What does it mean to be thankful? When I googled "thankful" I came up with two definitions:

1. pleased and relieved.

2. expressing gratitude and relief.

Both of these definitions include the concept of relief. Thus, in thinking about why we are thankful for everything that we are this Thanksgiving, we should also be cognizant that part of being thankful, means that we are relieved about these things. We are relieved, because these things could have been different, and for some people, they are. In acknowledging our gratitude and relief, we should also know that there are other people whose lives may not include as much of these emotions. That there are people who may not have the capacity to be thankful for the things that we can.

I’m thankful to live in a country where my views are acknowledged and I have a reasonable expectation to hold these views without fear of persecution. In being thankful for these things, I’m reminded that there are people that can’t claim these freedoms, that there are people throughout the world struggling for their basic rights. That there are people in this country that are struggling for basic rights.

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that I have the ability to sit safely in my student center and write this article. That I had the opportunity to attend an undergraduate university. That I feel safe as a woman walking around my community. But again, I'm aware that there are so many people in this world that didn't have the opportunities or the advantages that I have had. I'm aware that while there are things that I view as small injustices in my life and problems that I face, I have a reasonable expectation to succeed if I try hard enough. I'm thankful for this expectation, but know that there are so many people for whom this is not the case, that there are so many people that are confined by injustice and lack basic human freedoms. That there is a massive inequality that exists in this country and around the world.

And finally, I'm thankful, that I can hope to somehow help to change these inequalities, that through my actions collectively with others I might be able to help create a world where we can all be thankful that we haven't been victims of racism, sexism, oppression, and so many other ills that plague the world. I'm thankful that I believe together we can overcome the confines of history and create a brighter future. I'm thankful for the people who are fighting to make this a reality.

This week, take the time to think not only about what you are thankful for, but that not everyone can claim the safety and security that I know a lot of people who will read this can. Be thankful for the opportunities you've been given, your successes, your friendships, your family, but know that while we can celebrate these things, there are always people in the world that might not be able to in the same capacity.

This thanksgiving, be thankful that you have something to be thankful for. Take a minute, and place yourself in a larger context. We so often get caught up in our own challenges that we fail to think about the challenges others face. Be thankful that we live in a country that despite its flaws was founded on the basis of democratic ideals which today give us a framework to effectuate change. Be thankful for the immense freedom we are given, but acknowledge that this freedom does not exist equally for all people in the United States, that there are still battles to be fought and won to make our country truly equal.

This Thanksgiving, be thankful, but also be aware, be grateful, be relieved, be introspective, be appreciative, be motivated, be compassionate. Most of all, appreciate the connections we have together as Americans, as citizens of a global community, and know that while we are all thankful for different things in different places and at different times, we're united by our ability to be thankful for these things. Be not divided by the relative nature of our thankfulness, but encouraged that every citizen of the United States is unique, and faces different challenges, has different triumphs. By acknowledging our differences, we can work towards a Thanksgiving where everyone can be thankful for the promise this country affords. I'm thankful, because I believe that together, we can become a country where everyone can truly be thankful for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.