This is actually a post that is related to a larger theme of what I do in NYC on the weekends (since all I have been blogging about is work), but that post to come later, so that I actually remind myself to do it :)
It is Fourth of July, and I was invited by Nich and Rachel to have dinner at their place before going to their rooftop to watch fireworks by the East River. I am really grateful for the wonderful couple, and as we sat down and savored the wonderful spaghetti and tasting the exquisite Italian red wine from the vase-shaped decanter, I learned more about the couples' lives and careers. It struck me that I was given such a beautiful and wonderful opportunity to be in New York - to experience an authentic American experience that I would otherwise never will experience. The kinds of people I meet, the friends I hang out with, the conversations I have, all are quite different from what I am used to in Amherst - and I am really grateful.
When the clock strikes 9:30pm, we took the elevator to the rooftop, where Rachel celebrated her birthday just a few weeks ago. It was a majestic sight - probably only seven or eight blocks away from the river, and I could see the boats just propelling leviathan-sized blobs of fire. It was drizzling softly, which actually eased the crowd in the balcony and allowing us a better view of the fireworks.
As I saw the colorful flares fly up the sky, scatter, and die out, accompanied with crackles and booms for a full twenty minutes, it occurred to me that I am tremendously fortunate to have the opportunity to live in New York and experience my life here this summer. It occurred to me that it was worth every single effort that I took - captured somewhat in the post "Internship" - to be there, standing by the river, and watching the fires flicker majestically and die out.
The fireworks capture my summer pretty well - it starts with a bang, it is bright, flashy, and colorful, it is hot and it burns (which comes from the work that I am putting in and the friction that molds me as I encounter and learn to deal with people who are usually outside of my comfort zone), and it fades away in an instant (it's only for ten weeks). Words cannot express how much gratitude I was feeling when I saw those fireworks. Yes, it has not been an easy journey, but I have been really fortunate as I have been blessed with amazing people who are always there to support me, help me out, and guide me. And therefore I am grateful. The other great thing about fireworks that it reminds you how ephemeral life is - why am I wasting my time thinking negative thoughts, criticizing other people, worrying, or becoming anxious? It will all be over soon.
And yes - there is more to come. I have learned that when you are truly grateful, saying thank you is not enough, you have to show it. I resolve to show it by dedicating myself to my work, and learning to love every aspect of it. :)
The other thought I had was: As an intern, my attitude toward work has always been (and is going to be) yes, yes, and a yes. As I echo the language in my office, I would say: "Happy to do this/that for you." And this, despite how difficult or mundane the task is, or how tired or stressed I was, is what I strive for. It just struck me, that perhaps this is one of the easiest of accepting and loving life - to pretend that life is just your manager, giving you things to do. Because whatever good or bad things that happen to you, there is only one path forward that you can control, which is what you do. Are you doing something you have to do? Or are you avoiding it, complaining, cursing, so on and so forth? What if, for every single thing, task, or situation life gives me, I am able to smile and enthusiastically say: "Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity/challenge/responsibility. I am happy to do this for You, Mr. Life." Of course, every now and then I will need a break, and that's fair, because nobody I have ever met works 24/7. But what an attitude to have!
Happy July, beloved readers.
Rufus
