Every month of the year is special and November is no exception. People celebrate Kindness Day on November 13th, and Thanksgiving Day on the 28th. On this occasion, my students shared some journal entries, answering some questions related to this month.
Miguel Avellaneda from our Conversation Club Saturday answer this:
How can you remember to practice gratitude every day?
Practicing gratitude means regularly noticing and being thankful for all the good things in my life. It’s the simple act of recognizing the gifts I have, both big and small, and not taking them for granted. This includes essentials like life itself, my supportive family, and my close friends. It also means I appreciate having a job and the wonderful opportunity to improve my skills by studying at English Smart. Remembering all these positive parts of my life helps me feel more thankful every day.
A person writing in a journal, surrounded by warm light, symbolizing the act of regularly noticing good things.
An image representing “life itself,” perhaps a serene landscape or a close-up of a blooming flower.
A diverse family laughing together during a picnic in a sunny park.
Our student Alejandra Zavala from the Intermediate group answered:
What is something new you can work on this month?
Work in Progress: Operation Cat Integration
For two months, a clearly lost house cat was at the office, and I successfully avoided him. I knew that if I got involved, I would end up adopting him. Denial lasted until our first face to face. Suddenly, I was a sleepless worry wart: Is he cold? Is he safe? Then the weather hit, and my heart melted faster than ice cream in the sun.
Now he’s home. Yes, home. My new, very challenging roommate.
My household of three other cats where peace just arrived after a year of epic, midnight cat battles (sorry, husband and dog!), is facing another feline integration. Wish me luck! They’ll just have to resign themselves to sharing Mom, the house, and the bed. Pray for us all!
P.S. My dog joined the family the exact same way. I really need to stop going to work.
Our student Karla Moreno from the Conversation Club T-T answered the question:
How does November energy feel to you?
Starting November, people know they are close to concluding a cycle -a year-. And as all cycles are closing, people normally feel full of introspection and nostalgic feelings, because of the past moments, the objectives accomplished -or not-, their own health and that of their relatives.
Besides that, people transform those feelings into an energy of celebration and gratitude. People go crazy buying the most creative things to decorate their homes. This normally means you are prepared to enjoy the season spending time with your family having dinner to end the year, with the awareness that all you did throughout the year was your best and you are prepared to go the extra mile next year.
Our student Arantxa Sandoval from the Conversation Club M-W answered:
What does November mean to you?
This month carries a special weight in my heart. First of all, it’s the time of the year when my family and I come together to remember with much love our loved ones and to appreciate those who are always with us. On an emotional level, I love this month because I enjoy setting up the altar. I think it’s a beautiful gesture, filled with colors, flowers and the smell of the fruits, especially of guavas. Additionally, I love that I can dress up and have fun with my friends .It’s a month that combines tradition and memories.
Finally our student Sam Rivera from the Conversation Club T-T answered the question:
What feelings does November bring up to you?
November, for me, is a special month. Thinking that our loved ones who have passed away might visit us for a few days fills me with a gentle sadness, made of melancholy and nostalgia. These feelings stay with me constantly. After they fade away, a calm comes and embraces me though.
At the same time, the Christmas season and New Year’s Eve are near. My whole family gathers, and in those moments, I feel a deep spiritual connection both with those who are present and with those who have already departed.
It is also the perfect opportunity to create new wishes and goals for the coming year like new hobbies, more/less work, and learning English with my classmates and me.