Today my 3-year-old son, Grayson, looked at me and exclaimed “Today is a happy day! Let’s dance, Mommy!” I obviously obliged. I reveled in how he associated happiness with dancing. We danced and I relished in the moment. I connected with him, connected with the music, and connected with my mind, body and soul. It was a beautiful moment. It was beautiful because I was present.

When I was growing up my maternal grandmother lived with us. We had a two bedroom home so my sisters and I shared a room with her. We called her Nanay, that means 'mom' in Tagalog (Filipino.) Every single night she would lead us in prayer. We'd ask God to bless every single one of our family members — I'm talking mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, second and third cousins — and then we'd list all of the things we were thankful for. This is the earliest memory I have of practicing gratitude.