As you clear your plates of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and rush to deck the halls with boughs of holly, don’t skip out on taking a moment to reflect on the valuable lessons to be learned from the Ghost of Thanksgiving Past. Somewhere between the chaos of food preparation, gathering the entirety of family and avoiding spoilers for “Stranger Things,” there is a lingering magic. A magic especially fervent in December’s gift-giving season. And while it may be too early in the season for me to don a red suit and hat, I am in a gift-giving mood. Moreover, sharing the gift of gratitude. So, I present A rambling on of Athaliah’s Thanksgiving-related thoughts.
As the year draws to a close, having loved and lost plenty, I took time this Thanksgiving to reflect on things that have shaped the trajectory of my life, including, but not limited to, the times I’ve said “Hello” and “Goodbye” to both people and experiences; the goals I set for myself last December and goals I’ve since met; but most importantly, how each rejection I’ve faced, no matter how big or small, has veered me to the path I am on today. Each rejection has provided a seriously needed redirection, a redirection that has me writing this piece today. Whether it was a study abroad plan delayed a semester, a relationship not working out or a job falling through, I’ve learned to be thankful for moments of silence, even if they appear as indefinite pauses for my steadfast ambitions.
Expressing gratitude can be done in several ways, such as journaling, speaking more positively, centering love in your life, self-induced, romantic and platonic or simply having periodical moments to think about your life and contemplate where you once were and where you are now. More often than not, you’ll find yourself rich in opportunities you once dreamed about having, or even grateful to have a life altogether.
Remember that vision board you created around this time last year? If you take a minute to look at it, I’m sure you’ll see not just visions anymore, but goals you’ve met and a reality you’re standing in. A reality that came to fruition from the culmination of those long nights, tears shed and shouts of frustration. Acknowledging the hard work you put in each day to be where you are currently will make you appreciate your successes and therefore, enjoy them more. For instance, if you skipped a few nights out to study for an exam and you get the exam back, with high marks, you’re going to enjoy your next night out even more because of the sacrifice you made and the results earned.
Using reflection as a checkpoint has encouraged me to slow down and better observe myself under a microscope. In doing this, I’m able to think largely about myself and how different experiences have, in their own ways, led me exactly where I need to be. Junior year was my hardest year at Bucknell for a multitude of reasons and while I had originally planned to go abroad and hopefully escape some of these problems, I can see that I needed to remain right where I was for some much-needed character development. Character development, which would anchor me in the fall of my senior year when I finally did go abroad, not as an escape, but to achieve my dream.
In a world where it constantly feels that you’re behind and not living up to your potential, it’s good to find spaces where you can slow down and think about yourself according to your own standards and at your own pace. It’s also important to remember that rejection is always a redirection to something better suited for you. What’s meant for you won’t pass you, but instead arrive when you are ready. Life isn’t a race; it can be maybe a skip and a hop, but in that journey, it’s good to look back, not in anger or regret, but to see how far you’ve come.
I bet Santa’s never given you a gift like that.