I went on a walk with a friend this weekend—nothing fancy, nothing structured, just a casual stroll along Buffalo Bayou that somehow turned into us wandering all the way downtown. And the funny thing is, as much time as I spend in this city, I kept noticing buildings and murals and little pockets of beauty I swear I’ve never seen before.

Somewhere between the bayou and the skyline, it hit me: I’m deeply thankful that I can do something as simple as take a walk.

Not everyone has the time. Not everyone has the freedom. Not everyone has the body that lets them wander for miles without thinking twice.

Gratitude gets marketed like it should be big—dramatic, Instagrammable, life-changing. A promotion. A dream vacation. A lottery win. Something worth fireworks or at least a very enthusiastic group text.

But most of life’s gratitude moments are quiet. Ordinary. Easy to miss.

A friend who shows up. A city that still surprises you. A morning where you don’t feel rushed. A birthday you get to celebrate surrounded by people you care about.

And speaking of birthdays—this year, mine falls on Thanksgiving. I’m choosing to take that as a cosmic wink, like the universe saying, “Hey, pay attention. This is another year you get to be here.”

Another year to age—yes, please. Another year to love the people who make life richer. Another year to notice the small things that feel suddenly extraordinary when you stop long enough to notice them.

I don’t need a dramatic epiphany this Thanksgiving. Being able to walk through downtown Houston and see my city through fresh eyes is more than enough. Being able to spend my birthday surrounded by people I love is more than enough. Being here—healthy, present, awake—is more than enough.

This week, I’m grateful for both the big and the simple… but especially the simple. They’re the things that actually carry us through.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends—and here’s to another lap around the sun. I am especially grateful for all of YOU!

XX,

MG