If you look up the definition of fortunate, you'll see different terms such as: "lucky," "blessed," "comfortable," and even more along those lines. Right there at the very bottom near the antonyms, you know, the opposite of the word you're looking at, there is a word that stands out... "underprivileged."

Am I considered underprivileged? Never. In fact, compared to many individuals in the world today, I am considered spoiled and to even more people, I could be considered wealthy to them. It's all about perspective. But in my eyes, I am very fortunate.

I have been able to live in the same house all my life. I have been able to have a roof over my head. I have been able to have my own room and not have to share with my sister. There are people in this world who have not been so lucky as me. But, I am fortunate to have to a place to live.

I do not have the biggest of families. My grandparents have since passed. I am not that close with my father's side. My father is not in the picture anymore, for that matter. But I have the greatest mom and the most wonderful little sister. I am close with my mother's side because we are all we have. We are small, but we are mighty! But, I am fortunate to have family.

I was able to grow up and attend primary school just like any one else. A lot of people aren't able to do that though. I was even able to attend college. Not just one, but two because of my program. I will be finishing my college career this year with a bachelor's in business and a certificate in the art of cooking. I can move forward after school and start a career for myself. It might not have been the easiest and I will be paying back loans for a while, but I attended college where many people were not able to. But, I am fortunate to have an education.

I have insecurities. I'm a little overweight. I'm not the healthiest. I could be better. I may have an image of myself, but I have a man in my life who loves me through it all. Some people are not able to have someone there for them like I have for myself. But, I am fortunate to be loved.

I live in an area where getting water and food is easily accessible to myself. It's something I don't take for granted. It's something I never thought I would take for granted. There are people in this world who would give up all they had just for clean drinking water and food for their families. I take for granted the little things in life when I truly should cherish them. I take for granted opportunities that not everyone is able to do themselves. The simple things in life is what I truly am fortunate about.

This holiday season is when people should realize just how fortunate they truly are. It's not about what gift they don't have and that they need to have the new big thing that's out. It's about spending your time with loved ones, giving back to those who can't take care of themselves right now, and just being the best possible version of yourself that you can be. It's not a time to be selfish; it's a time to show off how selfless you can be. Happy holidays, everyone.