Life is good, man. It’s Christmas Day and I am with my family. We are all enjoying each other’s company, chatting about anything that comes to mind. I get to spend time with my grandparents, who I don’t get to see more than once or twice a year. Trutfully, this is the first year where I realize that my grandparents aren’t always going to be here, so for that I am much more aware of the importance of these visits. There might not be too many more, but that’s okay. I’m focused on making them count while they are here.
I can’t help but get introspective as I look around and see old pictures of myself and my family. Last night, we watched home movies made by my grandparents in the 70’s. These videos showed my grandparents when they had just barely become parents of their own. And it showed my mom and uncle when they were kids; no thought of me or my siblings. My grandparents weren’t always just grandparents. My parents weren’t always just my parents. They were people who had their own lives and experiences. They were once just as youthful as myself, looking at the world through eyes similar to mine now. I never understood this. My perspective is forever changed.
I have to be careful when looking back on past memories or else I start to get sad about the fact that I may not have appreciated the moment as much as I should have. But I know that this is just a part of who I am, and there is no reason to worry. Instead, I remind myself to enjoy the moment right now. I tell myself to focus on how I feel with everything going on around me: the reclining chair that I could sit in all day, the room that I am in, with the many old pictures of my family and the carpet that came straight from the 70’s. Even the smell, which is a mixture of cooking and old people, is hitting different right now, in a special way.
I don’t know if I am the most religious person these days, but I do believe that someone or something is out there watching over us, and for that I am blessed. I have a circle of people around me who have nothing but love for one another, and for that I am blessed. Big shoutout to whoever put me in such a great position in life. Good looks.
If you are not feeling the love during these times where family is the focus, to you I say that you are never alone. I’ve spent my fair share of holidays alone. I don’t know why but for the last like three years, I have been completely alone on the Fourth of July. No family, no friends, just me on my lonesome. At first, I was bothered by it. felt so alone and so sad, seeing everybody having a good time with friends and family. But I accepted the fact that I may not always have people around to celebrate life with. So I have to do it myself. Now, the fourth serves as my annual reminder that I got me, even if nobody else has me.
I don’t have any major advice to give with this piece, no revelations learned. I’m just here enjoying life. I guess if I could tell you anything else, I would tell you to take a step back for a second and take in the moment. Appreciate what you have and never ever take life for granted. If you are lucky enough to have people in your circle, don’t ever let them go. If you haven’t found your circle yet, you will. Be patient and be open to the love. Happy Holidays, from me to you.
