As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting on this past semester and what I have gained now that it’s over. I’ve even started journaling three things that I am grateful for every day, and I find myself actively thinking about the things or people I feel blessed to have in my life on a daily basis. Being thankful for what we have in life helps motivate us to keep pushing forward. I think that appreciating the people and resources I do have in my life made this semester more manageable.
Most of the things that come to mind when I reflect on what I am grateful for are my close friends, my health, the health of my family and friends, the fact that I have my own means of transportation, my job, my college education, the fact that I’m able to study my favorite subject, my ability to cook my favorite foods; the list goes on and on. But more interesting is that, if it weren’t for going through a really challenging fall semester, I wouldn’t have come to many realizations of how grateful I am for certain things.
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I am grateful for myself. In the past, I had a hard time feeling emotionally afloat without the support of a friend, partner, parent, or sibling. Now, the independence I’ve gained has pushed me to confide in myself and find comfort within who I am. I treat myself and care for myself with different foods I love, candle scents, new clothing, etc. Aside from materialistic ways of supporting myself, I’ve learned how to comfort myself, and how to make my space a safe haven for me. I am grateful that I am smart, beautiful, talented, and kind.
Photo by Taryn Elliot from Pexels -
I am grateful for understanding the basis of meaningful friendships. This semester really challenged me to distinguish between friends who I know I can always count on and friendships that I tend to show up in more than the other person does. Even though it can be difficult to let friendships go, pouring myself solely into balanced friendships has made me tremendously happier. I am so thankful that I learned this.
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I am grateful that I know what I want to do in life and I am capable of accomplishing my dreams. This semester, with more time to myself, I’ve been able to concentrate on what I really want out of life. I am continuing to pursue my passion for a career in medicine and working hard to achieve my goals. Despite the challenges of doing online classes, I’m becoming better equipped to achieve good grades and make my dreams come true.
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I am grateful that I am loved and have somewhere to sleep, no matter where I go. Whether it be my own apartment, my friends’ places, or my childhood home, I am so grateful that I am welcome to come back and have a safe place to stay for as long as I need.
It can sometimes be difficult not to take life’s hurdles personally. I went through a lot of challenges this semester, but I never found myself asking, “why is this happening to me?” Everything happens for a reason. Instead of asking the previous question, ask yourself, “what am I learning from this? How is this making me or my life better?”
I encourage anyone reading this to start journaling three things you are grateful for each day. Trust me, it will change your perspective on life, no matter what you are going through! Enjoy your winter break. Happy holidays!
