There still are many reasons to give thanks

Once again it’s that time of year to stop for a moment and express what it is you’re thankful for. Now that may seem difficult to do after a year that’s been full of hardships. The economy is in a recession, the housing market has plummeted, taxes are on the rise (and wages are not), schools are facing funding cuts, as are municipal services, there’s also the seasonal flu and H1N1 to worry about and schools are also dealing with issues as serious as hostage situations to drugs and teen violence. And then there’s the war, with thousands of soldiers overseas and the death toll rising every day. That brings one to consider the excessive violence that happens on our home turf, as well as other problems like homelessness, domestic violence and disease. The list could go on and on and on.

The bottom line is, life is tough — and it’s only getting tougher. People are struggling through their days in hopes of a better tomorrow. And ideally, along the way, they’re expressing their gratitude for what they do have in their life, however small and insignificant it may seem. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about.

Believe it or not, even in today’s chaotic and crisis-filled world, there is still much to be thankful for. Waking up every morning to greet another day, for one. Heading out to work, or to accomplish a task, or just being productive in some manner, is another. Having a partner, or a family, or a pet, who loves you and whom you can love back is also something special. As has been repeated many times in the past, and will be repeated many times in the future, your health (whatever your condition, for it could always be worse) is something to be thankful for. Living in this country, where freedom abounds, is something to be grateful for. Inner knowledge and the pursuit of learning is something to be thankful for, as are the little joys in life: a sunset, a job well done, playing catch with a puppy, etc.

There’s no end to what one can and should be thankful for, and that’s something to remember year round, not just on the third Thursday of November.

Think about it — really consider how much life has given you, even if it’s not perfect. Once you do, hopefully you will take a moment, or more, to express your gratitude. A perfect time could be when you’re gathered around a table with your family for that Thanksgiving meal (another something to be thankful for). Then share your epiphany with others, because a society of people filled with gratitude is much more desirable than one filled with those who think something is owed to them.