Thankful

Things to be Thankful For

1) God. If we didn't have a higher power who created us, sustains us, and in the end, saves us, we wouldn't have anything.

2) Family. We might not always agree, or always be on the same paths. But blood really is thicker than anything, and for those of us with close families who support each other no matter what, we have to be very thankful.

3) Friends. I'm putting Friends even above Food, because without real friends (and I realize most people do not have REAL friends), we'd starve emotionally, which is worse than any kind of torture.

4) Food. Food has been an enemy of mine for many years; first, sabotaging my digestive system (IBS and GERD since 1992), then, sabotaging my very livelihood (not my ideal weight at all). But I will be at the 20 pound loss mark by Thanksgiving! Much more to go, but still, I'm thankful I could change my lifestyle and be a healthier person.

5) Shelter. I've been wrong for the longest time. I thought having your own home was a necessity, and a right. That whole "American Dream" thing. But I've finally learned, it's not about owning a home or having this and that. It's about having a place you are comfortable in, regardless of whether you own it, rent it, or it means staying with someone else for a time.

6) Health. While it's true I've never had what we'd call "great" health in the past, I'm currently healthier than I have ever been. I wake up in the morning, and my body works. That's enough for me.

7) Creation. I've come to think that we were all meant to create something while we're here; whether it be a child, a relationship, a painting, a song, a novel, a cause, or any number of the pieces of our existence; anything that we create out of the inspiration that comes from The Muse is valuable and important.

8) Nature. I've learned to notice the cycle of life a lot more this past year. The flowers I painstakingly planted were born, bloomed, and died. The leaves on the trees surrounding the house were born, bloomed, and swept into a sack this past weekend as they lay dead on the lawn. One Sunday, I was sitting with my uncle, talking and laughing with him; the next Sunday, he was gone, now living in the next world. The peoples who worshipped nature were shunned, abused, and killed for their beliefs, once Christianity caught on. But I think they were onto something. Nature is magnificent.

9) Work. Buddhists feel that all jobs are worthwhile; after all, every job we create is something that someone needs to do. Buddha said that we should perform every job with complete devotion, no matter how small the job may seem. In doing this, we honor our fellow beings. Since we're all one being in the end, he said, by performing even the smallest task, we are helping the collective. I was taught this idea, but in a different way. I was taught, you work hard at everything you do, because you're supposed to. You're just supposed to; there's no room for laziness. But I like the idea of helping the collective. I'm thankful I still have a job, in times when so many do not.

10) The Arts. I've come to realize that music, movies, books, and television are not the most important things in the world. But they are important in a sense, in that they inspire, engage, and sometimes motivate us into creative thought. And they make us feel good, and provide escapism. We all need that sometimes. I'm thankful that we live in a creative society that allows such freedoms.

11) Education. Of all of the things my parents gave me, I value my education the most. To not know is to be in the darkness, unable to truly grasp the light. The light is where it's at, my friends.

12) Laughter. The other night, Bean and I had one of those "I'm about to pass out" type of laughs. We were watching the part of 'Truth or Dare' where Madonna visits her mother's grave and we wondered what Madonna would do with the $600 million she's worth when she dies. We decided, she won't give it to anyone, not even her kids. She'd rather die with it, in her $600 million coffin or mausoleum. haha It made us laugh, cause we picture her being all about #1, all the time. We know she'd spit in our faces if we met her. haha But we don't care. We will always love her regardless. :)


There's a lot more to be thankful for. Here's hoping you find things to remember this holiday.