Profound thoughts at 4pm

I just came back to my room from a walk. It was short but a meaningful one.

Days are starting to get longer again as we end winter and approach the start of a new season. I wake up earlier as the sun rises earlier and start moving as soon as I can. Today, I did laundry, changed sheets, had a meal, read the required documents among other things. By noon, I found myself stuck in bed without any motivation to do anything. Not even watching my favorite show got me into the mood. I felt sick but I was perfectly alright. In the middle of the afternoon, I took a nap and woke up shortly after.As my curtains are far apart from each other to let natural light in my little room, I saw what a beautiful day it was and what a shame it would be if I don’t get to take advantage of it. A good day such as today do not come often as my days would always be filled with gray skies, rain, sometimes snow, and most recently, hail. Add to that the strong winds that blows all thanks to the long stretch of the Seine River.

I live in a student dorm, résidence – as the French would call it. Within five minutes I have access to the laundry room to my left, a printing shop and the school library – even my classrooms straight ahead and to the right, the enormous student restaurant and further across the woods, the panoramic / overlooking view of the city of Rouen.

I have yet to try the student restaurant. How come I never did when it’s literally just in front of my building? For one, why would I have to if I can be more practical and prepare food in my room. However, I did try the student restaurants nearer to my classrooms.I took a peek inside and I saw a pool table, a football table (what do you call those), some couches and your regular typical resto tables and chairs.I headed back after what seemed to be like five minutes because the strong winds blew endlessly, the sun was hiding behind thick gray clouds as hail began to fall. I was not dressed enough to stay in this kind of weather condition.On my way back, I thought, I only have three months left. Seven months went by so quickly. In a different yet related topic, I realized (again) how lucky I am to have been given this opportunity. Although some plans and things did not go as I wanted them to be, I think things turned out to be how and what it had to be. I believe I may have focused too much on what did not work out than what I have now. And now I look past these seven months and ask myself, where have they gone? What happened? How did they happen so fast? Where was I?

That got me thinking about the fact that I complained too much too. I suddenly feel regretful of my past actions and words. I was looking at things up close when what I could have done was take one step back, see the bigger picture and realize how things were just fine.

Fine is an understatement. Looking at what I see every day in a different light made me recognize how wonderful things were and are.At this point I don’t know if I only have three months or one more year to appreciate this experience. One thing’s for sure, I’m all about valuing this experience more than I ever did.

Thank you.