Unapologetically Amber: Living Life, Unfiltered

10 Things I’m Grateful for This August (And Why Gratitude Matters)

August is flying by, and I can hardly believe we’ve already passed the mid-point of the month! The kids are back in school, routines are shifting, and life feels a little more chaotic (as it always does this time of year). But amidst the hustle, I want to pause and reflect on something powerful: gratitude.

Gratitude has the ability to center us, shift our mindset, and make even the busiest seasons feel abundant. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of school schedules, work deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists, but when we slow down and intentionally practice gratitude, everything changes.

So today, I’m sharing ten things I’m grateful for this month:


1. My kids thriving in school
They love being around their friends, and they’re engaged in extracurricular activities like theater, mentoring, and the Sea Perch team. Watching them learn, grow, and become well-rounded young men fills me with pride.

2. My husband
He works tirelessly—not just for our family, but for countless teachers and kids. I wish they all knew how hard he advocates for fine arts on their behalf. He truly shows up for them, even when it means sacrificing his own time. And I’m so thankful to share life with a man like that.

3. My work
I love what I do! One day, I plan to turn my experience into a consulting business to help others navigate government contracts and compliance. For now, I’m soaking up every lesson and making processes better one day at a time.

4. My business
Yes, I wear two hats! I work full-time and run a business. I’m relaunching my services and pricing next month, and the feedback I’ve received so far has been amazing. I’m so thankful for my clients and the opportunity to serve them.

5. My dogs
My big, crazy pups bring me both joy and a little chaos, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They make life brighter every single day.

6. Our home
It’s more space than we truly need, but it’s ours—a safe, warm, and welcoming place for our family. That’s something I never take for granted.

7. My car
She’s almost eight years old now, but she still runs like a champ. Since I work from home, I don’t drive much, but she’s reliable and gets us where we need to go.

8. Our extended family
They’re supportive, helpful, and always cheering on our kids. Family truly means everything to us, and I’m so grateful for the love and connection we share.

9. My friends
They ground me. They make me laugh, let me cry, and listen when I need to vent. If you’re reading this, I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you.

10. YOU
Yes, you—my readers, my TikTok family, and anyone who takes a few minutes out of their day to be here with me. Thank you for your time and your presence.


Gratitude doesn’t always have to be about the big things. It can be as simple as savoring a warm cup of coffee in the morning or feeling God’s presence in your life. Gratitude is the foundation for everything.

So now, I’d love to hear from you: What are you grateful for today?