Besides the month of November designated to spending time with loved ones and scarfing down turkey and pecan pie, Thanksgiving is a time to give back and give thanks. As much as we say "let's give thanks," do we really? I mean as soon as this one day of being somewhat appreciative of what we are granted in life, do we carry through with these appreciations? For a good week, yes, but Christmas is right around the corner and our thought process is surrounded about things we want we think will make us happy. The truth is the number of clothes you buy, jewelry you wear won't fill the emptiness inside. It Is individuals who find happiness with what they have are those who are truly happy and allows others to realize what we need to be thankful for.
Meet Adalia Rose
Adalia Rose@adalia06 - Instagram
Snapchat recently shared a short story about this 12-year-old who is taking the world by storm with her youtube channel. Rose was born with a rare condition called progeria. Although her life expectancy is not long, she finds joy in every minute of her day. In a recent interview, her mother discussed the accessional conversations she has with Adalia about not having the little things such as pretty hair or looking like children her age. Instead of dwelling, Rose enjoys the ability to rock unique wigs she gets to wear and express herself through her sparkly and bright clothing. Adalia shares her smile frequently though youtube and her personal website, "The Rosebud Shop." The shop is a nonprofit volunteer online store that proceeds go towards medical research organizations.
Personally what could be a simple swipe on a snapshot story empowered me to share with a bigger audience on what small human can do to change the way the world things. Many would think that the way you look or things you wear represent the greatness you bring to the world. The truth is, the real light shines when you show the world the special gifts you were granted naturally. Adalia will continue to be happy even though she is not granted the easy way of life. Happiness is found when you allow yourself to be happy.
Meet Abagail Lupi
Abagail Lupi Pictured at the far rightPhoto Provided By Open Colleges
Abagail Lupi is a little star that loves to sing. beside stealing the show on many stages she performs, she steals many hearts to the elderly swell. When visiting her grandmother in the nursing home for her 100th birthday, she noticed the lack of attention the group of elder received in the home. In her spare time, she likes to sing to nursing homes just to make them smile.
Many would think, what young soul would think to help others before themselves? how could someone be so selfless? The gift of giving to others can actually make you happier. Someone once said, "Want to be happy for a minute, eat a cookie. Want to be happy for a day, take a nap. Want to be happy for a week, go on a vacation. Want to be happy forever, HELP SOMEONE! I truly believe that when you find a passion for something, you want to see it thrive and by helping or giving back can allow you to see life a lot brighter. On top of this, for those who have families or the ability to spend holidays with loved ones, the ability to be and enjoy the moments spent with them.
Meet Katie Stagliano
Katie StalgianoPhoto Provided By Open Colleges
Katie has a special love for gardening and taking pride in the foods that nourish her body. Instead of growing food for herself, she extended her garden to soup kitchens in her area.
Especially on Thanksgiving, I think we focus on the favorite foods we will be served rather than those who don't know where their next meal will come from. The ability to give back or feed someone who is unable to provide themselves and their family a holiday meal is the best way to give thanks.
This Holiday and in the future, try taking a different approach. Rather than worrying about the items you obtain on Black Friday or receive under the tree in the next month, think about the things that really mean a lot to you. Whether that's your dog, your family, or as little as a passion for gardening or singing, a simple act of kindness will bring a new light in your eyes.