one good thing
on practicing gratitude
April hit me with a frozen bank account and a relatively small, but new flavor of body dysmorphia. Lucky me! It’s all good, though. Life goes on. I’m not entirely sure my spark has returned, but we’re trying anyway, and that’s what matters. For the month of April, I chose to focus on gratitude. I wanted to write at least one good thing that happened each day. Some are small, like giving myself permission to take a nap after a difficult therapy session, and others are exciting, like accepting my grad program offer.
Here is one good thing for every day in April
had a much needed cry
sat outside Matildas for an hour in the morning and journaled with my latte
found a little free library on an evening walk
took another long evening walk
saw a pretty sunset
accepted my grad program offer
worked my last shift before having a week off
had an excellent sandwich
took a nap after EMDR
handled something stressful
got a sourdough loaf from the farmers’ market
had a nice morning with my friends
went to a doctor’s appointment I really wanted to avoid! win!
started a new journal to define the words I don’t immediately recognize while reading
left work 30 mins early
pulled a recipe from one of our cookbooks and made stuffed shells with my fiancé
got dinner with a friend
finished a five-star read
got into a really good writing flow
had my last jones from harlem!!! what an era
this was a gooood day: I lounged by the pool and got a new book
another good day! I had one of the most comforting/nourishing dinners—a meal you’re in need of but don’t realize until you’re having it. c. and I then halved this strawberry shortcake recipe for dessert, and the Mets won
made avocado toast for breakfast
c. made my morning coffee to go <3
moved my body
enjoyed the weather
spent my lunch taking a walk outside
last shift before another 7 days off! bless!
celebrated my anniversary with c.
spent a few hours with a friend from NY while she was in town






I would love to know one good thing that has happened for you in the month of April or something you’re excited about for May.
xo, maria
⟡ a recipe for you: I go off vibes and don’t measure anything except using a whole banana and a scoop or two of protein powder.
⟡ something I’ve been loving: costco has the amylu chicken breakfast sausage links and they are v good. If you can find them, I recommend!!
⟡ a memory: iykyk! I’ll forever hold these mornings close to my heart. This space was everything phoenix needed and will be missed ❤️🩹




First off: this is such a great idea!!!!! A thing a day! Second: #14!! Yesss I remember us talking about this. Lastly: is that the coffee shop everyone used to meet at for writers group? It closed? 😭