It’s the blog world’s favorite day—What I Ate Wednesday—and I’ll get to the food soon enough, but since I haven’t written a real post in what feels like forever, I thought I’d ramble share a little food for thought first.

Today I realized that I’m probably one of the most cynical people I’ve known. I’m not sure to whom this trait can be attributed (I suppose my father is more cynical than my mother), but it’s definitely ingrained in my frustrating contradictory charming personality.

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Why have I come to this realization? Well, yesterday at work, the strangest thing happened to me. A few weeks ago some mechanic (I don’t even know his name—how typical of me) stopped me, telling me he noticed I liked to read (as I sometimes read in the lunch room when I can’t take my walks), asking if I’d heard of so-and-so author. I told him I had not, and he proceeded to tell me his wife enjoyed his books and asked if I’d like the books she’d finished. Wanting to get back to my desk, I shrugged and replied, “Sure,” not thinking much of it.

Well, flash forward to yesterday—as I’m walking back from the ladies room to my office—and he approaches me with this giant plastic bag full of books. I’m talking bursting at the seams. I was taken aback (and in my own little world as usual), so I politely thanked him a couple of times and went about my business. (And I still don’t know his name.)

Instead of simply being appreciative for his simple, albeit random, act of kindness (I assume they were a gift), I couldn’t help but share with coworkers how odd, creepy things always happen to me. I just made a joke of this situation. Why did it have to be creepy—and why couldn’t it have simply been nice?

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Now I realize that, although I do try to be kind (without expecting reciprocation) to both my family/friends and strangers, I’ve never really appreciated the same that is shown to me. Even on a deeper level, I don’t think I consider myself that likeable, admirable, or deserving of random kindness. It almost makes me uncomfortable and awkward when somebody goes out of their way to be nice to me or compliment me.

(I also came to this realization after a casual conversation where almost every statement I made was overflowing with sarcasm. Really I must be the most unpleasant person sometimes—unless sarcasm, too, is part of my charming personality!)

Anyway, with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, I’m going to be more mindful of the small, but wonderful, things in each day. I’m going to try to notice and be more grateful for the simple things in my life. (For the record, I know I say this a lot—but I do mean it. In fact, I have made some progress.)

Like anybody, I’m especially grateful for good food. While Tuesday’s meals were pretty ordinary, they got the job done.

Breakfast

 Overnight oats with a chopped Gala apple, cinnamon, chia seeds, and almond milk with the usual mug of coffee

Lunch

Leftover meatloaf and green beans (followed by a mini Hershey bar for dessert)

Snack

The best yogurt ever, Chobani Almond Coco Loco flip and a Reese’s peanut butter cup (darn you, coworker, for bringing your family’s leftover Halloween candy to work!)

Dinner

A grain bowl with farro, roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and balsamic-honey-dijon dressing (recycled photo) plus some hydrating, post-yoga pineapple-coconut water (a delicious flavor that’s new-to-me)

Before I go, I’ve got some questions for you:

What’s the most random act of kindness you’ve experienced?

How do you “practice gratitude” and stay mindful of the little things in life?