Thankful Thursday: Marco Polo

Being physically fit is not the only indicator of a healthy, happy life; in fact, mental health is just as important. Often, when we are mentally unhealthy, our physical health suffers. I fall in to patterns of binging as a way of coping when I feel like I’m losing control. It works the other way around, too. When I stop exercising, my mental health worsens. When we recognize all we have, it gives us less time to focus on what we do not. This yields a much healthier mindset, which allows us to find more joy in daily living. This is especially important in a world infused with social media that often makes us feel like we are lacking. Our goal is that Thankful Thursday will help us remain grateful and keep our minds focused on the positive. 

This week, I am thankful for video chatting, specifically Marco Polo and Facetime. Some personal perspective: I always planned for marriage in my mid-twenties and motherhood soon after. I wanted five children. I never pictured a life where that didn’t happen. As I got older, my best friends got married and started families. Many moved away for school and jobs. I felt alone and missed my beloved friendships that used to be my whole world. I felt like I needed them, but they didn’t need me because they had their own families. Last year, I was introduced to Marco Polo and began group chats with my former roommates from BYU. I reconnected with some after 10+ years. We now keep in touch regularly. We share heartaches, struggles, accomplishments, and goals. I get to see their children grow and feel like a part of their lives again. They amaze me with their courage, optimism, faith, and humor. Even though I can’t relate to some of their conversations, I have a unique perspective to lend as a single adult and I get to understand parenting better. 

I also treasure having face-to-face video conversations with my 2 year old nephew dressed like a bug (though he insists it’s a Superman costume) and seeing his little eyes widen as he talks about something exciting. I get to be more present in my niece and nephews’ lives, which means the world to me.