In lieu of the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I wanted to take the time focus on something that, despite seeming relatively simple, many of us tend to forget to do it - be thankful. We are all blessed in some shape or form; often in ways we don’t even realize. Whether it is a job that we have been able to maintain, a roof over our head, food to salivate over, drinks to quench our thirst - major keys - or even simply being able to see another day, there is something each of us should be thankful for. Furthermore, it means there are things we should not take for granted.
At some point in our lives, we have desired the things someone else had that we did not. This usually led to feelings of envy, jealousy, and even spite - all of which we should strive to fight against. Instead of wasting your energy and lives chasing the things you do not have, focus on the things you do have. It may be cliché, but take the time to smell the roses, and appreciate all the things you have in your life. Thanksgiving should be a time of being grateful for everything in our lives that bring us joy and happiness. Remember that as you are feasting on that Thanksgiving food and guzzling the wide assortment of beverages and libations.
So all that input is good and all, but why else should we be thankful?
You could be in a much worse position. Life can hit - hard. Sometimes to the point where we end up lost in the sauce in a place we never would have imagined ourselves. Unfortunately, that is the story of many of the individuals we pass on the street that are sleeping on the benches and sidewalks. Could you handle being in their position? We complain about all the little things we don’t have and forget there are those without any. That can be applied to numerous facets of life - economical, educational, professional, social, and even physical. Be grateful for what you have been given in your life because there are people praying to have our problems. We just don’t realize how good a life we have compared to others.
What you have could easily be taken away. As the aforementioned paragraph stated, imagine being in the shoes of those less fortunate? Life can happen in the blink of an eye and you could be left with nothing. It’s not until these unexpected, life-changing events happen that you realize all the good things you had in your life. I believe that is a longstanding human flaw - never knowing what one has until it is gone. Therefore, be thankful for what you have because it could disappear in an instant.
Material things should not be the center of your happiness. In regards specifically to the material things we desire that others have, remember that those are not necessarily things that will give your life a sense of fulfillment. The saying goes “money doesn’t buy happiness” and that statement holds a great deal of truth. It is the internal satisfaction that we feel when we are spending time with family, doing something selfless, enjoying the company of the special people in our lives, and many other non-materialistic things, that bring us happiness. Remember that the next time you find your eyes lingering on the new Benz your friend just bought … no matter how much it hurts lol.
Maybe there is a reason you don’t have certain things. I am a firm believer in everything in life happens for a reason. That would mean there is a strong possibility that there is a reason why you do not have the things you may desire. Maybe it would distract you from appreciating other things you may have. Maybe it is not something that will add value to your life. Maybe it is something that may end up doing more harm than good. I do not know the specific reason for each person, but in hindsight, I understand why I did not have certain desires granted to me, and I am thankful for it. It may not have made sense at the time, but it does now, and it has impacted my life in a positive way. You may not see or believe that now, but in time, it will become clear.
There are things you take for granted that others would die for. This is emphasizing the point made earlier about having things that others wish they had. Maybe you have a happy relationship that others do not. Maybe you are adept in a certain field of study in which others could potentially benefit. Maybe you have been given professional opportunities that may have been simple for you, but others have to really grind to even be considered. If you spend so much time focusing on the things you don’t have, your life will pass you by, and you may end up losing something very important to you. Be wary of that side of you - your envious side.
You didn’t get the things you have on your own. My final point is for everyone to remember where they are and how they got there. Everyone has had someone help them in some way to get where they are, and attain the things they have. If it were not for those people making the sacrifice for you, you would not be in your current position in life. Keep that thought in mind the next time you have the chance to help someone in some capacity. One of the most discouraging things for me to see is people who have reached great levels of success forget where they come from, and how they were able to achieve their dreams. I thank God for all the people he has placed in my life to propel me to where I am today. For others who may not believe, the least you could do is thank the individuals that have been there every step of the way. Basically, in all instances, no matter your faith, you must be thankful and grateful.
And one last thing I want everyone to do is to be mindful of others. By this I mean remember those who may not be as fortunate as you are, or may not have the same opportunities as you, like spending Thanksgiving with their family. Take the time to wish someone a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Give some food to a homeless person you see on the street. Invite a friend over for dinner. Pray for those in need. Whatever your preference may be, make the effort to do something selfless for someone else. It could be a quick gesture, or an actual time investment. Regardless, it will go a long way. Imagine if you were in their shoes and how the holiday season might be for you, and let that compel you to act. We all deserve to be happy, especially on a holiday like Thanksgiving.
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