I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Since this week is Thanksgiving, I thought I would take a moment to share some of the things for which I am thankful. I believe it's important to count my blessings every now and then.
I am thankful for my family. My husband, kids, grandchildren, mom, mother-in-law, sister, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins have taught me that while love may not conquer all, it sure makes life more pleasant.
I am thankful for my job. I have worked for the same company for 15 years, and I work with an amazing bunch of people. I could not ask for a better group of individuals with whom to spend 40 hours every week. They are so much more than coworkers. Those people are my friends.
I am thankful for my home. My house is not perfect and could use a little work here and there, but it has kept me warm, safe, and dry for over 20 years. It is solidly built and a great place to call home.
I am thankful to live in the Ozarks. I live in a community where people are kind for the most part. My neighbors offer a helping hand and a friendly wave, even though we are not social and pretty much keep to ourselves. We have our share of crime, disasters, and jerks, but overall, it's a pleasant place to live.
I am thankful for my health. I have a few issues, but overall I am able to function as a productive member of society. I can feed, bathe, and clothe myself. I can walk, stand, and drive unaided. Not too long ago, I was unable to do many things for myself due to an injury, and I will never take mobility for granted again. I still have a little pain and can't walk very far, but I'm getting better every day.
I am thankful for my mental health. Even though I have memory issues and few quirky tendencies, I am blessed to enjoy my right mind. Watching my loved ones who suffer from dementia struggle has taught me how valuable a healthy mind truly is.
I am thankful for easy access to food and other necessities. I'm quite familiar with food desserts as my grandparents lived in one. They lived approximately 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store. While they grew most of their own food, they still had to carefully plan each supply run. I live in a city with a Walmart and two Dollar Generals. If I run out of milk or butter in the middle of cooking a meal, it's no problem for me to hop in the car, buy what I need, and return home in under 10 minutes.
I am thankful for my education. I had the advantage of teachers who actually cared about their students, from kindergarten all the way through college. They refused to let me fall behind. If I struggled, it was noticed and addressed. My educators had a huge impact on my life and the person I have become.
I am thankful for my country. We have our problems, but I have no fear of going to the polls to cast my ballot. If I'm displeased with something Congress has done, I write to my representative knowing I am safe from punishment for disagreeing with those in power. I have even contacted sitting Presidents to convey my opinions on important issues, and the men in black have never hassled me for it.
Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for my friends. I still have friends from childhood who have stayed with me through all of my phases, trials, tribulations, victories, losses, and personal growth. When I was a teen, my parents told me that the people I considered friends at that time would not be a part of my life once I was grown. I'm so thankful they were wrong. I still get together with a few of my high school and elementary school friends every once in a while. I also have friends I've met along with way who have come to mean just as much to me. Whether we're having coffee, setting up for an event, or moving a friend in a hurry, good friends add precious sparkle to my life.
What are you thankful for? Do you ever sit down and count your blessings? I find doing so puts things in perspective for me.
I hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!
While doing your holiday shopping, please remember that books make great gifts!
Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please join me again next week for more Ozarks Maven.
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