Oh, what to write about thankfulness? At the mature age of 25, it's feeling a little trite this year. Besides, I believe that true gratefulness is a lifestyle and not a holiday. On the other hand, I do also believe that from time to time we should take a moment to reflect on our lives so that we fully grasp our experiences and understand their significance. How convenient that these times are built into the calendar.

Sorry, I'll be serious now. And in all seriousness, a life of meaning and fulfillment is achieved by introspection, amongst other things. I'll get down to business by sharing a random fact: I'm dyslexic. So please allow me to answer the question at hand by flipping it around: What am I not thankful for? ...nothing.

I'm not saying I love waking up at some ungodly hour because my neighbor is revving the ignition of his '67 Chevy Impala, or that it gives me warm fuzzies when someone on the street manages to be a royal jerk to me for no good reason (I live in New York City). What I’m saying is I’m thankful for every turning point in my life, not only the positive ones. I’ve learned a great deal from each hurtful situation, each miscalculation. The most beautiful things come out of the ugliest circumstances. My mistakes have made me who I am, and I love being me. Even when I hate it.

No one really takes a census of these things, but given the circumstances of my personal life, I’m inclined to believe I’ve had more than my fair share of problems and heartache. With all sincerity, I say that I am glad. My thick skin comes in handy. I have seen, that compared with some other women my age, I’m much better equipped to deal with the disappointments that come my way. Those moments don’t knock me off of my center the way they would if it were someone else.

These observations naturally lead to another topic altogether: Am I strong because of a high number of bad experiences, or do I often have bad experiences because I am strong? Thankfully, my editors have not asked me to answer this question. I don’t think that’s for anyone to know. Some things are out of our control, but thankfully God grants serenity and the assurance that if we are allowed to face a trial it’s because we can handle it.

-Vanessa is a blogger for The Sorbate. Check out her bio to see where her view comes from.

Related Links

Gratefulness Equals Happiness, Newsreview.com.

Because They're Hungry, The Planet Weekly.com.

The Thanksgiving Challenge, Psychology Today.com.