Thanks Giving Back

(Image from anitagrant.com)

These days, we (and by "we" of course I mean "I", but let's just go with it) get so overwhelmed with stress and work (like working on Friday, not that I'm bitter) and all the manufactured drama that goes with my life o' relative privilege that we forget that there is actually quite a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful that all my friends and my family are healthy. I am thankful for being able to see some of my cousins last weekend, and seeing my other cousin next weekend. I am thankful that my mother will be here in a few short weeks, and that both Kelly and I will be able to spend the holidays together with our mothers, Kelly's extended family, and Casey and Molly(!).

I'm thankful that Jason and I decided to start this blog, mostly for us, so that I can keep up with what is going on in his life even though he now lives behind the Orange Curtain. I'm thankful that my friends are all safe and sound and employed (mostly). That no one is hurting for basic necessities (food, clothing, shelter), and that families are growing larger with new little ones and weddings, and not smaller.

I'm thankful for Nancy, who gives us candy, cards, and compliments, and lets us walk Foxy; and Foxy, who is always so happy to see us, even if we aren't carrying doggie treats, and even when we are rushing out the door and can only stop for a second to rub her belly or behind her ear.

In addition to recognizing all that we have to be thankful for, I also think that this time of the year is a good time to give back to our communities, our societies, our world, to help others that do not have as much to be thankful for. This could be a donation of goods, money, or time - whatever you have to spare. The best thing about giving back? Is that every bit (no matter how small) counts. Here are some things I'm thinking about:

Donating bedding and food products to the Los Angeles Mission. It is just amazing to me that we are one of the most prosperous and advanced countries in the world, yet we still have homelessness and people going hungry and falling through the cracks in the system.

Clearing out the closets and donating gently worn, re-sellable items to the American Cancer Society Discovery Shops.

We can't forget our animal friends too, both in our communities (by donating to the ASPCA) and to preserve their habitats on our planet (by donating to the WWF). If the wallet and budget are tight, please consider volunteering some time at an animal shelter. Many of the positions just require one orientation and then you can set your own hours as a volunteer (in case your schedule, like mine, is up in the air all the time).

Literacy and writing are THE MOST ESSENTIAL SKILLS for children (and adults) to have to enrich their lives, enhance their critical thinking, and empower themselves. Get involved in a Motheread-type program, which provides literacy programs for children and adults, or WriteGirl, which mentors high school girls in the art of creative writing and story telling.

We can also share some of the love and joy we feel this season with those that may not be as lucky. One of my favorite Christmas memories was spending a day at a domestic violence shelter wrapping donated Christmas presents for the women and children residents. But you could also volunteer at a hospice center to provide some much needed companionship to those that may feel forgotten and alone.

So this Thanksgiving, I will remember all that I have to be thankful for, in my life, in my community, in this world. We're all in this together, after all.

I will also look forward to eating turkey, stuffing, and pie. Yum.