Be Thankful Always

By Willie Brown

It’s a week before Thanksgiving, and many of us find ourselves looking for a second wind.  Between the election results and the out-of-control cost of living, the prospects for a happy Holiday Season may be looking grim for some.

My advice to those who voted for Kamala Harris is to take some time out to work through the shock, then move on toward recovery.  I can’t emphasis enough the importance of taking a pause before jumping into the Holidays.  You need to regain your focus and prepare for interactions with friends or loved ones whom you plan on seeing on Thanksgiving or Christmas—especially those who share opposing political views.

In a way, it’s good that we are moving into the Holidays.  We could all use more joy right now, and the spirit of Christmas is contagious.  Try not to shut yourself off, but get into the season in whatever way you can.  Even if finances are tight, you can still participate by watching holiday movies, enjoying your favorite traditional foods, listening to music and going to certain neighborhoods with lavish displays of Christmas decorations.

It’s going to take a minute to collectively move on, but at least we have the holidays to look forward to.  If your finances won’t allow you to spend as freely as you have in the past, then it’s time to let go of unrealistic expectations.  Let go of things you can’t control and allow yourself to be okay with what you have.

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, so take time to reflect on what makes you feel grateful.  Doing this can change your mood and get you focused on what is going right.  It may be harder this year, but whatever state you find yourself in, know that you are not alone, and you can make it regardless.  Now is the time to apply more faith and trust.  Now is the time to seek comfort in the company of friends and family, regardless of how small your circle may be.

If you find it hard to recall your blessings or if the hardships of life have you wondering if you’ll ever get past them, remind yourself of your goals and dreams.  Remind yourself of the tough situations that have happened before, and how you overcame them.  If we are to survive as a collective, we will need to come closer to each other.  Find something to do that adds to the betterment of your family and your community.  This year, consider volunteering for a food or toy drive, or doing something to help the homeless.

Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and a healthy mindset.