The holiday season is approaching quickly and families have already begun assigning dishes to relatives and preparing for their Thanksgiving dinner.

While many people are currently grocery shopping and cutting out their Black Friday coupons, some may forget the most important idea behind Thanksgiving — to give thanks and appreciate the things we have.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family because I often take them for granted. As a middle child of married parents, sometimes I forget that neither my father nor my mother had to nurture me; several children are neglected, put up for adoption and abandoned every day.

To have a set of parents who have been married for 25 years is phenomenal because of its rarity in society today, and its positive illustration of love in my life.

Family is essential to me because I know that regardless of my downfalls, I will always have a support system within them. I urge everyone to show appreciation for their families because everyone is not fortunate enough to have relatives to come home to.

Go in the kitchen and help a family member prepare the Thanksgiving feast; it’s a great way to learn how to cook, while spending quality time with the people you love.

As a 21-year-old woman, it is assumed that I should have little to no major health issues. Luckily, I do not; however, many people my age and younger are suffering from various illnesses. I am thankful for good health and the ability to do things that we often take for granted, such as walking and running.

In November 2011, I was 200 pounds and unhappy with myself as a whole. My loving boyfriend, a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym, encouraged me to exercise and eat healthier. A year later, I am 170 pounds and the happiest I have been in my 21 years.

I am thankful for the capability to hop out of bed and go to the gym because many individuals are unable to get up and workout in order to become healthier. Give thanks for being able to see another day because life and good health is not promised.

As an African American, I am proud to say that I am thankful for Barack Obama. Not only is our president a great representation of unity and change for the United States, but he is also one of the many positive examples to the African American culture.

Obama has set new heights for my African American peers who once thought that the idea of becoming president was unfeasible. My president has demonstrated that anything is achievable through perseverance, hard work and ambition.

It may seem as if there is always more to obtain and more valuables to possess, but if you can breathe simply be grateful for that. This holiday season, don’t sit in your room until the food is done and let everyone else do the work. Offer to help family members with preparing the food, setting the table or washing the dishes.

Although the holiday was initially started in order to celebrate the harvest, now Thanksgiving is a day for everyone to come together to show thanks. No matter what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving, be sure to show gratitude for all you have.


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