There are only a few things in life that make you feel at home. Home is often considered a place more than it is a feeling, but I really think it should be included. You could either be with people that make you feel at home and it doesn't matter where you might be or you could be doing something that makes you feel all the same. Either way, home is synonymous with comfort, contentedness, love, and safety.

Recently, Indians celebrated one of their biggest holidays: Diwali. The name means "Festival of Lights" and you might be able to understand why seeing all the candles ("diyas" in Hindi) being lit. The significance of all of this is not just to bring light to your outer world, but also your inner one. You can interpret what that means in so many different forms, but as of now, to me, it means clearing my mind. That includes clearing it of things that make me upset, thoughts that I would be happier in different circumstances, that people should change, or even that I can change them.

It gives me a "passively active" role in my life, one where I try for what I want but then try not to stress when it doesn't happen.

Even the physicality of the holiday — lighting of the diyas, dressing in beautiful colors, spending time with loved ones — serves to brighten my spirits and feel more centered.

I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with my family, which is also a time that helps me keep things into perspective (we all know that it's a little too easy to get caught up in school and work).

And maybe the best part of it all is that I see the world as it is: without projecting anything "good" or "bad" onto it, without any judgment and still, still it appears to be beautiful.