Grateful for Every Moment: How I Learned to Enjoy Life More

Lately, there’s been a distinct shift in how I perceive my days: they’re increasingly filled with joy. This realization didn’t come all at once but through the accumulation of small, yet profoundly meaningful experiences. Let me illustrate what I mean through several personal stories.

A Special New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve 2023, my wife and I decided to cook several new dishes from a cookbook called “Mediterranean Simply”, which contains easy, healthy Mediterranean recipes. We picked five dishes to try for dinner and gathered the necessary ingredients. That evening, we busily prepared the meal side-by-side in the kitchen. After an hour and a half, we sat down to a delicious dinner that was not only impressive in appearance, but also in taste. Preparing and enjoying this special meal together made the evening truly memorable.

A Trip to Remember

In January, we attended the annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Ice Wine Festival in Ontario. Although it was challenging to find time during my busy teaching schedule, I made it a priority when I saw how eager my wife was to go. We drove there on a Friday night and enjoyed a pleasant evening at our hotel’s restaurant, savoring light dinner, wine, and conversation.

The next morning was even more magical. We started with an amazing locally-sourced breakfast and then strolled to a cozy coffee shop to relish our drinks. Afterwards, we walked to the Two Sisters Vineyard for a wine tasting tour I had reserved. To our delight, we were able to upgrade to a premium experience led by Dieter, their senior sommelier. For two incredible hours, we sampled various award-winning wines while Dieter patiently answered our questions and guided us through the nuances of each varietal. It was a perfect, memorable day spent together. However, we discovered that ice wine was too sweet for our taste.

Running and Enjoying Toronto

The weekend continued with a teaching assignment in Toronto. Instead of going back home right after the wine tour, we drove straight to Toronto. On Sunday morning, I woke early for my regular long-distance run before teaching in Toronto. Over the past year, I have cultivated a love for running, gradually increasing my distance to 20-30km per session. At the hotel gym, I spent two fulfilling hours on the treadmill, reviewing my Anki flashcards and re-listening to Charlie Munger’s last interview. Afterwards, my wife and I enjoyed a 40-minute walk to our favorite café for their famous all-butter croissants and smoked-salmon sandwiches. As we savored our breakfast, I felt immense gratitude for the simple joys of the morning – the delicious food, the invigorating walk, and the precious time spent with my beloved wife. It was one of the best weekends of my life, filled with countless moments of happiness.

Finding Joys in the Little Things

Lately, I have also come to appreciate the benefits of morning sunlight. I walk to work each day, taking time to bask in the early sunlight. During these 15-minute walks, I feel refreshed, energized, and grateful to be alive. Sometimes, I even take a detour to prolong this peaceful experience.

Moreover, my wife and I have been making a conscious effort to take more walks together, using the time to talk, plan, and share our thoughts. These moments make me realize what a wonderful life companion I have and how fortunate I am. After each walk, I feel motivated to work harder and create an even better, happier life for us.

These small joys have had a profound impact on my life. In the past, I may have been too focused on work or making a living to fully appreciate them. But now, with a more settled life, I am learning to prioritize my inner peace and well-being. I gladly put aside work to spend an extra five minutes with my wife or to take a rejuvenating afternoon walk. These experiences bring me far more happiness than the tasks I might have completed in that time.

Furthermore, I have developed a deep love for nature and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Whether running in the park or simply listening to the birds and flowing water, immersing myself in nature leaves me feeling refreshed and alive.

In the end, it is these small details and joys that make life truly enjoyable. I am grateful and thankful for each moment I am given. While life may not be perfect, embracing a positive outlook can make all the difference. For me, this shift in perspective has been life-changing, and I am excited to continue savoring all the wonderful experiences that come my way.

2 comments

  1. Precious and beautiful words! Loved it and impressed by the quality of your life! Mostly enjoy the inner peace and joy you and your lovely wife have created together! Best wishes 💕

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