Every Day is a Day for Gratitude

Since starting university, there is no doubt or surprise that I’ve taken up greater responsibilities than when living with my parents. Before, they constantly reminded me of the little but very essential things like eating three meals a day, cleaning my room, or being somewhere at a certain time so that I’m not late. All these seemingly small reminders initially seemed like major and tough tasks to do on my own and without my parents around.

Like I mentioned in the second blog post, I’ve experienced many firsts since starting at U of T. As I took on these ‘big adult responsibilities’, I felt very proud and a step closer to adulthood every time. Three months in, though, these are now more like mundane, everyday tasks.

Through all of this, I have realized just how significant of a role that my parents play in my life. They have put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to raise me and positively shape who I am. I now feel much more gratitude towards my parents for what I once thought were silly reminders and hope that others will too.

Often times, it’s easy to overlook what my parents have done for me because I have known it my whole life. I’ve always had them there for moral support and to point me in the right direction, and honestly, I have taken it for granted. The reality is, being a parent requires much work that goes unnoticed and is not nearly as appreciated as it should be. Their sacrifices, hard work, and dedication to raising me and my sister cannot be neglected. It is unfortunate that through doing all the tough work they once did for me like cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, I’ve only now fully appreciated it.

In our teenage years and as we’re growing up, we tend to focus on our friends and spend much less time with family. However, even since leaving high school and starting university, I already feel like I’m really growing up and reconnecting with my parents in a more meaningful and long-lasting way.

Coincidentally, these realizations have occurred just in time for the holiday season. It is quickly approaching and often known as the season for giving, love, and gratitude to and for loved ones. It’s often a time when people get together and celebrate the joy of having each another in their lives. It’s a time to express gratitude. But just like I wish I had felt more gratuitous all the time and in all parts of my life, not just in these recent months, I hope that others will be more gratuitous in every season of the year. We can always spare some time to extend our appreciation to those who we love and care for, or even those who might have made some small but positive impact in our lives.