Today I turn 31 during one of the most surreal events I’ve ever experienced, despite having lived through 9/11 and a deep recession. But life goes on.

Here’s a list of things I’m grateful for, in no particular order:

Languid dinners with my mom
Crying tears of laughter and sadness with my friends
The way Scotty sighs contentedly when he rests his head on my chest
Dad jokes from M: “What do Korean kids say instead of ‘yes dad’? K Pop”
House that smells like butter
Butter
London Philharmonic plays Rodgers & Hamerstein
Turkey Hill lemonade tea
People who are pretending as if they have the virus and staying inside and away from others. Disasters and crises have a way of bringing out the best in people.
Medical professionals who live up to their hippocratic oath despite dwindling PPE gear and resources. Here are some ways you can help.
Grocery store and pharmacy staff members
Delivery and mail people
Books
Libraries
Freshly baked bread
Bar Keeper’s Friend (if you know, you know)
John Mulaney
Handwritten letters
Dresses and skirts with pockets
That feeling when you wake up and realize it’s a Saturday
The pleasure of doing nothing

I read about a method to help you get back to the present moment:

Sit quietly and look around you for 5 things you can see and identify
Now identify 4 things you can hear
3 things you can feel
2 things you can smell
And 1 thing you can taste

Did it work?