Feeling a Lot of Gratitude

June 13, 2025 – It’s Friday the 13th

I went to the dentist this morning to get my teeth cleaned by the hygienist and my teach checked by the dentist. I was feeling very grateful that I am able to adapt my work schedule to accommodate this appointment. I am grateful to have the privilege to have dental coverage. I am super grateful that my parents insisted on dental care and dental health as part of my way of being. I am grateful that I walked out of the dental office with nothing seriously wrong with my teeth. I am also grateful for having the opportunity to drive to the dental office and walk into the office with no help or assistance. I feel very grateful right now for my life and currently health. I am lucky.

I did not expect that this blog reflection would start so deeply, but I do have a lot to be grateful for. Last week was my friend’s Celebration of Life. She was also a second-generation Asian who was a teacher education in the BC school system. We had a lot in common and we were both invested in “Assessment” and “decolonizing our practices.” She knew a lot more than me, and she was ALWAYS willing to share. Her generosity and thoughtfulness was over the top. The week before, I went to Toronto, ON to present 4 aspects of my teaching at a national conference at 4 different Canadian associations. I found my people there and I felt very good about my presentations and being deeply invested in the “Scholarship of Teaching.” And now, I am writing this blog post in my new home. I love being here and I am so grateful that I can support myself, my kid, and my cat. I never thought that would be possible.

I can see misery in others. Some are struggling. Others are suffering. I get it… I’ve been there. Life is not easy, but what I do understand is, you can make the difference. You create what you see. I know that sounds cliché but it’s true. I will also say that it is also challenging to change your point of view because it comes from a place that is deep inside your body and mind. The work is not easy. I don’t think it’s suppose to be. Today, I am figuring out my next steps to complete the spring/summer semester. This planning entails completing some work for a few research projects, getting some writing done for publication, engage and complete work for a couple of projects, and planning and prepping for the fall. This semester is the first time I am not teaching and I am super grateful to have to time to go to conferences and the freedom to produce the work that require some deep thought. I get to do this work. It’s amazing.

I’m not sure what Friday the 13th brings. You might be witnessing right now… GRATITUDE. I cannot and will not take life for granted. I understand my value and it has taken decades to get to where I am today. I feel happy. I love what I do. And, I am very content with where I am. Although I experience some joint pain, wished that menopause would end, and could lose a few pounds, overall… LIFE IS GOOD. 🙂