the subtle art of being grateful
JUNE 1, 2023. 10:36PM
Have you ever had a moment in your life where suddenly everything changes, including yourself BUT that sudden change made you a stronger person? Well, thats what happened to me when I moved to Virginia for two years. Even though it was temporary, I learned so much about myself, others around me, and my journey with Jesus Christ. For today's post, it's on my heart to write about how grateful I am for the time I had in DC, and who I am today.
In 2021, my family and I moved into this small townhouse in Arlington, a small part of Virginia that is right across from DC itself. It was three stories and the very top floor was where my siblings and I slept. It was two pretty good sized bedrooms joined by a hallway and two small bathrooms together. The layout of the house was quite different to what we were used to in the midwest, but with joyful spirits, we managed! It took awhile for me to get used to my room and the change of a whole new environment. I did let the Devil win in many ways with me for the first several months when I lived there such as sleeping in until 12pm and have eleven hours of daily phone activity everyday. Yes, I was depressed for awhile and had no idea what to do with myself or how to have a social life in DC. I started to believe that the friends I had back home, who rarely texted me at first, wanted anything to do with me. So, I matched that with future people I could have met and believed I should be lonely that whole time. I had no idea how to get out there and just meet somebody I would immediately think as a lifelong friend, these things take time. After hours of waiting in complete boredom, I went to my mother. Who I knew would fix any situation I am in and turn it into something so innocent and peaceful. This time, I gained the right amount of strength and told her how I felt. No longer could I bear to sit in the pit I put myself in. After that day, a huge weight was lifted off of me, something I should have fixed a long time ago. Probably the minute I felt negative. I try not to dwell on the regrets and rather try to look on the bright side of it and make it into something good still. I can be grateful for my parents for that.
My mother helped me get into a social group in order to gain lifelong friendships and opportunities. In it, I gained a church that had the most welcoming community I would still visit to this day and gave me a relationship I have learned so much from even though it's ended. I loved everyone there and gained my own happiness and safe space again. It felt good to feel relieved and refreshed in the newness of others. It fascinates me how much an impact a good friend can make on you. That is another thing I will forever be grateful for as well. I still have a few friends I still talk to today and it feels so natural, as if I never left DC. I usually look back on moments like this. What if I never talked to my mother about how I felt? What if I just stayed put in my empty room and remained in an enclosed place of solitude? I probably would never have met such nice people I have today, that have kinda saved me in a way. But no more was I going to stay in that dark slumber. Instead, I made my time worthwhile in dc and started new. I started applying for jobs, clubs, and even concerts/events I could go to with my sister. That way, I can say I did have a good time in dc I will probably never have again. So for that, I am grateful for having the Holy Spirit help me in those harsh times and give me His guidance on how I should pay more attention on my mental health and His path for me in order to stay happy and healthy. Through all of that, I had a job I met so many strong, beautiful women that inspired me. I explored everywhere with my mother and her adventures. And, I was faithful throughout it all. That sounded a lot better than staying in bed, waiting for the next day to begin already. Because of DC, I am a strong person that can socialize with anybody and yearn for that new friendship to begin. I love being with people and spending the whole day or even week with them. I love staying outside, reading, painting, anything! I live everyday as if it's the last and make the most out of it. 
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