In my last blog post, I discussed my homesickness and came to terms with the fact that my family life will never be quite the same again. It was hard to process, and some (okay a lot) of tears were shed. But it was necessary, and I’m in a much better place now.
It’s been some weeks since then and I’ve noticed how my feelings towards going to college far away from home have changed. Recently, I’ve remembered why I like going to school far away from home and why I wasn’t afraid to do it in the first place.
In the weeks since my last blog post, I went to Newport Beach, visited the Griffith Observatory, and am now currently in Oceanside for Thanksgiving break with family friends who were so kind to let me join them.
In all these experiences, I felt so much joy and contentment. If I went to school in Texas, I would not get to experience all the new and wonderful things I’ve been able to as of late. I would not be going to the beach in November or swimming in the ocean with a wetsuit on.
The day I went to Newport with my roommate and a couple of her friends was such a fun and relaxing time. I remember thinking how awesome it was that I lived so close to the beach. And not only that, but also that it was warm enough to go in November!
I remember going to Griffith and thinking about how awesome it is that I live so close to this tourist attraction that people come from all over to see. If I didn’t go to school nearby, who knows when I would get to go, if ever. The view was pretty sweet, but I was more in awe of the fact that I lived so close to Los Angeles, to the ocean, and in California, of all places. I remember thinking, “This is why I’m so glad I go to school far from home because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t get to experience new adventures like this.”
And the week I’ve spent here in Oceanside has just been perfect. The beach here is amazing and actually getting to go out and swim in the ocean has been so much fun. Playing in the waves is one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing quite like it. Being on the beach in general is such a special thing for me. Whether laying around or playing spikeball or swimming, it’s hard to be stressed or discontent when you’ve got an amazing view of the Pacific right in front of you.
I’ve also gotten to enjoy going to the cinema, walking down the pier while on a casual evening stroll, a milkshake and french fries at Ruby’s diner, many rounds of Dutch Blitz, a cozy coffee shop, boogie boarding, hot-tubbing, and the sweetest company! Honestly, it’s been one of the best weeks of my life.
Even the colder rainy days haven’t put a damper on my mood. Each day has been so well spent regardless of the weather. This morning while out at breakfast, we talked about our highs and lows for the week and I thought of many highs but struggled to come up with a low. This week truly has been the break I needed.
All that to say I’m enormously grateful to be where I am. Some weeks ago I found myself still discontent and longing for home. Some weeks ago I was saddened at the thought of everyone getting to go home for Thanksgiving but me. Some weeks ago all I could think about was Christmas break.
Now, I find myself content with where I’m at, I’ve loved getting to spend Thanksgiving in Oceanside, and while I’m still looking forward to Christmas, I’m not consumed with the thought like I once was.
As I write this blog, I can feel in my chest how grateful and happy and content I am. That may sound weird, but it’s true. The same thing happens when I’m sad or anxious or frustrated, and apparently, it happens when I’m bursting with gratitude as well!
Or maybe it’s just the caffeine in the coffee-flavored milkshake I drank tonight, who knows? Either way, in this season of Thanksgiving, I’ve got A LOT of thanks to give.
Megan Fiona 