The Obligatory Thanksgiving Post--With a Twist
So, yesterday, a beautiful day indeed, found me walking a trail I had never seen before with my dogs. I take them to the same spot in the woods all the time, so this seemed weird to me.
Why had I never seen this before? Because I tend to be cautious in all other areas of my life, when it comes to exploration and traveling "new roads" I am fearless. So, the mysterious trail beckoned to me, and I decided to explore. My dogs, always happy to accompany me no matter the direction, followed.
And...nothing happened.
It was just a trail that led deeper into the woods an to another trail. After about 15 minutes of exploring, I was back on the original path.
Which started me thinking in a metaphorical way.
For instance, the same thing happens when I open a notebook to a blank piece of paper--I immediately want to fill it with words, ideas, thoughts (some half-baked, some not) etc.
Or when I stare out into the ocean and immediately feel the urge to sail to the ends of it to see where it stops.
I am fascinated by the unknown and it is because of that fascination I became a teacher in the first place. Why? Because the unknown triggers a desire in me to KNOW, to learn. And I am so thankful for that because without it, I wouldn't be here, in room 204, typing out this blog.
And that, my pumpkin-sunshines, is what I want to focus on this week, especially in the spirit of my favorite holiday--Thanksgiving.
What are you thankful for?
Now, please don't limit yourselves to the trite old cliches like "I'm thankful for my family" blah blah blah...Not that it isn't good to be thankful for your fam--of course it is.
But what I want you to do here is go a little deeper.
I am thankful for my desire to KNOW-for wanting to explore unknown trails, to add to the store of things I learn on a day-to-day basis.
I explained why already--and I want you to do the same. It won't be enough to tell us what you are thankful for--you also need to include the WHY. Try to consider yourself--who you are, what you value and where you imagine yourself to be in the future.
Use the force.
Why had I never seen this before? Because I tend to be cautious in all other areas of my life, when it comes to exploration and traveling "new roads" I am fearless. So, the mysterious trail beckoned to me, and I decided to explore. My dogs, always happy to accompany me no matter the direction, followed.
And...nothing happened.
It was just a trail that led deeper into the woods an to another trail. After about 15 minutes of exploring, I was back on the original path.
Which started me thinking in a metaphorical way.
For instance, the same thing happens when I open a notebook to a blank piece of paper--I immediately want to fill it with words, ideas, thoughts (some half-baked, some not) etc.
Or when I stare out into the ocean and immediately feel the urge to sail to the ends of it to see where it stops.
I am fascinated by the unknown and it is because of that fascination I became a teacher in the first place. Why? Because the unknown triggers a desire in me to KNOW, to learn. And I am so thankful for that because without it, I wouldn't be here, in room 204, typing out this blog.
And that, my pumpkin-sunshines, is what I want to focus on this week, especially in the spirit of my favorite holiday--Thanksgiving.
What are you thankful for?
Now, please don't limit yourselves to the trite old cliches like "I'm thankful for my family" blah blah blah...Not that it isn't good to be thankful for your fam--of course it is.
But what I want you to do here is go a little deeper.
I am thankful for my desire to KNOW-for wanting to explore unknown trails, to add to the store of things I learn on a day-to-day basis.
I explained why already--and I want you to do the same. It won't be enough to tell us what you are thankful for--you also need to include the WHY. Try to consider yourself--who you are, what you value and where you imagine yourself to be in the future.
Use the force.
