Things to Be Thankful For

What are you thankful for? As the American holiday of Thanksgiving draws near, thoughts turn to family and thankfulness. It can be hard in these troubling times to be thankful for anything. America is at war, with more and more social unrest. The country is divided, with dissenting arguments on both sides. The unemployment rate is high, with many jobs being outsourced. On top of that, many Americans are as tightly wound as springs, filled with anxiety and stress. Despite the myriad of new drugs on the market, more people are depressed than ever and seeking solace drugs or self-medication. Our economy is at an almost Depression-level of debt. With times like these, how can one be thankful?

But there are blessings all around you, if you know where to look. In our modern lifestyles, with media all around us telling us how to live, it's easy to forget what we already possess and how good we really do have it. Here are a few things that I'm thankful I have. You may have them too, and be grateful of that.

I have my health. I am able, each day, to get out of bed, relatively pain free. I am mobile, and able to easily get around to do what I need to do. You never think about it till you lose it, but mobility and health are a great, great gift. Some people work very hard just to get out of bed. Some people are grateful just when they are able to take a few steps. I am grateful for my healthy body and mind.

I have a job. Believe it or not, having a job is a great thing. To be able to work to support yourself and your family brings a lot of dignity and pride to many people. People out of work would do anything sometimes to have a job. regardless of your job status, there is probably someone, somewhere in the world that envies your job and wishes they had it as good as you. My job doesn't pay much, but it's casual and flexible and pays enough. That's really all I need and I am grateful for that.

I have a Supportive Family. Having a family that you can talk to is something many people only dream of. My family respects me as an individual, and I am grateful for their support. I am able to go and visit them on holidays, and we have fun at birthdays and other outings. Having a good relationship with the people that brought you into the world and raised you is such a gift. If at all possible, learn to talk to your parents and smooth over the past. Parents are people, too, and it does no good for you to hold grudges forever. If you are lucky enough for them to be in good health, and you know how to contact them, do it today. Family is too precious a thing to lose.

I have a Partner who adores me. It is so wonderful to find someone that you can relate to on a personal level. I feel, as humans, that we generally are social animals that crave companionship. It can be hard sometimes, but opening up to another person is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. Without my partner's support , I would be much less stable as a person. I am so grateful for his companionship, and would wish the same for anyone. Each day is a blessing.

I am grateful I have a home and enough food to eat. In American Capitalist economy, we are taught by the media that more is always better and to constantly upgrade ourselves. We are made to feel inferior and as if we don't have enough. I live in a small apartment. I look around at my furnishings. My furniture is shabby and worn and second-hand, but comfortable. My apartment would be huge in some parts of the world. Even in New York City, people would pay top dollar to have the square footage I have in Columbus, Ohio. I have a home. I have a warm bed to sleep in at night, and never go to bed hungry. Who cares if the scratched up wood floors are sometimes covered in cat hair? I live a good life. Probably better that 80% of third world countries.

I am grateful that there is no bombing in America (now). Okay, now I know that this statement may seem offensive to some people, but it really is true. I am not trying to belittle anyone's contributions in fighting in the war in Iraq. But just imagine. Right now there are people in other parts of the world, hearing bombs and sirens going off at any time of night, not knowing where they'll strike next. People losing ones they love in ghastly, untimely ways. How terrified those people must be. By comparison, I have it very well off. My daily fears can't even compare to that kind of terror.

Lastly, I am thankful for patience. I am still trying to learn to be more patient. I had a great trial in patience this morning as one of my cats unplugged the computer, erasing the entirety of this very article! Oh, you should have seen me, hollering like a madwoman. Well, I rewrote the darned thing, and am better now for it, I guess. Sometimes, poop happens and you've just got to pull your socks up and get on with life. Patience and grace will get you through the tough times, and hope will get you eventually out. I am hopeful for my future, and the good things to come. There' s always a silver lining! Even when you can't see it. So, I hope this holiday season, you take a moment to reflect on your life and all it's joys and wonder. Really, it isn't so bad. I'll bet, all in all, you've got it pretty darned good!