Yes, this is about Thanksgiving. No, it’s not about the American cultural holiday, although that tradition has travelled all over the world. The thing is, it’s that time of the year when people are closing accounts, reflecting on achievements and planning for the new season. The tendency for many people is to feel overwhelmed or unaccomplished. However, this season is also an opportunity to look back at your life in the past months and practice gratitude.
To kick things off, here are a list of things I am grateful for, some of which I may have taken for granted previously.
A bed to sleep in
After a day of hard work, I just make dinner and go straight to bed. I wake up in the morning and do it all over again. I haven’t always paid attention to the fact that having a bed to sleep in, whether hard or soft, is a blessing. I couldn’t imagine having to lay my weary body on a floor or the bare ground and then most likely wake up the next morning in more pain. I’m grateful for my bed.
Food at home
Sometimes we take it for granted that we know when we’ll have our next meal. Some of us even cook for the week and meal prep. Even if your fridge is empty you know you can head out at some point to get something from the closest kiosk/supermarket. It’s a blessing and worth our thanksgiving.
A roof over my head
This is priceless, no matter the circumstance. You may not even be in your own home. You may be squatting with a friend or family member and sometimes you may feel like you can’t wait to move to your own place but still, be grateful. That you have a place to lay your head at the end of a day is a gift.
Good Health
Especially in a country like Nigeria where good healthcare is exorbitant and you may most likely have to go to another country for medical care if you find yourself suffering from a severe ailment. Nothing really prepares you for the financial implications and your health insurance will only go so far, which most times, isn’t very far. So I’m very grateful that I’m in good health.
Family/Community
Family means different things to different people. For some their biological families are the best, for others family may not necessarily be your biological family. It could be your friends, your support system, the ones who are there for you no matter what. Even if it’s just one person, be grateful for them. I’m definitely grateful for my family, friends, support system. They bring colour to my life and make it much more enjoyable.
There’s a saying ‘If you can think, you can thank.’ I believe this is true. If you think hard enough, you will definitely find a number of things worth your thanksgiving. If you have a gratitude journal this would be the time to open it, if not, it’s never too late to start writing in one. So take some time now and think and write down a list of things you’re grateful for. Would you like to share? 🙂