I’m thankful for not knowing my limit. I know that sounds weird but what I mean by that is since I don't have a cap on what I can accomplish I will never stop working. I realized I was so thankful for this after I watched a Kobe documentary. In the documentary Kobe said that even after winning his first 3 rings and an MVP he didn’t slow down because he didn’t think he reached his max yet and that he can and will be better. After I watched that video it really made me change my way of thinking because at that point in my life I was one of the better soccer players and I was contempt with staying at that skill level. That video made me realize that even though I'm one of the best out of my peers Im still not the best I could possible be. The reason I’m so thankful is because this is the reason I get out of bed every day because I challenge myself everyday to become better than what I was yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my curiosity. Now not the curiosity that's like, "Oh what does this do.." and accidentally electrocute myself or cut myself. But the good curiosity that gives you the desire to want to learn more and more until there isn't anymore to learn. I'd be on Youtube and find an interesting video about how an instrumental was made and keep watching for hours because it's fascinating to watch how music is created. Or what goes through a painters mind as they're painting a masterpiece and how they do it. I love interesting things like that and I'm thankful for that. In the future I can still see myself Being curious and learning something new everyday. Some of the smartest people in history were just curious and had a passion to learn.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my determination. Ever since I was little if someone told me I couldn't do something, that I wasn't capable, I would always try to prove them wrong. Here's a quick story of me in middle school. In both 6th and 7th grade the teachers never would recommend me to take an advanced class. So me being who I was and not wanting to give up I got a tutor. I would be tutored over the school year and the summer. I tried so hard to get into higher level classes and finally I was recommended for both advanced English and math. I am not good at one particular thing. I am just average at everything so this makes me try really hard to be more than average. If I was never determined I would not succeed at all so that is why I am thankful for my determination.
ReplyDeleteI decided to write two things cause I couldn’t decide SO.. I’m thankful for my positivity. I feel like not being pessimistic 24/7 and realizing that things could be a lot worse than they are, is important. If I was to go through everyday thinking “this day sucks” “nothing's going to get better” it would get me no where, it would only make me more upset. Positivity is something that goes a long way and I feel like everyone should learn how to be positive more often. Yeah I have those moments like everyone else where you feel like everything is out to get you but I always remember that everything’s going to get better, it may suck in the moment but things will improve whether it’s one day or one month, things take time.
ReplyDeleteI’m thankful for my ability to make people feel better or laugh. You’re going to come across a lot of sad or mad people and it’s gonna suck if you don’t know how to handle it and make someone feel a little better. I feel like I got really lucky to be able to put a smile on someone’s face and give them hope. Everyone needs that someone who can make them smile no matter what and I try my best to do that for everyone. I feel like sympathizing and caring for everyone else plays a huge part in this and some people don’t have time to care for other people in that way because it might be too stressful or time consuming or what not. That’s why I’m thankful that I am this way because not everyone has that person that they can count on and being the reason someone smiles is a great feeling.
Out of all things, I am thankful for my want and drive to succeed and accomplish my goals. Without this trait, I wouldn’t be who I am today or have the successes that I have. Although I wouldn’t say I’m one of the most successful, I can say that I have accomplished a lot I have put my mind to. Whenever I want something or want to do something for myself, whether it be in a sport or grades, I always try my best to get to that goal and do anything in my power to get there. I don’t like to give up on anything and I always try to push through tough times. If I were to just give up, then I would get nothing done. I wouldn’t have anything to my name or have anyway to show who I really am. If you don’t succeed in anything in life, then what’s the point? It feels great to get something done, even if it’s something little. This trait of mine has to be one of the ones I’m most thankful for, because I have thought about giving up sometimes, but my want to be great in life and succeed has helped me keep pushing and do what I put my mind to.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for being an independent girl. I grew into this when I was young. Before I always relied on others to do this and that and to impact my feelings, but I realized I shouldn’t. I wouldn’t be who I am today without this trait. When I was younger I always relied on my older cousin for so many things, because ya know she’s older I looked up to her, but I was always let down. Whenever it came to her I was always so happy when she committed to things, but then she always broke it and I realized I was mainly sad rather than happy when it came to her. I am so thankful for being independent. I love standing on my own two feet and being self-sufficient. Many many people have an impact on my happiness, but if any were ever to leave, I know I would still be okay even if it hurts at first. Everyone needs a spot of independence within them because one day we will be off by our self and guess what? We can’t always rely on ones we may have once