"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." - Edward Sandford Martin
Growing up, Thanksgiving was my best friend's favorite holiday (my favorite was and still is Christmas). With each passing year, I come to see what attracted her and enjoy the holiday more and more. I have struggled to find the words to express the depth of my gratitude for the people who have shaped the experiences I have had in 2012. There were so many powerful moments I'd like to re-live, so much love shared, and so many new adventures!
As far as I can tell, understanding the value and weight of gratitude comes with experiences we acquire as we go through life. My challenge for myself this year is to attempt to consciously express gratitude for each day. Here is my first public attempt:
I am forever grateful for my family and their limitless support and love! Thank you for making me who I am and always believing in my dreams! I am grateful for all of my friends who have shared their love, laughter, and dreams with me. Thank you for the adventures. You inspire me every day! I am grateful for my wonderful boyfriend. Thank you for the fantastic year and a half. I am always looking forward to our future!
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a community for a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member. I am grateful to the community of Bennington, the members of the Alliance for Community Transformations (ACT), and SVHC co-workers for continual support and daily inspiration to strive for positive, sustainable change. I am grateful for my partner-in-crime at SVHC, Nicole. Thank you for everything! I'm excited to see what we can accomplish by August! I am grateful for my supervisor Kiah. Thank you for always being there to help me achieve my goals and grow! You inspire me to pursue all of my dreams!
One quarter complete...
It is difficult to believe that I have completed a quarter of my year of service already. I am still blown away by the inspiring work that community members I have the privilege of working with are dedicated to doing each day. I continue to learn something new about my vision, goals, and myself each day, and I am looking forward to the next nine months of service.
"Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in humanity. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in." - Phillips Brooks
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