Hands Reaching Out

Not long ago, I felt my fingers clinging onto the edge of a cliff. I was tired and unsure what to do. There were times when life felt unpredictable, challenging, and even overwhelming. My hands were reaching out for something to grab onto and hold dearly. I was searching for a grand savior, not realizing that what I needed was right in front of me. Once I took a look around me, I found that my life was full of things to love and cherish.

First, playing tennis helps me get my mind off of challenges during the day. It allows me to spend more time with my family as well as get exercise, which aids in the release of dopamine (happy chemical). Playing tennis is my daily reminder that there are so many fun things to do and experience every day.  Roger Federer, one of the most famous tennis players of all time, said, “When you do something best in life, you don’t really want to give that up – and for me it’s tennis.” 

Aside from tennis, my love for food improves my mood, no matter how crazy the day has been. When my mind is occupied with worries about my future and my family, eating my favorite foods is an opportunity to enjoy simple joys in life. Whether it is a bowl of yogurt and granola or some of my mom’s homemade cooking, eating reminds me of how lucky I am to be able to have food and parents who care for me every day. You can never go wrong with a slice of decadent chocolate cake.

After dinner, I like to practice the violin in my room. To me, playing the violin is a form of expression and emotion without having to say a single word. If I am having trouble talking about my feelings, playing the violin is a way for me to personally reflect on my day. Not only that, but learning and mastering new songs are small accomplishments that give me a sense of pride and happiness. At this time, I also enjoy listening to music. Whether it is pop, rock, or classical, music is one of my favorite forms of me-time. It helps me calm down, take a breath, reflect on the day’s events, and remind myself that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities. As said by Hans Christian Andersen, “Where words fail, music speaks.”

Right before I go to sleep, I get comfy in my bed and read a book.  Reading allows me to teleport to different worlds, experience the thoughts of others, and foster creativity. Stepping into the shoes of brave and kind characters inspires me to keep going each day and appreciate small pleasures in life that not everyone has. Not only that, but reading distracts me from negative thoughts by allowing me to focus on the feelings of characters in the book instead.

Rather than being too concerned with the future, I am satisfied with what I have accomplished today. As I drift off to sleep, my worries are set aside as my fears are overpowered by the things I love. Whether it be playing tennis, eating delicious food, playing violin, reading, or listening to music, every day is the opportunity to learn new things, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy my favorite hobbies.  Writing down my thoughts right now is a chance for me to be honest about my feelings and call attention to my thoughts. I encourage everyone to write about their emotions to check in on their mental health and strive to be grateful every day. Instead of reaching out with empty hands and waiting for a savior, I am reaching inwards to appreciate everything I love and utilize all that I have.  I can take on any challenge, no matter how daunting it seems.  I am ready.