In the spirit of thanksgiving, I thought I’d share with you all ten things I am thankful for. The purpose of my blog is to share my experience living abroad. My first few posts about expat, toxic coaches, and healing have been mostly about my struggles and challenges. I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t give a holistic view of my experience. This includes the good part; the parts I enjoy the most. To keep things short and sweet so we can go enjoy our turkey or Jollof (whichever way you roll), here I ten things I am thankful for:
- Family
If you know me you know how much my family small means to me. But moving abroad gave me the opportunity to have a large and beautiful extended family through host parents and guardians. I am blessed to have over five moms and dads who genuinely love me and consistently care about my wellbeing. I am all so thankful for their children who have now become my siblings as well. I have always wondered what being a big sis would be like as a lastborn but now I know. I love every single one of my family, blood or not.
- Friends
I love my friends so much it makes me want to cry. This set of people I carefully handpicked to bear the title of friends gives me the uttermost joy. I am thankful for these special people that I get to share my journey with, the good, bad, and everything in between. I am thankful for our shared cries and mental breakdowns as they make the laughers even more meaningful. I live for every day I get to share with my friends.
- Basketall
Basketball has been one of the best things to have happened to me. I am forever grateful to whatever it was that led me to pick up that orange ball. As cliché as it sounds, my life has never been the same. Lord knows the game and I have had our ups and downs especially with toxic coaches, but I wouldn’t trade my experience. Lately, I’ve begun to rediscover my love for the game through coaching youth clinics such as GameFace413. I’m back to getting lost in the gym for hours working out and playing pickup up with total strangers and I love it. Basketball has gone back to being a source of joy and happiness rather than of worries and anxiety. For that, I am thankful.
- Coaches
I have sure my fair share of toxic coaches in the U.S. But I have had some great ones too. These men and women have positively impacted my life in insurmountable ways. I am thankful to have them all in my lives despite not being a member of their team anymore. They are on my team for life.
- Books
There is nothing like getting lost in a good book. It is one of my favorite past times and forms of escapism. I love how there is a book for everything you’re going through or want to learn. I always take advantage of it. My favorite books are The Alchemist by Paul Coelho and Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie. These two books do it for me every time.
- School
Took me long enough to say this with my chest but I love school. And I am thankful for it. School has been an avenue for me to explore a deeper sense of self and the world around me. I love the rush I get from trying to meet a deadline. Not to say procrastinating is good thing. Or is it? I guess figure that out later. And have also met the best people in my life now through school. I am mostly thankful I get to go to for free as a student-athlete.
- Travel
Travelling allows me to connect with my friends spread out around the country. Being able to take trips with and to them is a blessing. It is also an opportunity to strengthen our already strong bonds. Travelling also allows me to explore, see new places, see new people, try new food, and take exciting pictures. I love it!
- Nature
I love taking nature walks. I love a good hike, a walk on the park or a stroll on the beach. There’s just something calming and reassuring about being out in nature. I don’t exactly know what it is, but it makes me feel like I am exactly where I need to be at that point in time. Going on mindfulness walks is something I never fail to do daily. And I’m thankful I live in a beautiful neighborhood that makes this possible.
- Good health
My mom always told me, as long as there is life, there is hope. Being in good health allows my do the things I love and enjoy like basketball and travel. I am thankful I get to wake up every day in good mental and physical health. I was struggling mentally as you can see in from my healing journey. But I am getting back to where I need to be and for that I am grateful.
- Therapy
This might be the thing I am most thankful for this year. It made me enjoy all the other things. I could write a book about therapy. Working with a therapist has helped me process a lot of heavy emotions. This makes it easier for me to focus and enjoy the little things. It has also made my relationships with my loved ones better. I wholeheartedly love who I am becoming and I am thankful for that.
Finally, I am thankful for every single one of you who takes time out of your day to read my blog. I appreciate every single one of you. I hope we can keep this going together. Thank you all for all the love and support.
I also want to know what you all are thankful for in the comments or by connecting with me through social media. Have an amazing Thanksgiving!!
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