I love thanksgiving. It’s a time to gather with family & eat delicious food while not only sharing memories but creating new ones as well. Unfortunately, like with countless other families across the globe I have had to adapt & develop different & creative resolutions to step into the shoes of those that could put the lives of the people that I love at risk.
Originally I had actually planned to go down and spend the holiday with my family. The last time that I was down visiting, we parted our ways and said see you soon. Little did I know that that see you soon would turn into a digital dinner rather than an in-person one. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I have had to switch how I would be spending thanksgiving this time around. It’s weird, for the first time in the twenty-four years of my life to not physically spend this holiday with my family. However, while it does suck (and yes I have cried over it, I will be honest) - with everything going on in our world right now I would much rather be safe than sorry. Life is worth more than a dinner.
So yes this year may be a tad bit different than those of years prior - but that doesn’t mean that I am any less thankful. In fact, I believe it's the quite opposite. I am more thankful this year than I think I have ever been. And below are a few reasons why (in no particular order):
A roof overhead and warmth
Right now in a time of uncertainty and unemployment, I am forever thankful that I am still able to not only provide for myself and maintain a place for me to live - but for a new one as well. To find a bigger apartment: one that just, in general, seemed homier empty than where my roommates and I are now - was our four-leaf clover. At the start of this pandemic, one of the things that I was most nervous about was if I would still be able to live up in OC or not and bless and praise God that I have been.
I can enjoy the small and free pleasures of life
A sunrise. A walk in the woods along a hiking trail. The feeling of cool ocean water hitting my toes and the salty breeze surrounding me. A crisp Autumn Day where the leaves are changing colors and falling gracefully to the ground. The warm sun hitting my face after a brisk winter storm. It’s the littlest and simplest things that truly bring me the most pleasure. And right now are one of my main forms of joy.
Friends
While I have lost a few friends within the course of this last year due to fallouts. I have gained ones that have been more of a friend in these last few months than those individuals had been over the last few years. I’ve said it once, and I will say it a thousand more times - this quarantine has brought truly the most amazing people into my life and I could not thank God enough for blessing me with each and every one. To have that support group - the one where you guys are constantly on the same wavelength and can stay up till the sun rises night after night laughing till your stomachs hurt: pure magic.
Family
Family has, and always will be the most important thing to me. This year has definitely taught me to value each and every second that I get to spend with them. In past years I would make the drive down at least once every month (sometimes even more). Whereas this time around, I have seen them maybe three times. And even then, that is more than some others have gotten. And for that, I am forever grateful as many would give anything to just get to see their families and loved ones once.
Health
In a time such as now. I have never been more thankful for my health. This is something that many of us take for granted. It’s something that normally really isn’t on our minds. That is until now. And while there are those people left and right who view what is going on right now as something not serious - I am the exact opposite way. The fact that what we experiencing right now is qualified as a pandemic should be enough of a statement for people to not take this lightly. Yes, there are numerous other sicknesses around, but there has not been one like this. If you are healthy right now please continue to be smart so that those around you can be too.
Kindness
Despite everything that has taken place in our world this year. Two things that were not canceled was kindness and hope. You would think that with all that has gone on, that humanity would hide away in their shells - and while I have seen numerous acts of hatred and spite. I have also witnessed such amazing acts of kindness from strangers as well, and I hope that it only continues to go up from here. It costs nothing to be kind to someone. Nothing but time.
My puppy
Although I have only had her for a little over a month, she has vastly impacted my life. Even though she follows me around like a Lil shadow, can be a bitch from time to time, and is stubborn as heck lol; I love her with all my heart. As soon as I saw her for the first time I knew that she would quickly become my best pal. Do you know how they say when you see the perfect dog you’ll just know? Well, I knew <3
My roommates
Yes, I could have fit them in the friend's category - however, they are much more than that. My roommates Ashlee and Manny are two of the most amazing people that I have ever met, and I know that God brought us together for a reason. In the hard times, we are there to listen to one another and cheer the others up. I have lost count of the times where we have laughed so hard that we ended up in tears due to the fact that we couldn’t breathe. Not only are they my roommates, and two of my best friends - but they are my family as well. And the irony is, we actually have a running joke that they are my Anaheim parents haha. Here is to keeping each other sane all year, and for many more months.
The setbacks that have formed me and made me stronger
As Kelly Clarkson says, what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger. And while as most of you know I went through some pretty shitty instances this last year - I have found my healing path and chosen to use the dark times as a lantern of light unto my future. *cue ' I see the light' from tangled.
Life
Not every day is guaranteed. It’s a gift, that's why it's called the present. Embrace every day as if it was your last. Tell those that you love, that you love them. Laugh often and smile a little more if you can.
And there ya have it, folks. In a time of such uncertainty, one thing that is certain is that there is always something that we could be thankful for. And while I could go on with my list- Imma let you all get to stuffing your faces with turkey and mashed potatoes :P
And whether you are lucky enough to be able to spend this holiday with your family, or If you are spending it with some friends/roommates, or even on your own - I hope you have an amazing day and that not only will your stomach be cheery but you as well.
Let me know what you guys are thankful for down below!
Till next time my friends.
Stay happy. Stay healthy. Stay safe.
-T <3
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