Thanksgiving by Derek Ha
Thanksgiving is not the easiest day of the year for me because I am so used to being negative. Cynicism has been the current trend in thinking for quite a while, and after 364 days of ranting and grumbling it is kind of tough to switch gears all of a sudden. Yes, yes – I know that I should be grateful and optimistic all the time, but where is the fun in that?
Ultimately, though, I think we all secretly enjoy Thanksgiving. There is, of course, the turkey, the days off from work or school, and the parades. On a more profound level, however, Thanksgiving gives us all an excuse to express those embarrassingly positive feelings bottled-up within.
Just for one day, it would not be awkward to say that I am thankful for my friends, who provide me with endless amusement and support. I appreciate their good qualities, put up with their flaws, listen to their complaints, help them with homework, “borrow” food from them, congratulate them on their successes, and console them when they are disappointed – and they never fail to reciprocate.
Just for one day, it would not be odd to say that I value the random and seemingly trivial items which help me get through the day: eyeglasses, sweaters, air conditioners, cell phones, dictionaries, chairs, graphing calculators, toothpaste, my agenda, Facebook, three-ring binders, lunchboxes, Kleenex, and water bottles. I know I left out many things, but I am sure that I am very thankful for them as well.
Just for one day, it would not feel clichéd to say that I am much more fortunate than many, many people around the world. I am eternally grateful for always having food, water, shelter, family, medicine, and an education. I remember that despite my occasional bouts of petty sadness, I lead a far more comfortable life than most.
Just for one day, it would not be too schmaltzy to say that I am grateful for my family, who has somehow found a way to live with me without descending into insanity or resorting to violence. My parents sponsor everything that I do, drive me to school and other destinations, cook the food which I eat, clean the house in which I live, and give me my only source of unconditional affection and support.
Just for one day, it is okay to be grateful for being alive in general. Just for one day, I can be thankful for things which I have every other day of the year.
Don’t worry – I’ll be back to complaining again tomorrow.
Thanksgiving is not the easiest day of the year for me because I am so used to being negative. Cynicism has been the current trend in thinking for quite a while, and after 364 days of ranting and grumbling it is kind of tough to switch gears all of a sudden. Yes, yes – I know that I should be grateful and optimistic all the time, but where is the fun in that?
Ultimately, though, I think we all secretly enjoy Thanksgiving. There is, of course, the turkey, the days off from work or school, and the parades. On a more profound level, however, Thanksgiving gives us all an excuse to express those embarrassingly positive feelings bottled-up within.
Just for one day, it would not be awkward to say that I am thankful for my friends, who provide me with endless amusement and support. I appreciate their good qualities, put up with their flaws, listen to their complaints, help them with homework, “borrow” food from them, congratulate them on their successes, and console them when they are disappointed – and they never fail to reciprocate.
Just for one day, it would not be odd to say that I value the random and seemingly trivial items which help me get through the day: eyeglasses, sweaters, air conditioners, cell phones, dictionaries, chairs, graphing calculators, toothpaste, my agenda, Facebook, three-ring binders, lunchboxes, Kleenex, and water bottles. I know I left out many things, but I am sure that I am very thankful for them as well.
Just for one day, it would not feel clichéd to say that I am much more fortunate than many, many people around the world. I am eternally grateful for always having food, water, shelter, family, medicine, and an education. I remember that despite my occasional bouts of petty sadness, I lead a far more comfortable life than most.
Just for one day, it would not be too schmaltzy to say that I am grateful for my family, who has somehow found a way to live with me without descending into insanity or resorting to violence. My parents sponsor everything that I do, drive me to school and other destinations, cook the food which I eat, clean the house in which I live, and give me my only source of unconditional affection and support.
Just for one day, it is okay to be grateful for being alive in general. Just for one day, I can be thankful for things which I have every other day of the year.
Don’t worry – I’ll be back to complaining again tomorrow.