MIKE ROTHGEB, REPORTER
For some, Thanksgiving seems to have lost its meaning. It’s become just another stepping stone to Christmas, a time to indulge in gluttonous acts and a break from work or school. What a lot of us are forgetting is the literal meaning of the word and of the holiday: Thanksgiving. Giving thanks, not only for what we have but for who we have in our lives.
It’s so easy to take for granted everything we have. ”First-World problems” is a term that’s been used to describe such things. My internet is down, my phone’s battery is about to die, I can’t afford the newest gaming console. The list goes on and on and can be much more trivial than we realize. What slips our minds is there are people, not only across the world but in this very country, who barely have a dollar to their name. With the recent forest fires and shootings, the aforementioned trivialities don’t seem like such a big deal, and our lives take on a different perspective.
That being said, I’m as guilty of these feelings as the next guy, and deal with the same issues in some form or another. While I’m not trying to minimize these things, for they can add up to something truly overwhelming, it’s important not to dwell on them. Instead of focusing on all the negatives, on all the absences in our lives, we need to focus on the positives, on what makes our lives meaningful. A steady job, a roof over our heads, food on our tables and loving friends and family.
This year, I’m thankful for The Creswell Chronicle and the opportunity to write for them, as well as all the support I’ve received from the readers. Most of all, however, I’m thankful for my friends and family who have supported me in changing careers, and giving me the chance to test my creative side. I couldn’t have undertaken such an intimidating and life-altering process without the love and help from my fianceé, my parents, my pets and many more.
I’ll leave you with one final thought this holiday season: While you may be doing well, surrounded by loving friends and family, food, a roof and a job, we can’t forget about those who may not be so fortunate. Especially in this area, we see those in need on a daily basis. They may be strangers, or they may be closer than you think. Take time to open your eyes and look around you this year. Some may suffer in silence, and all they need is a helping hand, a kind word, or a warm meal.
Love yourself, love others and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