before. Independence is something I enjoy having because it even helps me to learn about myself and I get to see what makes me truly happy and what makes me sad. I tend to love thinking and acting for myself and not being influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinions, conduct, etc. I like to know that I will always do what I want to do, based off of the independent part that I hold within myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for my clumsiness. I know, that's a wild card. However being clumsy and tripping every three seconds has helped me to not fret over things. To go with the vibes, the flow, the air, you know what I mean. Hakuna Matata, or as Bob Marley says: Don't worry about a thing cuz every little thing is going to be alright. Yeah I stress and I cry and most of the time it's just because I work myself up, or I completely do not understand the subject. Its not "productive stress." However if I were to trip in front of 30 people while giving out a presentation I will just laugh it off. Or if I were to get rejected by someone I wouldn't hold on to it, I'd just move on after five minutes. Because falling and being an oddball has taught me that I will make mistakes and that it's okay if I do as long as I never give up, that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my motivation. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been overshadowed by my older sister or by my oh so perfect cousin. They have always done things better than me and always have been the talk of the show whenever there is family gatherings. This has pushed me to strive for the best and hope that in the end, I will be the one on top. I want to show them that I can be just as good as them. This doesn’t just occur with my family, but outside of my house. Whenever I’m in school and I don’t understand something, I will do my best to find out whatever I am doing. Yes grades motivates me, but the feeling that I get after learning something that was so confusing to me is what makes me want to learn.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that I am never the cause of any drama and I can stay out of it pretty well. It’s so stressful to see my friends fighting over dumb things that could have been avoided. I am a generally quiet person, and I’d rather listen to the people around me than to talk over them. I like to take every word into consideration and try to understand both sides of the story while also trying to help them see the other side as well. It is the last concern of mine to prove that I am right to other people because I believe that it will not contribute any positivity to the discussion. Plus, being the center of attention all the time is just not my forte. I’d rather just lay low and keep to myself. I learned from when I was young that not everyone is going to accept you for who you are, so I’d rather just go with it than fight it.
ReplyDeleteEvery year, when Thanksgiving rolls around, I shy away from the dinner conversation of "What are you thankful for?" Everyone says the same thing: god, family, friends. And I usually do the same, mentioning specific people that have helped throughout the year. That's why I'm glad you asked this question because I've never really thought about what I'm thankful for, other than the people that have made me who I am today.
ReplyDeleteI am most thankful for my ability to communicate and relate to others. Growing up, I was a shy kid—always afraid of meeting new people and unable to hold a conversation for more than 30 seconds. During this time, I would visit my cousins in North Jersey, so I was always surrounded by an older group of peers. Because of this, I feel as if I matured faster and was able to relate to people outside of my age group. I started breaking out of my shell in 8th grade when I met my close friends today and mingled with older people. Coming to Oakcrest was a real turning point in my social persona because I realized if I wanted to be successful, I couldn't be the introvert I was before. As a result, I got to know some pretty cool people because of my newfound ability to communicate.
In this day and age, everyone is glued to their phones, as that is the main form of communication today. That's why I'm so thankful for my ability to talk to people because a face to face conversation is much more powerful than exchanging blue and gray speech bubbles on a brightly lit screen. In introspection, I've realized that without my ability to interact with others on a personal level, I may have just stayed a quiet kid without anyone to talk to.
I’m entirely thankful for my forgiveness. Although, I do have the same ability as everyone else: to get mad, furious actually...I know how to live with it. To live with hatred and pettiness is YOU hurting YOURSELF. For me, it’s easier for me to forgive, partly I relate that to my mom who tends to have anxiety. You’re probably wondering how the hell does that have anything to do with forgiveness?? Well, someone with anxiety and no way to manage it, has the tendency to pour/yell out their emotions on people they don’t truly want to. I get a lot of backlash but I learned to forgive and forget since I know the circumstances. As bad as it hurts I know she doesn’t mean it and she wouldn’t take things out on me if she knew how to not. I know she loves me, a lot. So therefore, I have to forgive. Don’t get me wrong, forgiving is not forgetting. I still have pain from memories of the past but it’s my choice to close my eyes and open them to the next page of my life. I will never be stubborn and hold a grudge over someone that makes big or small mistakes like myself and everyone else. Forgiveness can take time and patience, usually not with the dirty act sent your way but just with you. To grieve and to hold a grudge is pain you put upon yourself. If I can say anything, it’s to hope everyone can learn to forgive and accept. It’s not always easy but it makes your life easier, your mind wiser, and your heart fuller. What’s not to be great full about?
