We’re heading into the weirdest Thanksgiving of our lifetimes. Traditionally Thanksgiving means traveling, getting together with extended family, and rehashing the joys of the year over a lovingly prepared feast. But in this time of global pandemic everything is different. Travel is discouraged. Gathering with anyone from outside your household is strongly discouraged. The year has given us so much to complain about that it’s hard to remember to be thankful. Even my favorite Thanksgiving activity of carefully reviewing the newspaper sale ads for Black Friday shopping won’t be happening this year.
In this strangest of years, however, it is important to reflect on the things we have that we are grateful for. I have a roof over my head. I have a loving (and hilarious) husband to share my quarantine with. I have three cats who amuse me with their antics and love me unconditionally. I have a car to take me safely to where I need to go. I have amazing friends that I stay connected with by telephone and social media. I have a job that I absolutely love doing. I have hobbies that I enjoy keeping me entertained. I have access to good healthcare if I need it. I have the conveniences of the 21st century to make sure that I am able to do my job and acquire groceries and other necessities while still staying safe.
2020 has been quite a year…and we still have more than a month to go. But it has helped me to become very aware of what is important. A dear friend once told me that there are two ways to be rich. One is to have everything you want. But the other is to want what it is you have. By that standard I am very rich indeed. And I will spend this holiday giving thanks for that.
What are you thankful for this year? I hope it makes you rich, just like I am.