The Gratitude List

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is it that you are truly grateful for in life? Thanksgiving never was a Philippine holiday, but that should not stop me from expressing my genuine gratitude towards those, whom should I say, gave this speck of dust existence of mine a little bit more meaning.

If I may recall, how many of my relatives have distanced themselves because of my ungratefulness? How many lovers have I disappointed because I was not grateful enough? How many friends have I cut ties with because I think so very little of them? Too much, and I am surprised how much it broke me more than it hurt them.

Sometimes I blame myself for everything that has happened to me. I blame my arrogance, my ungratefulness, and my selfishness. I was generally an asshole until I was bought down on my knees, I was stepped on and pushed away and stripped off of pride and my vanity. I was helpless, hopeless and homeless. I was naked… then I was born again, this time to right the wrong and make good of everything. So here I am about to express my deepest gratitude to those who have blessed my life in so many ways with their simple acts of love and those who unknowingly brighten up my days.

First off, I am grateful that I still get to wake up every day and do what I am supposed to do. I am grateful that I am still alive and healthy. I am grateful to have strong legs to carry myself and take myself to places I wanted to be. I am grateful to have strong arms to reach for the things I wanted for myself, to hold the things that are dear to me.

I am grateful to my readers; I am grateful to the 186 followers of my blog. Thank you for the unprecedented attention my writing has received. I am grateful for new friends I acquired through writing, those who took their time to like and comment on my posts and to those who reached out to me. I cannot express enough of my gratitude for making a simple man from the Philippines happy and discover his passion for writing (despite his broken English). Special shout out to the following:

• Franny @ https://thecandiiclub.com/ – Thank you for the quirky comments and the bits and pieces of precious wisdom, you are always appreciated here
• Gina @ https://alifelesslivedblog.wordpress.com/ – You are a wonderful writer and photographer. I’m a huge fan of your writing and photography, and it always gives me the joy to see your name in the comment section
• Leslie @ https://ofblacksandblues.wordpress.com/ – No words can express how thankful I am to you and I’m still waiting for your latest entry. Maktub….
• thepinkseam @ https://thepinkseam.wordpress.com/ – I had a blast reading through your entry and your comments are always appreciated, thank you!
• Theresaly520 @ https://theresaly520.wordpress.com/ – Thank you for the wonderful words you leave at my comment section. I always enjoyed our little exchanges.

For anyone else who wanted to reach out to me, you could send me a message through my contact page @ https://barbariangentlemen.wordpress.com/contact/ or you could email me @ thebarbariangentlemanblog@gmail.com. Your message will be very much appreciated, thou I will apologize to you in advance if I could not get to you on time.

I am grateful for my friends. I know you guys cannot read this but if you happen to stumble upon this little place of mine on the inter-web I want you to know you guys are very well appreciated. You made my existence a little bit less lonely. We always filled the room with our laughter and hope even in times of dire consequences, I want you to always remember that “life happens when it happens” and that “life is short, so be fabulous”.

I am grateful for you Pancake, I know you’re reading this and I cannot express how much you made my life wonderful over the last few months. Our little weekend excursions (god, I miss your smile…) and our late night phone calls are always something to look forward to. It was always nice to think that all of these started with a very simple bet (that you by the way lost!), and I have thought that with the distance between us will make this little love affair nothing but a fleeting glimpse of what happiness could be, but boy I was so wrong. This was unprecedented, yet profound in so many ways. You are wonderful just like how I have written what love should be.

I am grateful to you, mother and father; for your unconditional love even in the face of disappointment. You always stood by me, and I am sorry… I hope someday I could make you proud.

And lastly; to the wonderful bundle of joy and the walking littering machine who asks too many questions before going to bed, you will always be my #1 girl. I cannot thank you enough for giving me hope and something to live for. I am always proud of you little girl and hope that you could read this when you have grown old and have kids of your own. I am deeply sorry that things did not work out between me and your mom and that this is the life that you have to deal with. You have my eyes…

I have told myself I would not try to be overly emotional in writing this, but I guess I could not help but to spill my overflowing appreciation for the things that I mentioned above. 2018 has been a year of connections for me, a year of reaching out and reaching back. Of building bridges instead of walls, a year of firm handshakes, warm smiles, and small talks.

I will continue to be grateful especially on difficult moments in life. Gratitude is one virtue I want to live by, that it takes true men to express genuine gratitude. To truly appreciate the gifts that have been given and see the beauty of the mundane in the world of instant gratifications. Gratitude is an eye-opening virtue that increases our overall well being as well as to those who surround us.

Gratitude truly is rewarding in terms of emotional and mental happiness, and it truly changes your perspective of your surroundings and in changing your awareness. So my advice to those who are currently reading this; express your gratitude now before it is too late, nothing in this life lasts…

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