ReplyDeleteI’m thankful for the good days. The days where my sides hurt from laughing so much. The days where I’m in a good mood from the time I wake up to the time I close my eyes to god to sleep. The days where I’m just happy to be here. I’m grateful for those days because there are enough bad ones to give the good ones a run for it’s money. The bad days are where I’d do anything to stay in bed, where my head hurts from crying so much, where I just feel numb. The people in my life make the good days possible and I cannot express my gratitude enough for these people. I’m also incredibly thank for the adults in my life who care. Who don’t compare or belittle. I’m also thankful for the hope I never give up. It’s very important for me to keep my hope during the bad days or else the good days will never exist.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the challenges that i have faced to be where I am today and for what i have today. I have been through to be able to have what i have today but it was all worth it. I know this is a typical phrase you would say at the dinner table but it’s different. I learned what it is to value money. I also learned how hard it is to earn money for people in general and some people who weren't educated or people who are not from here how hard they have to work when they grow up to take care of themselves and others. I worked at this factory during the summer and i would constantly work everyday all day 6 am to 5pm with others and i am grateful for what I was thought during that experience all the struggles of waking up in the morning and go to work i am glad i went through that because that is what the parent struggle is. Going to work everyday for like 6-8 hours and do it again for the rest of your life.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my free spirit. Throughout my life I have myself to thank for getting through problems. In all actuality, while I may hope to imagine that my family and friends are there at my beck and call, they are not. I would not want them to be either, because they are their own people and if they were too occupied focusing on me then they could not live themselves. My “free spirit” has taken me many places, it has taken me to my passion, allowed me to thrive in education, journeyed me to new friends and comrades, and what makes me- well, me. It is really easy for students or any teenager to become overwhelmed in decision making, I comprehend this above all. And I have come to realize it is my free spirit which has allowed me to keep going. Whenever I find the occasion where I doubt myself, what my position or purpose could possibly be for this planet, I remind myself that I can roam. I remind myself that it doesn’t matter where I go, or what I am doing, I will always be me. I will always put my heart and soul into what I’m doing, so I can’t go wrong. That’s why during this stressful time where we tend to question ourselves the most, I allow my free spirit to respond. It tells me there is no point in worrying about it now, I will be the person I will be. It’s these simple thoughts and this simple mindset that inspires me to “let loose”. My free spirit is the only thing that grants me relaxation and peace of mind. Beyond everything I humble myself because I am in debt to the family, friends, and figures in my life who encourage me. But, I have finally learned if not to love myself, to love this part of me. This part of me is what permits me to smile.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for the opportunities that i have been given. Every time something doesn't go your way you have to think, some people were not even given a chance to have obtain what you have. I try not to complain if don't neccessarily like someones cooking because some people can't even get food at all. I don't complain about my phone is because some kids don't have enough money to get an ipod. I definitly know my situation could have been way worse anyone's could have. I'm thankful for having and being able to recognize how fortunate i am
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for a lot. I have not truly understood what I was really "thankful" for until I saw my self from a broader perspective. I now realize I am thankful for one thing in particular. That is, my ability to react with people in a way that makes me very approachable. Not particularly with my friends because I'm a little wilder with them, but definitely with strangers. I'm almost a sociopath in the way that I have an incredible ability to manipulate people with two simple things. Logic and Emotion. Both things appeal to most people and I have found a way to influence peoples decisions and attitudes towards me. Now this might sound negative and something that is odd to be grateful for, but this has enabled me to socialize my self easier and act with adults unlike most kids my age are able to. I'm very thankful for having this ability and for my parents instilling in me.
