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Politics and Activism

Gratitude Amongst Anxieties

A love letter to the aspects of my life that make the panicking go away, even for just a moment.

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Gratitude Amongst Anxieties

I spend many a minute worrying. It's a lifestyle. Most of my waking moments are spent agonizing over topics as serious as the impending doom of our nation if a certain ill-mannered candidate is elected, as abstract as eternity or as silly as a sunburn. And frankly, it's exhausting. The number of terrifying institutional obstacles in the way can be suffocating, and a lot of the time, seemingly impossible to overcome. However, as I am writing this at 5:11 a.m. on yet another sleepless night, the cool breeze coming through my window into my muggy room reminds me that there are so many beautiful aspects of my life that I'm grateful for.

Friends

Friends that remind me that it's OK not to be sunshiny every second of the day. Friends that drop their 1 a.m. activities and dash over to my dorm because I'm freaking out about a rash. Friends that remind me that emotions are valid, no matter the cause. Friends that enthuse about musicals and murderous TV shows. Friends that drive (and get lost) a half an hour, just to get some Dairy Queen. Friends that bond over cringy memories of bad eyebrows and satchels from our middle school years. Friends that bond over new traditions, creating bonds that don't weaken across state borders. Friends that welcome me into their rooms, even when they have a million things on their to-do lists.

Home

Hometowns where individuality is celebrated. Where the arts are celebrated, not scorned. Where identities are validated, not infantilized. Lab theaters where late nights, greasy food, and loud music are aplenty. Offices with soft couches and engaging conversations. Basements with an absurd amount of fake grass and lanterns. Classrooms with caring, thoughtful teachers. Dorm rooms with sketchy carpeting and a window view of the pit.

Writing

Short stories packed with plot twists. Articles filled with frustration. Essays proving yet another old white dude is super sexist. Essays proving that even pieces written about food can be supremely sexist. More articles filled with frustration. Poems tinged with sadness. Articles filled with gratitude for the ability to express through written word.

I could go on about the delights of the perfect chicken caesar salad or painting my nails the most pleasing shade of mustard yellow, but I'll spare you the small things. The next time I freak out about the impending apocalypse or the patriarchy, I'll take a moment to remember all the blessings in my life. And then, I'll probably write another frustrated article. Tune in next week to find out!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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Warner Bros. Television

1. You don't have to feel guilty about flirting with customers for tips (or just for shits and giggles).

2. You can be obnoxiously flirtatious with anyone you want. You are free to be that girl that flirts with everybody and makes 'em all smile (it's especially fun when the guy is as cute as Collin Jost). No shame.

3. Making random men nervous with your superior beauty and intense eye contact just for the hell of it is really amusing and empowering.

4. No one gives two poops if ya legs are hairy (your man shouldn't either but *Kermit the Frog meme* That's none of my business)

5. The toilet seat will remain down.

6. There's more money to spend on yourself.

7. There's always this secret butterfly in your tummy that marvels at the possibility that when you go out this weekend you're gonna meet someone super handsome/wonderful/prince-like and have this moment of dazzling dalliance.

8. Nothing is that serious...you can take it all with a grain of salt...you don't owe anybody anything.

9. You can dance with anyone and everyone...or no one (Hello frat boi w/ glasses, I see you).

10. You don't have to fluff anyone's ego but your own.

11. Free drinks and dinners from single guys (It's not taking advantage if they're offering; a girl's gotta eat).

12. You have more time to learn how to love and improve yourself rather than constantly pouring your energy into another person.

13. You don't have to sacrifice your cheesy Jen Aniston rom-coms and Gilmore Girls for his Fast and Furious/other dumb action movie featuring blonde that is only in the movie to supply a relationship to the male lead and to make him look more masculine/empowered in juxtaposition (In other words, you don't have to deal with a guy being a crabby Patty while you watch your cute movies).

14. You can daydream about what your future husband may be doing right now (and not get stressed/guilty out because you're not picturing your current boyfriend that's crazy about you as your future husband).

15. There is more time to be spent with your girlfriends.

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