Lifelong Learning (#359)

Over the past year of writing daily gratitude, I have found it’s not always easy. Sometimes I struggle because I’m unwilling to accept change or look at something from a different perspective. This is where we stay stagnant. Immovable in our conviction, time and adversity force our hand to discover new solutions.

The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.

C. Joybell C.

More than a year has passed since I began writing about gratitude and there have been many lessons learned along the way. I traveled in the summer only to be brought home and sent back. I returned to UMass with hopes of change and found myself in routine. We are never done learning. Life is full of adversity and we find it in the most unexpected of places sometimes. It is the act of overcoming that teaches us about ourselves. We learn these lessons when we’re ready and sometimes when we’re not. Whether we ask for help or succeed independently, know that we have the opportunity to grow every day.

02.26.19

Today I’m Grateful For…

1. Pickup soccer
2. Making new friends
3. Sharing gratitude
4. Productive time
5. Calls from my mom
6. Naps with my cat, Ned
7. Clean water and texts from Cambodia
8. My supervisor, Adam
9. My continued education at UMass
10. Long runs and loud music
11. The morning sun
12. Positive thoughts and positive people
13. Warm socks at the cabin
14. Board game night with my family
15. Birds chirping outside my window
16. A clear view of the stars painted in the dark night sky
17. What hard work brings
18. Days I get to sleep in under warm blankets
19. Cooking class with JV
20. Learning new things
21. Helping people out
22. Local breakfast
23. A good book to read
24. Teachers, mentors, and coaches
25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

Featured image from Iceland