It is so easy to get caught up in your daily routine and forget about the gifts you have been given as a human being living in a developed society. I have many family members living in substandard conditions in the Philippines, and yet I myself still forget how lucky I have been in my life. It is so important, however, that we do not stray far from our gratitude. We are fortunate to have many things; things I know we don't remember to be grateful for everyday.
1. Our Safety
The war in Syria is horrific. Although Aleppo recently fell, there does not seem to be an end in sight. Families have been destroyed and separated. Upwards of 470,000 souls have been lost. Please do not forget how lucky you are to be able to walk home at night and only be afraid of raccoons...not bombs.
2. Clean Water
In our country there continues to be a massive water crisis in Flint, Michigan. As a person who does not like drinking water, I know how easy it is to forget what a privilege it is to walk into my kitchen and fill up a glass. Let us keep in mind that many of our own are suffering because a resource the resource humans need to survive is contaminated. Let us also remember that millions of people around the world do not have access to water at all.
3. The Right To Vote
I am still angry about the election results. However, what I am angrier about are the thousands of people who did vote or used their ballot as a means of trolling. To the women who did not vote: you failed to recognize a fight females past fought for us. And to the trolls who voted for a gorilla or someone other than Trump or Clinton: it is my opinion that you also failed to recognize the importance of a vote, and that is shameful.
4. Our Mistakes
I went to a high school where your mistakes followed you around for your entire high school career. Where teachers failed to show us the beauty of mistakes and instead symbolically wrote in on your forehead in permanent marker everyday. A mistake is a mistake, it is as simple as that. They are moments where you stray away from who you are. But that is life- constantly moving away from yourself and then back again. Never feel ashamed for a mistake. We all make them.
5. The Ability To Read
You know what's really sad? That too many people say they "don't like to read." That is quite a sweeping statement if I ever saw one. You don't like the ability to read traffic signs or menus or questions on your exam? Yeah yeah, you mean you don't like to read books. Imagine if you were one of the 32 million adults in the US who was illiterate. Do not take your ability to read for granted. There is a book waiting to be read by you somewhere.
6. Yourself
I know how hard it is to consistently look in the mirror and think 'wow, I am awesome'. It almost seems as though humans aren't wired to do that (except for Trump). But it isn't true! I really believe every human being has something to offer the world. When you look in the mirror say thank you to yourself for having a purpose.
I am very afraid for the future of my country, but it is so important to acknowledge the gifts that are right in front of us. At times the sky seems to be falling and the world is as if it is about to end, but it is not. Be grateful for that.
