Thought For The Week: Gratitude

It seems to me that the end of summer brings with it a disproportionate amount of bad news; at least that is what I have experienced over the past few weeks. Most of it has been indirectly related to me, but nevertheless has given me pause for even more thought than I am accustomed to. Being so far from home, my family, my ordinary life, tragic events seem to knock me off balance for just a little longer than usual. Sometimes it feels like I’m in a dream, as if nothing that happens while I’m here will have consequences when I return, but that is, of course, not the case at all. I recently learnt of the passing of a boy from my high school, eighteen years old, and merely weeks from leaving home to start university. He died in his sleep, the kind of end one expects to be reserved only for octogenarians, who have fully experienced the wonder that life holds. At eighteen, his life had barely started. After being told this incomprehensible news, I silently cried for a while at the injustice of the situation, but then felt a surge of ‘carpe diem’ reverberate throughout my whole being. What am I doing with this precious gift I have been given? Why have I been complaining to my friends about the ‘disorganisation’ of my university, of my early morning classes, of my lack of money to spend on travel and parties? How dare I, an intelligent and inordinately blessed young woman be wasting my precious time on complaints and negativity! Therefore, in an attempt to ensure I never take my life for granted again, I challenged myself to list my most precious blessings and I urge you to join me! Firstly, my situation is unbelievable: I am on the opposite side of the world to my home, living with my friends, attending parties and festivals every week, studying film, literature and journalism, all in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful countries on the planet. It’s safe to say I was flabbergasted at my nonchalant attitude towards my extraordinary opportunities. Secondly, I have the most incredibly loving and supportive family in the world, who have given me the chance to study here, follow my dreams, be myself and never feel alone. That is a blessing beyond compare. Thirdly, I have many, many wonderful friends scattered across the globe who share with me a passion for life, travel, music, film, languages and adventure. In friendships, I have found, lie the key to everlasting contentment. Finally, I have the most important tool to ensure I lead a successful life: the ability to make myself happy, no matter the circumstances, even when I’m all alone. I can lift myself up. This means I can never fall so far I will never be able to rise again. Life, I now understand, is the fleeting chance to make a difference in the world, to love and be loved, and to follow your passions. It is tough, tragic, unfair and often very frustrating, but we must focus only on living it to the best of our ability. We have all received the most precious gift, let us never be ungrateful. Leave a comment below listing all the things you are grateful for in life. I truly believe that in actively acknowledging our blessings, we will ensure we take advantage of every moment. Live On In the glow of the harvest moon on the lake at sunrise, In the meeting of the sun and the ocean, In the caress of the gentle breeze stirring the skies, I will remember you, and live on. In the darkest hour of the twilight, In the colours of the dawn, In the soaring of birds, consistent in flight, I will remember you, and live on. In the faces of lovers and in their embrace, In the heat of the fire which warms up my face, In each road that I travel and every new place, I will remember you, smile and live on.