Hello Everyone!
I hope you all are having a wonderful week and enjoying this holiday season. Here in the United States we are once again celebrating Thanksgiving. For me, Thanksgiving is a day full of turkey, watching football, and seeing friends and family. It’s also a day for many to take a moment to reflect on our lives and think about all the things that we are thankful for. This time each year I take a moment to write a little blog about all the things in my life that I’m thankful for and share it all with you.
Before I dive too deep into the personal stuff, I want to say that I’m very thankful for all the people who read my stuff and support this blog when I do manage to publish stuff. I know it’s not consistent at all and I’ve gotten even less consistent over the past year, but whenever I do post new stuff, there’s a small group of people who are there day one reading and liking my stuff. I like to talk about how I’m building a positive and creative community here on WordPress and if you’re reading this, then you are a part of that community. So no matter how long you’ve been here reading my stuff and showing your support, just know that I’m thankful for you and very thankful for your support. I wish I could get to a place where I’m writing and publishing more, but I can’t guarantee that. However, I can say that I’ll continue to appreciate all the love and support when I do manage to write and publish new works here on the website. I started this blog way back in 2017 (which is a crazy thing for me to think about) and there have been some people here since the very beginning. So thank you!
Second, I want to say that I’m thankful for my friends and family. I am very lucky to have a strong support network that is made up of both friends and family (and some friends that I consider family.) No matter how crazy life gets, I know that I have a core group of people that I can lean on and rely on. In this modern era we hear about how people are dealing with loneliness and how hard it is to keep friendships as an adult. All of that makes me appreciate my friends even more. Hopefully the new year brings more opportunities to see these wonderful people and hang out with them. Being with my friends and family really does give me the energy and motivation to fight through the rough times. And it’s more important than ever to focus on the positives. Focus on the people who fight beside you and that makes the world a better place. I try my best not to take these people for granted. And like I’ve said, I’m lucky enough to have those people in my life and I get the privilege of calling them my friends. For my family, I’m so glad I get to see them during this holiday season and I’m glad we can find love and support even in troubling times.
Third, I just want to acknowledge the positives in my life. These are smaller things I’m thankful for but they really do add up. Like I’ve alluded to, this year has been tough for a lot of reasons, some personal and some…well… just turn on the news for five seconds and you get the idea. When things are rough and the darkness seems the most oppressant, it’s important to focus on the positive. A little spark of light can really shine bright even in the darkest moments. I’m thankful for all of those out there fighting the good fight and continuing a battle that’s been going on for a very long time. I’m thankful for all the people out there fighting for our democracy in the streets by protesting and rallying people to the cause. I’m also thankful for those fighting in our government and in the courts and doing everything they can to stand up for our rights. More and more it’s become important to not feel alone. There is power in these movements and if you are feeling alone, I encourage you to reach out to local groups. Try to get involved. Think globally and act locally. The big stuff is scary and it can be easily overwhelming, but you can start small with local issues and use that momentum to make big changes.
Also this is not Thanksgiving related, but while I’m on this soapbox I might as well say, “Go support your local library.” Libraries are often in the crosshairs when it comes to anti-intellectual bullies and libraries rely on public support. So take a moment and go check out your local library. They are few of the last “third spaces” where you can just hang out and don’t have to pay anything. And you get to read free books. And lots of libraries lend way more than books. I’m talking, music, movies, audio books, videogames and so much more. Plus they have local programs that help people in the community with all sorts of things like finding a job or doing your taxes. Libraries are important, ok? And I’m thankful that they exist.
Ok sorry that was a bit of a tangent but I am really thankful for all of these things. Thank you again for all the love and support you’ve shown me and the stuff I write. I hope that my thanks doesn’t become repetitive because I really do mean. I am thankful for all of you. I hope this holiday season is a good one without too much stress and I hope you all get some time to relax and spend time with the people in your life that brings you joy!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a wonderful week!
-Allen
Header Photo Credit to Pexels.com
https://www.pexels.com/photo/delectable-sliced-pumpkin-pie-on-white-ceramic-plate-248469/
Allen The Writer 
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