Katie Mitchell
Editor-in-Chief
Katie discusses the importance of being present during the holidays.
Ever since I was little, the holiday season has been my absolute favorite time of year. I remember how something new and exciting would happen every day: decorating our family Christmas Tree, watching Elf for the hundredth time, making hot chocolate with my sister, or going to see the amazing lights on Candy Cane Lane. Recently, this time of year, especially as a senior, has become much more stressful. As high school seniors, we have the pressure of finals and AP classes while we also wait impatiently for our college decisions. In turn, I have found myself wanting time to speed up, not slow down. But, Mother Theresa said it best: “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Mindfulness involves not only being present, but also focusing on gratitude. What a gift it is to be able to focus on our studies and not food insecurity; on sports and not shelter; on giving to others and not survival.
Whether or not we are able to give to others, let us all remember the gifts in our lives this time of year. Let’s remember to focus on the present. Even in the midst of finals and college applications, I, too, am trying my best to demonstrate grace under pressure. What does this look like for me? Maybe it’s participating in secret santa with my friends, or foregoing an extra hour of studying to watch The Holiday with my mom. Maybe it is joining friends to serve a meal to the homeless or donating to a favorite charity.
Additionally, a critical part of our gratitude must involve accepting the things we cannot change. We work so hard at Mira Costa, and as many of us move toward our final months of high school, we must remain proud of all that we have accomplished. As some of us begin hearing back from colleges, and as our semester grades are finalized, we must keep in mind all of the incredible work that we have done. Regardless of what happens, everything will be okay.
And that’s my hope as we near 2022: to live in the present and remain grateful. And, most importantly, know that everything will work out in the end.
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