Like many others, I woke up on November 8th feeling more scared and uncertain than I have since September 11th. Since then, we’ve seen irrational violence and a series of further scandals and disappointments peppered with the occasional statement that maybe there’s a tiny chance that things might not be 100% awful.
But fear is not awesome. Thanksgiving definitely is awesome. And not just because of all the carbs and pie. Regardless of it’s questionable history, I still hold on to the idea of a day dedicated to thankfulness. Even in our darkest moments, there is always so much to be thankful for. I hope you’ll indulge my sharing.
I’m thankful for my brilliant daughter who helps to head up the Progressive Students Club at her school. I’m thankful for her courage and her determination, and I know she’ll change the world.
I’m thankful for my husband who is courageous and coaxes me through my anxieties. His willingness to take risks is allowing us to move onto exciting new things.
I’m thankful for my family who instilled a sense of compassion and curiosity in me that has opened up doors and given me a sense of purpose. I’m thankful for the security and privilege I enjoy. Both the privilege that I earned and the privilege I was born with.
I’m thankful for my voice, and I intend to use it.
I hope you all have the most wonderful Thanksgiving. Please take the time to reflect on all you have to be thankful for, and if there’s something in your world that’s not quite right, recognize your power to help change it. It’s an awesome world if we make it.
