a deep desire from my soul that wouldn’t let me rest. There’s no strict organization behind it yet, but I’ll get there. For now, thank you for bearing with me.

I’ve been under the weather lately—a lady at my office caught a nasty flu, and since sharing is caring, she passed it on to almost the entire team. Unfortunately, I got hit pretty hard. The coughing wouldn’t stop, and I ended up being hospitalized. But something amazing came out of that whole situation, even at a time when I was feeling so low, physically and mentally. Getting sick is never fun, but this experience really shifted my perspective.

When it was confirmed that I needed to be hospitalized, I requested to be given a room for 2. I went back home, packed a bag, and headed back to the hospital, expecting my request will be accommodated.

But, when I arrived, I was informed that only rooms for four patients were available. I was so annoyed. I asked if there were any private rooms available, but they were fully booked. So, I grumbled my way up to the shared room.

The moment I settled in, though, I realized how out of touch I was. Here I was, upset because things didn’t go my way, yet I was in what could only be described as a five-star private hospital. Seriously—there was a mall downstairs with restaurants, coffee shops, a bookstore, and convenience stores. I checked in at a reception desk, a concierge carried my bag to my room, and I was welcomed with a new set comforter, toiletries, and towels. The room was huge, with two full spacious bathrooms and plenty of privacy for each patient. A lady even came by with an iPad so I can choose my three meals for the next following days even they have a teatime menu that I am entitled to. It was like being on a luxury flight—there was even a guy pushing a trolley that came around with trays of food in it. And to top it all off, my stay was fully covered by insurance.

I had to take a step back and reflect. I pulled out my journal and wrote, “Wherever I am, my blessings are.” 

At that moment, I promised myself to always be grateful for where I am right now. I looked back to my childhood. I never lacked medical care; if I got sick, my parents would drop everything to look after me, it was such a big deal, taking turns at night to check on me and getting me the necessary medication.

I had absolutely nothing to complain about, especially when so many people around the world don’t have the same privileges. There are people who can’t afford medical treatment, people who don’t have access to hospitals, or who live in places without adequate healthcare or doctors.

I don’t mean to make this episode sad or heavy, but I think it’s important to shine a light on how easily we take things for granted. We often overlook our blessings, whatever form they take, and we don’t always appreciate the ease and comfort we have. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the world’s population doesn’t even know what it’s like to have the conveniences we barely think twice about.

In my culture, we have a saying that translates this way, “Don’t throw stones at God.” It means don’t be ungrateful, and sitting in that hospital bed, it resonated with me like never before.

We all go through our struggles—whether they’re similar or vastly different from each other. But if you’re someone who’s able to listen to this podcast episode right now, you’re already blessed. You can hear—that’s a blessing. You have fingers to click on a screen—that’s a blessing. You have a device to access this episode—that’s another blessing. And you have the time to listen—yet another blessing.

Take a moment to take inventory of your blessings, down to the smallest details, and be grateful for every one of them.

This wraps up this first podcast season for now. I’ll be back, if God is willing, in January 2025 with a new 12-episode season, it a date, crossing fingers. Until then, I wish you nothing but beautiful things. Follow your bliss and, every day, strive to become your most successful self however it looks like for you.

PS: The above exists in a podcast format, click on my podcast to access to the audio format if you rather be listening.