So here we are on Thanksgiving. I've realized, like most people do on Thanksgiving, that I obviously don't give thanks often enough for what I have. Instead, I tend to focus on the negative.
That seems to be especially prominent here in my blog. I have the tendency to focus on what I don't have.
That said, it is important to stop and mention the many things that I have to be thankful for.
Some of the more obvious ones such as health, food, shelter, and the like are always on the list. But, the more I think about it, the more I realize that my thankfulness should extend far beyond that.
I have a wonderful family; one that loves, supports, and cares for me. So often, I see people take this for granted. It is sad to see that, but at the same time, I can make sure I don't. And I'm happy to say that I am extremely close to my family.
And more recently, I've realized that I've been missing a very important part of that list.
Now, my friends have always been at the top of my "thankful" list. I don't think there are too many people who leave them out. But I have gotten to thinking a lot more lately about how my friends have really helped to shape the person I am today.
It truly starts back in grade school and junior high. My friends and I were the isolated group. We didn't have the connection to many of the bad things in the world that others did. To that end, we never had any interest in them to begin with. We were rarely judgemental of one another (though it did happen from time to time), and we didn't care much for a lot of drama.
I can't help but feel my upbringing with that particular group of friends followed me into high school, and had a hand in helping me get through unscathed by many of the temptations people encounter there. Now, I'm trying to say that I'm better than any other people. However, the lives of many fall apart after high school. And it all starts there. So, thanks to my friends, I made it through.
And even now, as my life continues, I am further bombarded by the many temptations this life has to offer. But thanks to what my friends have given me, I have some ground to stand on, even when I haven't yet found my light.
In essence, I could be a completely different person today if not for my friends. They gave me the tools to succeed in life, and I plan on using those tools.
That is why, this Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for my friends. The ones that have stuck with me through all these years, despite what I may, or may not have done. These are what true friends are all about. And it looks to me like I have no shortage of them.
In light of that, I have so much to be thankful for. Despite what it might seem. And while my posts on the blog will probably return to their normal, somewhat dreary, outlook after this, I cannot forget to be grateful for what I DO have. And like many others, what I have is often much more than I realize at times.
