Since I have returned to St. Thomas, I have been filled with this immense sense of gratitude. It doesn’t matter if I’m walking to class or riding the Safari, I look around and I can’t get over the fact that I am actually here. That I get a chance to start over and fully experience the island. That I have an amazing group of friends that have welcomed me back.
During the past few months while I was in Laramie, I developed a mindfulness practice. I’m a beginner, sticking to around 10-15 minutes of meditation a day, but I’ve found an essential part of mindfulness is gratitude. Back home, I loved finding value in the ordinary moments. So now that I get to experience some extraordinary moments, my gratitude is overwhelming. Here’s a list of things I am thankful for, that make this an incredible place.
- The big windows in my room where I can watch the sunrise while I lay in bed.
- Walking along the beach at sunset, with the sky on fire and sand between my toes.
- Laughing so hard that my abs hurt afterwards.
- Falling asleep to the sound of rain.
- Floating on my back in the salty water.
- A really delicious plate of mac and cheese.
- Dancing around like an idiot with my friends on an empty dance floor.
- Singing loudly and off-key in the car.
- The humid, salty air hitting your face when you drive with the window down.
- The bright orange butterflies that fly around me on my walk to class.
Sometimes it’s noticing the simpler things in life that make it so enjoyable. I encourage you, take the time to step back, to fully appreciate the moment you are in. Whether it’s doing the dishes, or walking along a beach, each moment we are given is a gift.
Many of you may be curious about how the island looks after the hurricanes. There is still evidence of the damage that was caused, but I am blown away by the growth I see. Growth not only in the natural environment, but in the community on the island. I consider it a great opportunity to witness this resilience in the coming months.