gratitude is a must, yeah.

Boo! Fitting for Halloween but also this post is coming as a delayed sept-ober one, so maybe you weren't expecting me and this post scared you.

So much happened in September - I got new glasses for one. As a lifelong (well since I was 8ish) specs wearer, changing the style of your frames is a big deal because it comes with a new identity. This time I've opted for much bigger frames, tortoise colour and rectangle. I've been hung up on this one specific frame and I just love my new lewk.

I also found out that Love Your Company was featured in Glamour Magazine's Diwali Gift Guide. Win!

And here we are in October. Diwali has kept me busy - gatherings with my family, in laws, community. It was also my Indian wedding anniversary and birthday the same week so it's been wishes on wishes.

Usually every birthday I do a brief (but intentional) thank you for another year of life and everything I have, but this year I stopped and really thought about the things I was grateful for. In full sentences, the micro moments that make me happy and thankful. I thought I'd share a few below because I reflected all day and soon realised that it's the glimmers in your life that makes the overall experience of life enjoyable.

This year I am grateful for…

All the photos of me from when I was young to now shared in the big family chat. A reminder of how much space I take up in everyone's gallery.

The gift my sister gave me after Sri Lanka to open on my birthday. We don't live in the same country so the fact that she planned ahead meant a lot.

Flowers delivered home from my husband with a lovely note. He was away for work this year but knows how much flowers bring me joy.

Coffee culture with my Nanima. This has become our thing and for her to suggest it the morning of my birthday meant a lot because it's been a while.

A birthday card from Nanima. I’m her go-to person to buy cards for people and write them and while we were out, she told me to choose one! Thankful for a grandma who always thinks of you.

Birthday messages from old friends. We might not speak often, but when their names popped up on whatsapp, it was a reminder that they remembered the date and thought of me.

Dinner with my best friend of 20+ years. We became friends in Canada when we were 12 and now live in the same city. Celebrating with someone who knows so much about me and my journey is really special.

Perspective. I try not to dwell on things out of my control, and while it's not easy, I try to be positive and grateful for other things. This year I reminded myself that I enjoy my own company and London is full of fun things to do. And so I celebrated.

The host at Wahaca asking me where I'd feel comfortable sitting. Language matters and this is how people will continue to enjoy solo days out and dining alone. It doesn't have to be an uncomfortable experience.

My mum sending me baby pics and precious memories. I'm sure for her it's also sentimental to mark another year of life for the child she brought into the world.

With love and gratitude, see you next month.

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