3 Simple Reasons To Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is here.

As we previously established, this day takes on a different meaning and purpose for the African American community. It’s the time to come together with loved ones, eat good food, and fellowship. But most importantly, on this day, people tend to reflect on what they are actually thankful for. You may or may not celebrate this holiday, but we all have something to be thankful for.

Here’s 3 simple reasons to be thankful:

  1. You have clean water.

It’s been over 400 days, and citizens of Flint, Michigan are still in the midst of their water crisis. Since officials decided to switch their water system from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department in order to connect to their own pipeline, things have gone downhill for those residing in the area. News of the contaminated water has come and gone within the media, and some may have even thought maybe the issue was resolved but nope, water is still contaminated. The people of Flint has been exposed to lead poisoning and no one knows what the long-term effects will be. If you have access to clean water right now, it’s something to celebrate. Having clean water is something we take for granted every day but what if one day if was abruptly taken away from you?

  1. You are able to be with family and friends.

There are many people in this country who may not have family or even a home to go to. Some people are currently experiencing homelessness, while others may have simply lost a parent or family member, which may make family gathering holidays an unpleasant experience for them. If you are able to be around those you love today, be thankful for that. You may have disagreements with certain family members from time-to-time, but if you are able to actually come together, even if it’s just for special holidays, that’s amazing. All the pettiness doesn’t really matter when you put things into perspective. You have family and friends who love you, there’s so much gratitude to be found in that.

  1.     Good Health.

If you are breathing, walking, talking, and laughing today, congratulations!

Good mental and physical health is something to appreciate. Many people are suffering from mental illnesses and many just simply aren’t their best physically. If you are able to move around and have days where you feel amazing inside and out, lucky you. Don’t take it for granted, and while this is a day where we usually tend to pig out, remember moderation is your friend.

Clean water, being able to commune with loved ones, and good health are simple things that greatly impact us, especially if they are taken away. If you woke up this morning with all of these things, you are more blessed than you might have thought. We worry and stress about so many things on a daily basis, which end up putting these things to the back of our minds and we end up subconsciously taking them for granted. Sometimes we just need a reality check, consider this yours. Have fun today, eat well, laugh hard but most of all, be thankful.

 

written by Chandra Meadows for POP ATL