When asked to think about my most memorable days, I think to myself, “I simply can’t decide because there are too many.” While this is true, the few that I can remember the most vividly are surprisingly marked with strong negative emotions. However, recalling those memories no longer brings back the same negative feelings. Looking back, they made me who I am as a man. There was so much build-up to each of those days that was filled with joy and satisfaction that when I lost those things they stung so much.

 It was the torture of falling to injury again and again in track which taught me to focus on the process rather than the outcome of my actions. Something I dedicated my entire life to which I had so much potential in was taken from me for what seemed like no particular reason. I worked every day for several years all culminating to hopefully be healthy and run for ten seconds of glory. My body couldn’t hold up, and I never achieved my goals. I came to realize that although I never claimed that desired outcome, I had turned myself into a tough and disciplined leader. For that I am grateful. 

 It was the sting of leaving dear friends as I moved across the country that taught me how to be my own best friend. My whole life flipped upside down when I found out my family had to move to another state. The pain of having to leave my friends rocked me to my core and I had no idea how to handle it. In the first couple months after the move, I realized that I’d never been so alone in my life. So, I adapted and learned how to be comfortable alone. I can now be happy completely on my own, although I am not alone anymore. For that I am grateful. 

 It was the sting of getting outcast by family which taught me that the only person whose opinion matters is the one who looks back at you in the mirror. When my family had to separate from my extended family because of judgment and differing beliefs it forced me to evaluate my opinion of myself. Being able to let go of other’s opinions granted me new freedom and allowed me to be extra proud of myself for who I am. For that I am grateful. 

I’m grateful for the bad days that I can remember because in perspective the lessons I learned from heartbreak and defeat outweigh the tragedy of the loss. Those memories which once stung me now empower me to be the best person I can be. Even better, they excite me for challenges which are yet to come.