I write opinion articles for a newspaper. You will be hard-pressed to find someone who complains as much as I do, considering I spend my time thinking about stuff that irritates me enough to write about it. 

It’s no surprise then, that I struggle with being grateful. Frequently, I am looking on the dreary side of life, sometimes even waiting for misery to find me.

I had a delightful Thanksgiving weekend, but I wasn’t expecting to. I was expecting to be alone, to see nobody all week, and to spend away my Rowan Bucks because the Rowan Campus turned into a ghost town. I complained quite vocally about my concerns to anyone who would listen. 

Suddenly, opportunities presented themselves left and right. I was invited to a Thanksgiving dinner and a Friendsgiving, and I saw a couple of plays on Saturday and Sunday respectively. With my remaining free time, I cleaned my room and did my laundry. I even gave myself an impromptu haircut.

My complaining did not cause these moments to present themselves. Actually, it made me insufferable to be around. I gave myself so much dread and unhappiness about being stuck on campus I wallowed in my room from Tuesday night to Thursday afternoon. 

Instead, friends reached out to me and vice versa, and we coordinated the events of the weekend. Surprisingly, even if I had convinced myself otherwise, there are people in my corner, and perhaps I’m in someone else’s.

So, as we finish out the holiday season, let’s hold space for something other than misery, complaint, and anger. Isn’t it a shame that the holidays are known for turning into familial war, instead of just a good time with people we love?

Today, I encourage you to think of something you’re grateful for. Try it tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. Be mindful not just of the things that irritate you to no end, but that bring you joy.

I’ll go first. Even though the Student Center being closed meant my meal swipes went to waste, I had enough Rowan Bucks to treat myself and a friend to Fultoo Biryani, and oh my gosh was it tasty. 

The cold weather means that I get to layer all my favorite shirts with my other favorite shirts. And with Christmas on the horizon, I’m in a few secret Santas. Isn’t it awesome that I get to give a couple of someones something they’ll love?

I hope to keep trying to see my life as a gift I get to keep on living. Happy holidays!

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