GRATITUDE

Favorite Things Right Now #4

Spring 2024

Artwork by Janna Barrett

This is my fourth post in a series inspired by writer Laura Tremaine, who runs this feature on her podcast, 10 Things to Tell You. I use it as a seasonal exercise in gratitude for the top 10 things in my life. It’s a way for me to mark my current chapter and reflect upon some of its highlights.

This form of reflection is pretty different from my usual fare. Rather than how experiences make me feel, these are observations about what I’m enjoying at the moment. They’re defining aspects of this season of my life.

I try to publish these at the end of each season. However, both spring and summer have been incredibly busy for me, so writing has taken a backseat. I’m happy to start getting back into it with this seasonal Top 10 list, by sharing my favorite things from March, April, and May—in August.

All images are by the author, unless credited otherwise.

Flying full-time again

Photo from the exit row, when I was deadheading on a recent flight

It took me 4½ months to recover from my spinal injury, and the idea of being exposed to turbulence again gave me considerable anxiety. I wasn’t even sure I…