The choice to be glad

Today I would like to talk on the subject of being glad for others.

Suzanne, a friend from INTI College told me an hour ago that she got accepted to a liberal arts college; St. Lawrence University in New York with a 50,000 dollars/year financial aid package. I remember the times she told me about her story and struggles to find a good and affordable institution to transfer to. She's worked her arse off subjects after subjects, yet, still find herself enrolling for the next semester; to buy time for the right moment to leave for the States. She sounded excited and jubilant when she told me this evening, "Alexis, I have something to tell you!"

I was immediately ecstatic for her. Great job, Suzanne, if you're reading this. But I also realized something; that I was able to be glad for her. I remember many times in the past the feelings felt when I hear of friend's achievements and was secretly envious of them. Why? Because I know I cannot achieve what they've achieved and at the same time I saw my inability for achievements a defeat. I was never joyful for many's success.

But today I am able to be genuinely glad for Suzanne because it came out of love. Quoting from Dan in Real Life, "Love is not a feeling, it's an ability". An ability is something perfected over time, a skill that needs sharpening and most importantly, a choice. My epiphany is: we can only be exceedingly and abundantly glad for people around us through love.