text: Living in a country full of abundance and a generation that is considerably blessed, it is easy to overlook the basic things we have and always yearn to have more. Growing up my parents were immigrants and they provided for us in the best way possible, but we didn’t have the luxury of vacations, Guess jeans, Acura Integras for our first cars, and even braces for our crooked teeth. We had enough, but we didn’t always have excess so we learned gratitude through missed opportunities and challenges. But you know what? I am thankful for what I didn’t have because the lessons I received from what I lacked was far greater than anything tangible or superficial I could have had.
  Practicing gratitude in daily life is difficult because life in general is demanding. But I’ve noticed that being grateful for the small things in life make the bigger things in life not seem as bad. Additionally, gratitude, like a smile, is contagious. If you act gracious, you can quickly spread that positivity and appreciation to others.
  So when a place like Café Gratitude serves up plates named “Peaceful,” “Open-Hearted,” “Inspired,” and “Fearless,” how you can you not smile and feel blessed as you order starting with the phrase “I am…[name the plate].” The concept of Café Gratitude is simple – local, organic, sustainable, and cooked with love. It is a place were people and food come together in a celebration of their enlightenment. Check out any of their California locations in Los Angeles, Downtown LA, San Diego, Venice, and Newport Beach and get your gratitude on.
  Whatever mood you’re in, whatever negative thing that just happened, turn it around, be positive, and start practicing an attitude of gratitude!
  Sunglasses | Westward Leaning (use code DAILYKONGFIDENCE at DITTO for a free month of designer sunnies) similar styles here, here, and here
  I am grateful for you and your post Christine! Growing up as an immigrant myself, I can relate to everything you shared! Will need to try out Cafe Gratitudes’ LA location soon! Thanks you for the beautiful post! xox, Adelina
  Christine, Do you ever not look chic? I mean seriously- you made a simple tank top look like the perfect top that I NEED in my life.
  You are so sweet Christina! I like the simple looks too and honestly this cami from H&M is one of my go-to pieces!
  Aw thank you so much for the beautiful post, Christine <3 The cafe looks so lovely, I'll have to visit whenever I'm in LA! I love the simple white top, ripped denim look. You're beautiful!
  Thank you Jenn, you definitely have to try it. It is amazing how good gluten free, vegan food can taste. =)
  Was so moved by this post ❤️ I loved all your pictures and I feel so good after reading this post ♥️
  Thank you Kreshma, that is one of the best compliments that I could have asked for. I am happy that this post left you feeling positive and hopefully grateful. xoxo.
  Our parents were immigrants too, and we grew up struggling a little bit as well but I wouldn’t have changed anything. My parents have come a LONG way since moving to the states 20 years ago and we can’t thank them enough for sacrificing their homeland so that we could have a better life here in the states. Very inspirational post.
  Aww, thanks for sharing about your upbringing too Simona and Indre. We definitely owe a lot to our parents who struggled and provided us with what we needed. I am grateful for how we grew up because without those experiences, we definitely wouldn’t have ended up here.
  Such a beautiful post! Loving the photos as well. I definitely need to check out Cafe Gratitude soon. Sounds like a very inspiring and positive place to be. Thank you for the reminder to always be grateful for what we have. 🙂 Have a wonderful week, Christine! xo, sharon
  Totally agree with you Christine! Gratitude is so important in life, I try to practise gratitude in a daily basis and it really help to keep a positive mind. I believe that struggles make us stronger too! This Cafe Gratitude is such a good idea and the food looks yummy!
  Thank you Aurelie! That’s amazing that you practice it in your daily life and continue to have a positive mentality. It definitely helps us in the long run and keeps us motivated!
  Thank you Alice. Yes, the restaurant, and it’s sister resaurant, Gracias Madre are both so beautiful inside and their bar is unbelievable for photos!
  This was such a positive piece and a great read Christine! Thanks for sharing and I adore the cute picture of you taking a flatlay picture hehe!
  Such a lovely post! This cafe sounds like a wonderful place, it is always great to be surrounded by positivity!
  I am grateful for this article. Thank you so much for sharing Christine! I absolutely love the quote in the beginning and I can relate to you about growing up with parents as immigrants and not having everything I wanted. I love articles that are meaningful like this one 🙂
  Thanks Mariann, your support always means a lot to me. We are definitely blessed and owe a lot to our parents.
  as always i love this post Christine! not only your look is amazing and perfect for the setting, the message is so true and it really resonated with me! being thankful is really the key to a happier life, and taking example from your parents is admirable. we should never forget what others are going through! amazing message and post as always !!
  Thank you Melis! Being grateful and positive is definitely a huge aspect of being happy with oneself. I am always inspired by others and grateful for the lessons that I learn from my experiences and from sharing with other people. I hope you have a wonderful week!
  Hi Amy, isn’t it the yummiest? Yes, gratitude should be practiced everyday until it becomes a habit!
  This is a great post, Christine. I agree that being grateful for little things makes life a lot better.
  Hi Sharon, thank you for stopping by. Yes, gratitude and a positive attitude is the key to being happy! Hope you are having a great week so far!
  You look really great, hun! You perfectly flaunt your sexy body with that outfit. I love the outfit as well as your photos.
  Ahh I am so so in love with the place! Wish I was living closer! The food looks incredible and the menu sounds like a dream come true. I love the minimal outfit you are wearing and the cami has the perfect cut – love a good v-neck!
  Thank you Sophie! Yes this place and it’s sister restaurant, Gracias Madre, are both so gorgeous inside and yummy. The cami is from H&M and so affordable. I literally wear it all the time!
  Heart and soul written article! I can imagine what you are thinking about and you are absolutely right my dear. Small things are more bigger than those big. Regarding your ootd it is perfect as you are too. I am here the first time and I like your feed. Great job sweetie.
  Thank you Katharine for stopping by, it means a lot. And yes, being grateful for the big and little things just makes us positive and happier in general. I hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
  This is such a great classy and casual look – I love how the heels make the whole ensemble so elegant 🙂 And this food looks delicious!