As the leaves begin to change and the temperature begins to drop, it becomes the time of year when we are reminded of all of our daily blessings. Throughout the duration of writing this blog, I had the pleasure of going on two very different work trip adventures. The first was to Pocatello, Idaho where my co-worker and I had the opportunity to explore some of the trails on one of our free afternoons. That afternoon included the perfect fall hike filled with crisp red and yellow leaves that covered the path. In the midst of our hike, I was overcome with the feeling that all the little things, like this view, are so easily taken for granted on a daily basis. This so called “reality check” reminds me of all the times I take for granted the chance to be grateful for the people and opportunities in my life. Because of this, I would like to start this season with three areas I think deserve a little bit more thanks this season.
I am grateful for those who influence. I am constantly influenced by those around me. Whether it be my family and friends or a complete stranger, they all play an important role in who I am and how I perceive the world around me. On my second work trip to the APTA conference in Portland, Oregon, I had the chance to talk with a multitude of new and eager individuals and while they may have been the ones taking in all the information, I can say I got just as much out of each of those interactions. Hearing different individuals’ passion behind their education demonstrates just how motivating others can be and it encourages me that much more to pursue my own passion.
I am grateful for adventure. I have always had a strong love for adventure. From deciding I wanted to be a world traveler at a young age, studying abroad in college, and taking a job that includes a good amount of frequent flier miles in a multitude of new destinations, my love for adventure never seems to fail. However sometimes feel like I let the stress and exhaustion of travel get the best of me and overshadow my appreciation for the opportunity. While I might never enjoy the packing and unpacking that comes with every trip, it never ceases to amaze me just how incredible each new place is. I have the pleasure of having a job that allows me to explore cities and states I probably wouldn’t have otherwise traveled to. No matter how many of these adventures I have there is always something new and exciting to look forward to.
I am grateful for home. As I sit in the airport terminal exhausted from a packed day filled with a little bit of work and a lot of walking in downtown Portland to some more than worth it food carts, I can’t help but get excited at the thought of being home in just a few short hours. The gift of travel is one I will always cherish, but the more I travel, the more I miss home and the familiarity it brings. Rather than focusing on when my next trip is and where my next adventure will take me, I am striving to enjoy the calm of home and enjoy it rather than taking it for granted.
While these are just three things I am grateful for this season, I want this to serve as a reminder to myself that the time to be grateful isn’t just when Thanksgiving is approaching but rather all year long. I am so fortunate to be able to have people of influence, the gift of continuing adventure, and a great place to call home. While these are what I am grateful for, I’m curious as to what you are thankful for this season?
Allie Lang is a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Student Outreach division of Aureus Medical Group.