Day 3: Thankful For Friends

It's not a secret that I value my close friends as much as I do my family. They keep me witty, they fill me with laughter, and they teach me new things every chance we hang out. Earlier today I got the joy to sit with my best friend to talk while eating, it was a simple day with relaxing activities. While I was leaving her home I felt immense happiness knowing that I was loved and safe in a place other than home. It's a true gift to be able to find acceptance outside of your inner family, it provides a certain type of emotional support that you could never find anywhere else. Sometimes when I'm questioning myself or doubting that things will work out in the end I look to my friends to bring me back to my senses. When my depression kicks in I always compare it to the ocean but a lot of the time when the tides are pushing me under that is when five pairs of hands plunged in to pull me out. From the death of my father to the several breakdowns that I've kept away from public eye, my friends have been there. There's times when they know they can't help and I need space, but there's also times they know I need love and encouragement. I've been fortunate to have those five people present in my life helping me through rough times and celebrating during the best of times, I'll never be able to express my gratitude and love for them enough. Today, I cheer on my friends for being loving, understanding, and loyal people.

Day 2: Thankful For Kindness

I've been told a number of times that I'm too sensitive. I've been labeled as too emotional and criticized for overthinking, but I've learned not to pay so much attention to those comments. I'm aware that the compassion I give out makes a difference and when holidays roll around I feel the most comfortable with others. When fall rolls in and holidays stir up, everyone tunes into the warm spirit inside of them. I notice people smiling more, making small conversation, and participating in random acts of kindness. Sometimes I like to sit in parks or sit by the fountains in the mall to watch what people are doing in their day. It's when I witness the laughter or the helpful hand of a stranger holding a door open for someone that I appreciate the last few months in the year the most, I know that the positive energy and bonding experiences are fleeting but I still like to believe that these last few months in the year can be the start of change for the near future. If there's anything I would love to be associated with it would have to be promoting kindness to others. I understand there are times when we shouldn't always be so kind to people because maybe they've hurt us or maybe they don't deserve our good heart for valid reasons, but when it comes to the daily routines we've programmed ourselves in we need to make an effort to lead by example through positive actions. I hope that people continue to open doors, to leave compliments, to make others laugh, and I could never wish enough for more humanity to spread around the world.

Day 1: Thankful For Music

Today, I feel thankful for music.

Throughout my life I have always loved the stories that are told in music of all sorts. Tonight is the American Music Awards and it seems only fitting that I express my gratitude to how music has influenced me as a person and given me inspiration for many story ideas.Some of the best moments I've written happened while I was listening to music blaring in the background or they were inspired by one particular lyric from a song that stuck out to me Tonight proves a point about how art can bring people together no matter the distance or language barriers. I have loved being a fan of various music whether its Kpop or music from Western artist, it has been rewarding to go to concerts or Kpop stores and see how people bond because they enjoy the same artist. Experiencing that unity has given me the dreams to one day be able to bring people together through my words, although it wouldn't be in the same atmosphere as a concert, it would be an honor to one day witness people putting aside any differences they may have to bond and feel safe. Music has provided me with an outlet to clear my mind or hype up my imagination and I can't imagine what type of writer or person I would be without it. I hope everyone has at least one song or one band that makes them feel safe, happy, and inspired.