Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

It’s not really my style – I don’t like the idea that we put one day aside to “give thanks” for all that we are appreciative of – it seems very insincere to me – if someone is truly thankful they should feel it and express it everyday, not on one designated date on the calendar. But, here I go, taking the bait – blogging about what I am thankful for - - -

I am thankful that I was born white and in the United States – luck of the draw – I could have been anything, anywhere, but I got lucky and was born into the most affluent country and the most privileged race. For this I am thankful – not because it makes me better, but because it has provided me with advantages I can only begin to understand.

I am thankful that I was not born with, and have not developed any, physical or mental disabilities. What a difference this makes in my life and the lives of everyone around me. Another lucky draw that I am truly thankful for.

I am thankful for growing up in a healthy family environment that gave me the love and support and the lessons I needed to grow into a person who can stand on her own two feet and not be afraid to live. Specifically, I am thankful to three women from three generations in my family - - -

>My grandmother, “Grama”, who’s unconditional and undying love is still with me everyday (long after she has passed)
>My mother, who taught me that you have to get back up again no matter how hard you are knocked down and that good grammar gets you a whole lot more in life than just a good grade in English class.
>My sister, Leslie, who has been my best friend all my life; sometimes a guardian angle; and forever a shining star I look up to.

I am thankful for the man I love and to have found in him a loving relationship that feels balanced and respectful with deep-seeking roots.

I am thankful for the meaningful friendships I have formed over my life – some past and some present -- all nurturing my heart and soul just the same.

And last, but not least – I am thankful to myself for persevering through the tough times; for seeking higher meaning in life; for not settling, for accepting the challenges; and for not giving up on me.

Happy Thanksgiving.