Thankful is...

November over the past years has increasingly become my least favorite month of the year. The leaves are suddenly gone, the world seems to die, and winter begins to bear its ugly face. Not only that, but I can oh-so-conveniently clump all of the worst things that have happened to me in the past five years into the month of November.  We're not really creating a great history here, November and I, and this year is finding itself in a close second to the worst November I've ever had in my life. It's been AMAZING....not.  Now you're probably wondering..."um....I thought this was supposed to be a message about being thankful???" And you're right it is despite what I've just written.

I am truly, utterly, and completely thankful.  On the one hand because through all of these seemingly rainy days and cold nights, I am still able to catch a glimpse of the sun. That even though school is the hardest it's ever been, and I've never felt more insufficient...I've learned more, become better because of it, and now have no doubts at my abilities to do the work I love so much. That even in a foreign country thousands of miles away from my family and my friends who have known me most of my life....I find myself surrounded by another family willing to be there for me through everything--no matter what, without even speaking the same language.

I am not, in fact an unlucky person in this seemingly November curse. I've actually come to think the opposite. That perhaps its better November is so crappy. That I am incredibly lucky for the misfortune. Because I can really truly appreciate all of the blessings in my life. My health, my work, my family here and back in the US, and this insane form of optimism that no matter how many times it's beat up, broken, or shot down...I can't get the stupid thing to die. Thank God. I mean what fun would I be if I was an empty, bitter, old cat lady??

So.... I am thankful for all of the crap that is in my life. Yes you heard it. I am THANKFUL for all of the bad. Without it, I couldn't appreciate the good or show how very much I love those dear to me the proper way. I got to celebrate Thanksgiving not once...but twice this year. The second time without any Americans. Not-a-one. But you know...the more I think about it....the more I think everyone should celebrate it. Because giving thanks for the blessings in our lives isn't something just reserved for Americans. It applies to everyone- young, old; big, small; American or European. So listen up world, I'm dubbing Thanksgiving an international holiday, and I will plan to keep it that way.