Friday, January 7, 2011

Gratitude

"Research tells us that the sources of the good life are in loving relationships, mutual respect, meaningful work, and gratitude, and as we discover the power of these qualities, the lure of advertising and materialism will no longer fool us."

This is a quote from an article in YES! Magazine, which I discovered yesterday. It is a magazine (and website with free articles) about reframing the problems of our world into solutions. In general, it takes a decidedly positive view of the world and the ability of everyone to shape and change reality.

I really enjoyed this, even though I can see flaws in the magazine's perspective on the world. I tend to read a lot of progressive news sites that emphasize how messed up the world is right now - and with good reason. Still, the effect of taking in a lot of negative information can be an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. As someone striving to be an engaged citizen, this doesn't feel like a productive outcome. Because of this, it was nice to read articles about happiness, peace and justice, and creating new, local economies with others.

World news aside, one of my main takeaways from reading the magazine was the realization that I am not as open about my gratitude and appreciation as I can be. Perhaps I am shy, perhaps I am afraid people have forgotten about me, but regardless I have decided to change this. Even if the people I am appreciating never see my words, or if they don't like me anymore, or if they don't remember me, I want to express my gratitude toward individuals and groups of people who I am grateful I met. And I would like to start with my classmates from my alma mater.

Here's to you, Carleton Class of 2010. I know quite a few of you - I've met almost all of you - I know some of you well, a small handful very well. I know some of you less well than I would like, and met you far later than I should have, but I am still grateful we got to meet and learn from each other. I have grown alongside you and seen you grow with me. That's a beautiful thing. In light of recent tragedy, I have seen you reach out and show you care in unexpected ways and it makes my heart simultaneously light and heavy. I know we harped about being quirky and shit, and yeah it got old, but seriously, in a pinch I'd turn to a Carl in a heartbeat. I know some of you are going to help change the world (for better or for worse) and I wish you all the best. And seriously if you need a place to crash, assuming I have a home myself, you're welcome here.

Also, I want to extend my gratitude toward the Carleton Class of 2012. Although my heart is certainly grateful for one of you in particular, I know more than a few of you less well than I ought to, and am eternally grateful for all you have shared with me. Y'all are some of the most amazing people I've ever met and you carry on what my vision of Carleton's future should be.

So that was pretty sappy and all, but that's what happens when I speak from my heart.