Here we go!
Today, we exchange students, Americans, Europeans, Canadians, South Americans, and some Asians, got together in the food court of Taipei 101. The food court is massive, and we figured that there would be enough room for some odd 30 exchange students to get together, grab food, and have a good time, talking about what we are thankful for and how we are enjoying our stay in Taiwan. For this Thanksgiving, I went really Taiwanese as far as food goes. I had pork noodles with a boiled egg, as well as Pearl Milk Tea. It was all very delicious!
My friend Stephen Turban actually stood up and made a small speech about what he is thankful for, and suggested that we all do the same. Some people were thankful for the chance to be in Taiwan, others for bubble tea, and even a few for their 3 month anniversary of being in Taiwan, because they now feel like they are completely settled. While those all great things, I wanted to say that I am thankful for my legs. Yes, my legs. I am thankful because it is my legs that walk on everyday, to everyplace I need to go: the shower, the MRT station, the food counter to order my lunch of pork noodles. It was also my legs that pushed me forward (most likely prodded by my brain) to get all of my application paper work filled out, to get me to the exchange interview, and to get me on the plane that brought me. My legs have never failed me, maybe that is thanks to the massive amount of milk that I drank back home, so my bones are harder then steal, but I think the major part is that they, in conjunction with my brain, decided that they were not going to let me stop, not for one moment. They decided that they were going to take me to the places I've always wanted to go, and to places that I never thought of. When the strength in my heart sputters like a candle in wind, it is my legs that move me to a place that helps me to realize how extremely gifted I am, and that I have nothing to fear.
I am also thankful for my heart and brain.
We face many obstacles in our lives, and sometimes those challenges get the better of us, and we stop moving. We lose the ambition to move on, to keep improving ourselves, and to try new things. We stop trying. I've never been at this point, but I have seen people who have, and a few who are. There are sometimes, when I hear these people being so negative, saying, "F this," and "I hate this,", and I feel the strength in my heart waver. It is then that my head steps in (figuratively people) and says, "Don't listen to them. We are here for a purpose, and these people will distract us from what we are trying to do." That is when I pick up my lunch and move to another table, to people who will eagerly talk about how much they love the differences between Taiwan and their home country, and how they just want to keep learning more. Those are the people I cherish, the people that I know I will forever be friends with. Other times, I feel my brain driving down the road to negativity and homesickness, and I join in with the bashing of Taiwan culture and people. (I'm very sorry to admit this, but please read on.) It is then that my heart steps in and says, "Your wrong, Amber. You are a kind person, not a mean girl. These people, and this country, deserve your respect. Get out of this situation, or your going to say something that you will really regret." Those times, I do step away. I take a breath and think, "Wow, I only have 7 months left. My year here is almost over." Then my eyes get really wide and I vow to to try everything and anything, that I will not bow to negative pressure, and I will continue to be the one who finds the brighter side of the situation. That is what my mom taught me, and mom is always right.
So really, I am thankful for three things: my legs, my heart, and my head. Together they keep me upright and moving, and keep me from becoming someone that I know I don't want to be. I want to spread light, to help people be positive and help them to realize that, hey, it is only one year, out of the 80 that we may live, that we have the chance to do things so differently. Relish and love this opportunity, because there are hundreds of kids back home who were not accepted into this program and would eagerly take your place. Be an optimist, and help others to become one too.
In essence, be THANKFUL for all the good in your life. Not enough people are every other day of the year, so please, on this one day, do not think about your misfortunes, but all of the fortunes you are lucky to have. We are all so much more lucky than we see or understand, so on this day, the only specified one out of the whole year, try and define those fortunes and give thanks for them.
I did get a little philosophical on you, huh? Well, today, I just felt that not enough people were happy for what they have, that they would rather gripe and complain then find atleast one thing to be greatful for, so I needed to vent some of my pent up anger and frustration against them. But, today is Thanksgiving, so I didn't want to keep all of this negative energy bottled inside, so I splurged a little on you guys. I'm okay now, thanks to my legs, heart and head, and also to Alej, who understands how I feel and lets me talk his ear off.
Though I specified certain things I am thankful here, I am also thankful to my family and friends, so don't think that I have forgotten you! I love you all and I am greatful for you everyday!
That's all thats on my mind for now...
Thanks for reading,
-A.