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ReplyDeleteI just read Kaela's and she kind of stole my idea... but I'm gonna write about it anyways. I am thankful for life. I struggled with wanting to live and doing life everyday, but I realized that life is worth living. I will be in the middle of cracking up with my friends and realize how happy I am in that moment. Or, I will be in the middle of eating an omelette and realize how much I love food, and how crazy it is that I am able to eat it in THIS LIFE. I cherish the unconditional love and support I receive every day, whether it be from teachers, coaches, friends, or family. Life is crazy but I realized I only live it once, and to enjoy the little things in life, because I will look back at them one day and realize they were the big things.
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ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my optimism. Even in the worst situations I find a way to gain something from it, as everyone should. Everything happens for a reason and that reason might be hard to deal with but it just happens. I am also thankful for the love and support by the people around me everyday. Knowing that I can reach out to my close friends or family without any hesitation. This gives me countless opportunities to be who I want to be and do what I want to do. Many people don’t have that in their lives. Another thing I am thankful for is challenges. How they make me stronger and give me obstacles that test my determination. Without all the challenges throughout my life I would be a completely different person than I am today. These are just a couple things I am a thankful for but nowhere near all of them.
ReplyDeleteI can’t pick just one thing I’m thankful for because I believe that many things fall into one big thing together so I’m gonna explain them.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I’m thankful for is my ability to pick myself back up after I’ve been in a bad place. No batter how bad it gets or how bad I feel and how negative my thoughts are I pick myself back up right after and continue on with everything no matter how bad I can be hurting. I’m thankful for this because it allows me to become stronger and continue on doing everything I do and kind of motivates me to be better and show me that I CAN do better. Along with this I’m thankful for my independence at time. I feel like the two go hand in hand because the fact that I can pick myself back up shows that I don’t need anyone else to and that I can do it all myself. The last think I’m thankful for that I think ties those to things together is my ability to think about the days that will be better and make it all worth it in the end. The are my motivation to pick myself back up and become even more independent and strong.
I am grateful for the heart and passion I desire. Whether it be on the field or on the stage, I never fail being happy performing the activities I can’t live without. Playing a sport, I get this drive to fight and to have that victorious outcome, even though I may not receive it, to know I played with everything I had. Now of course some days coming off of a tough lost or just a bad game, I’ll always get upset at the game for some time. But I always get excited the second I step back onto the field again with my glove or hockey stick the next day like the love never went away. Because it doesn’t, and I hope it never does. Now performing, I could sit and go on and on about singing and acting all day long. With drama, this kind of excitement is different. When you perform, you get to embody a whole new person, everything in the real world doesn’t exist on that stage and you don’t have to be you. When the bright lights hit my face and everyone watching me perform, the joy for making other people forget the real world as well and step into the world on stage is truly something special. The feeling of walking onto my safe spot is that stage, and it feels like the happiness I’ll ever be. With singing, I never feel more powerful and free. When I sing, time freezes. I feel so free and happy. I’m just so thankful for being able to express how joyful I am when it comes to performing on and off the field. “All the world’s a stage.” -William Shakespeare.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for my wisdom. At such a young age, i sometimes confound others who are much older, than i am. I've used it to help dozens of people with situations they're caught up in, and I've used it to help build someones confidence. I enjoy helping people and making them feel less bad about themselves. Everyone that I've helped, generally, is an amazing person and it pains me to see them hurt and struggling. So I try to help the best i can. I talk to whoever it is for as long as they need me to. I share my knowledge and if they share my faith, i use scripture to validate my words. If they don't, i use science where i can fit it to validate what i say if it pertains to the situations. It's not a useful skill to use practically, in the future for the work field, but i feel i could use it to be a good father and husband.
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