At first a cynic

As long as I can remember, I have been opposed to blogging. My stance was simple. I like keeping my thoughts to myself, because after all, they are MY thoughts. But as I have grown older, moved on, and moved in to my sorority I have been exposed to the world of blogging not as a place to divulge all your secrets but rather to keep an account of your days to keep memories from fading.

So why is my blog called gratitude goes a long way? I like to think of myself as an eternal optimist. In my life there have been many ups and downs as I am a passionate person and find myself exhilarated and euphoric at one moment and at others completely thrown off by something small and insignificant. During my moments of clarity I find that when it comes down to it, each individual is just one tiny part of something much bigger. When I look back on my life in 40 years will I still be upset about the grade I earned on my organic chemistry test? More than likely not. It's at these times that I feel completely content with life, knowing that I am beyond blessed just to be here. No matter what happens or how bleak the outcome may look I think it's important to remember that there is always an infinite number of reasons to be grateful.

At the end of each blog post I will write a small thing that I am thankful for. For those of you who have never tried this, I would strongly encourage you to give it a shot. Writing a gratitude journal can be one of the most therapeutic pastimes.

Here's what i've got for today: I am grateful to be in Minnesota where the weather is freezing and walking around campus makes me wonder whether i'll even live to see my next class. When it comes down to it I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love the crisp air, the snow on the ground and most of all the excitement people feel around the holidays when they enter in to a coffee shop or really anywhere that will give serve as a refuge from the blustery weather. This is my favorite time of year and I have to say, for me, this year is not about presents. More than ever it's about being with the people I love and living every day to its fullest.

All my love,
Kate