'Tis the Season

     This is the time of the year where you can smell the winter in the air. The leaves begin to show their deep red hues, and the thick wool coats come out of the closet. The holiday music begins to grace the radio frequencies and retail stores start to stock their shelves with gift-able merchandise wrapped in eye-catching ribbon. Amongst the seemingly decrease in nature's thermostat and the chaotic scene of the shopping centers, it's important to remember what this time of the year is all about.

     I'm the type of person who finds myself reminiscing about my childhood adventures and precious moments that happened way back when or even last week. I look through photo albums, notes, and little nick-knacks and sometimes find myself wishing that I was still close to that person, that I still spoke with that person. Life changes and people move away, relationships fray at the ends, and people fall apart. It happens. But I also believe that things happen for a reason. Things fall apart so you can find something new. People leave your life to make room for the new ones that come in. And every person that you encounter leaves you with something--may that be a lesson learned, a memory to cherish, or just an ear when you needed one the most. Everyone we meet impacts and affects us in some way, shape, or form, and we in turn do the same for those who we encounter. Those moments are special moments that are often unexpected and quick to pass by. 

     Time is quick to pass by. Words that are unspoken, remain unspoken, and unheard. Permanence is only determined by relative time. If someone makes an impact in your life, I think it is important to acknowledge that. 'Tis the season for family, friends, and loved ones. 'Tis the season to give thanks--thanks for the food that graces the table each night, thanks for the roommates who listen to you rant about the dramas of college, thanks for the friends who accept you for your quirkiness, thanks for the strangers who hold the door open for you, thanks for each day that you are able to laugh, cry, love, and smile.


     It doesn't take much for someone to touch my heart, and it doesn't take much to acknowledge someone for doing just that. So, I will start off by thanking you, dear reader. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read what I have to say. Thank you for taking the time to appreciate the product of all our hard work. If you do anything after reading this post, I hope you take some time out of your day to thank at least one person who has impacted your life, in any degree, for the better.

     Kindness is contagious. Spread it.


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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island pursing a major in Biological Sciences.