Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. My stomach growls thinking of the massive meal that will be in front of me. It is the holiday known for over-stuffing, family, and the beginning of the Christmas season. While all three of those factors have relevance, I think we may think of Thanksgiving in a slightly different light this year.
It is no secret that for this country, the planet, and for many individuals, 2016 has been a rough year. In my experience, when adversity hits, it is important to really appreciate the positive, however small, as well. So it with great importance that if you are in a personal crisis, you feel the country is in crisis, or you empathize with someone going through a difficult time, you evaluate what you are thankful for.
It's easy to be thankful for superficial items. I love my iPhone, it doesn't talk back, it follows my direction and is extremely convenient, but I should focus my thankfulness on it. I need to be thankful for the meat and potatoes, pun intended.
Be thankful for those who inspire who: You may not think of this person every day but when you think of them, they give you hope. In times of adversity it is extremely important to be thankful for those who help you believe in yourself and inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
Be thankful for love: As humans we all have the capacity to love. You may not have a significant other or a caring family but there is something or someone you love. You may love your career, your dog, or your best friend but you love something. That capacity for love has allowed you to at least have a sliver of hope or joy and that is something to be thankful for.
Be thankful for courage: You may not define yourself as brave but you are. You may have depression and you were able to get out of bed this morning; that is courageous. You were able to speak up for yourself at work, you took a challenging class, you asked someone on a date, you went to church for the first time in years; these are some of the very few ways that describe how you have the possibility to be courageous everyday.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving and be thankful for those facets of your life that you may have taken for granted.
