Every year, when turkey day approaches, I see people around me and online talk about how they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. They don’t celebrate the atrocities associated with it.

But at the same time, these people watch football, enjoy the family camaraderie and eat tons of food.

I guess they can’t resist.

All of this is what America has set as tradition for Thanksgiving and despite some qualms with the holiday, most of us still celebrate it as our ‘forefathers’ wanted.

But one thing I hope people make sure to do while they’re having dinner tonight is to take time to be thankful for what you have; not what you don’t have.

Not only your health, but your home, family, friends, and whatever you deem as something to be thankful for.

Just an hour ago, I left my apartment and saw plenty of less fortunate people lining up at gyms, schools, and local community centers waiting to eat some food. Many of these people have to spend the cold winter months at dangerous shelters and living on sidewalks, under bridges, and inside trains.

When you look at your table tonight and see all your family members smiling, also take time to think about the families who have been affected by the economic recession and are unable to enjoy the holiday as they’re accustomed to. Families who are used to doing exactly what most of us are doing today, but lost their houses and jobs and are now looking for places to live.

We must be thankful for what we’ve been afforded because at any given moment it can be taken away. I know it’s an oft-repeated phrase, but it’s the truth.

Throughout the years, I’ve noticed that I’ve been rather detached from my family when it came to this holiday. Maybe it was because I had a phase where I only cared about myself. Maybe it was because I was too immersed in my relationship with my ex-girlfriend.

I really don’t know.

What I do know is that I woke up today as happy as a kid can be on Christmas to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.

I may have not acted like I was thankful before, but I always was; and I’m glad I’m able to show it not only in words, but in actions as well on this special day…

If you’d like to subscribe to this blog, click here