Thanksgiving abroad

Two posts in one week...too much, I think not! I feel like this is a very important topic to talk about. Today is Thanksgiving back home in the US and we are not able to spend it with our families. There are a lot of emotions that are coming from this day.

I have only spent Thanksgiving with my family once in the past 7 years. At ISU we had our volleyball conference tournament over Thanksgiving so no celebrating with family, I was able to go home when studying at UAB to enjoy the holiday, but last year in Austria and this year in Finland I could not be home for the holiday. So, missing this holiday seems to be more of a tradition lately than attending it. Even though I've missed this day a lot, the feelings are still the same. Excitement, sadness, gratefulness and love.

Sadness, I am a little upset to be missing a time that is supposed to be spent with the ones you love and care for most. My family is extremely important to me. To know that I will not be there making memories and enjoying the holiday with them does make today tough. My family will always be the most important people in my life, which includes some friends that I consider family ;) Of course, I am also upset about not getting the lovely food that helps us celebrate this holiday. We are going to hopefully have a mini Thanksgiving in a few days. We have 2 games this weekend and did not want to be distracted.

My family has supported me through all of the rough moments and all of the amazing ones. I am only upset because I love spending as much time with them as I can. Every moment you have with family creates memories, even if they are small. I realize this more and more as I get older. Coming home after 8 months away make these moments extra special. This was the case while getting my Undergraduate & Graduate degree and of course playing professionally overseas now. Life is full of little moments.

Excitement, I am excited to see my family get together and celebrate the holiday. This brings warmth to my heart knowing I can Facetime them and somewhat be a part of the day or at least let them know how grateful I am for them. Luckily, Facetime makes being far from home easier in general and helps over the holiday season even more. Thanksgiving is a day that you give thanks for all you have and express to everyone how grateful you are. I have many things in my life to be grateful for as do you I am sure.

This year is also different for many people because COVID-19 has made the plans of getting together with family more difficult. Many people are going to be having smaller gatherings so not always following tradition. Large gatherings are not encouraged in Illinois at the moment which makes it hard to celebrate the holiday. I have a feeling many people will be in the same boat as me this year...Facetiming into the holiday get together. Traditions change, this does not make the day any less important.

Love, something I feel anytime I Facetime someone from home. The love of family and friends will never fade. Today while talking with some of them via Facetime I remember little quirks about each and every one of them that makes me love them even more.

Gratefulness, this is something I try and express in my everyday life. While overseas I have a journal that I write down daily activities, thoughts, and strategies. When I got to Finland, I started writing 3 things that I am grateful for every day. This starts my day off on a positive note, looking at this experience and embracing all this journey throws my way. Recently, I have also added a line in my journal that is a positive affirmation or goal that I want to achieve. Writing these mental thoughts down on paper sometimes help you realize that the path you are on is the right one, or that in the end as long as you are happy that is all that matters.

There are so many mixed emotions that come with missing a holiday back home that is so near and dear to my heart. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to play volleyball but it does come with sacrificing days like today. Sacrifices have to be made when you are chasing your dreams. Life is full of sacrifices or as I like to say life decisions.

I challenge you to write down 3 things that you are grateful for on this thankful day. Interpret it how you would like!

Here are a few items in my life that I am grateful for:

- coffee, I am an avid coffee enthusiast.

- volleyball, the organization has made me feel very at home here in Pihtipudas.

- social media, a nice way to keep in touch with friends and stay up to date (somewhat) in their lives while being thousands of miles away.

- pictures, memories/moments frozen in time; the best times to look back on.

Enjoy some quality time with family and/or just enjoy the food!

(p.s. please have some pumpkin pie for me.)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Until next time,

jaelyn