I am thankful

Yesterday was the American Thanksgiving. My American roommate and friends decided to put on a huge thanksgiving dinner. It was amazing. The food was so good and the atmosphere just ‘homey.’ We went around the table to say what we were thankful for. (I had never done this before; my family doesn’t celebrate thanksgiving – my mind actually went blank for a while) Tears almost started coming up (well, this isn’t a hard feat for me, but still I was touched).

So here’s what I’m thankful for right now.

1. Friends around me (here and at home) who are always willing to lend an ear, give a hug, or give me five, whether I’m happy or sad. I am a moody person (and I like it) and I’m very thankful for friends who accommodate me. Of course, I’m also thankful for friends who are willing to trust me enough to share with me their feelings.
2. The internet (I wasn’t joking about this one). Last time I was here, I lived in a village with little electricity and no internet. I missed talking to my parents. I remember when I called my mom for 5 minutes after 4 months for her birthday, I was crying when I put down the phone. This time, I can call them whenever I want. It’s really nice to be able to have normal conversations with them once in a while.
3. The experiences I’ve had here. Every day is a lesson. Everywhere I look, there’s something interesting to ponder. Every time I go to work, there’s something challenging waiting for me. My time here ranks just as awesome as my time last year (which at that time, I didn’t think anything would top it). Yes, there are times when it’s frustrating and I’m demotivated, but somehow something good always comes along and again I’m running at full speed. I never thought that, at this age and with this education, I would be able to work in such a challenging and exciting job.
4. Lastly, and most importantly, I’m thankful for my parents. I’m thankful for them being so unconventionally Chinese. To support me in whatever I want to do with my life. And always offering to be the safe habour I can go back to, whenever I wish, with all my faults and mistakes. I know I can depend on them for anything and everything. As they can for me. I love you!

It’s a good tradition, eh? At least once a year, we need to really sit down and think about what we’re grateful for in life. We don’t live life on a deserted island. We are where and who we are, because of everything we can be thankful for around us.