What are You Thankful for?
This is the time of year when many people make a point to give thanks and show gratitude for the positive things in their lives. However, it’s important to look for the good in life every single day. Appreciation for what we have helps us take a more healthy approach to life, and allows us to better handle the negative things which can sometimes happen.
We asked the members of our amplif(i) team what they are thankful for. Here are some of their answers:
Ramzi: “I am thankful for positivity in my life. I’m thankful for the people I’ve surrounded myself with, who choose to make the world a better place, and who choose to make some good in this world, despite all the negativity. I’m thankful for people who lift me up and care about others unconditionally. I’m grateful for the decisions I made to shape my world.”
Monique: “I am thankful for how far I have come. I am thankful that my definition on being beautiful doesn’t come from a number anymore. My image of beautiful has more meaning. It is being comfortable in your own skin and being the best person you can possibly be. It means standing up in the face of controversy and always striving to be the best version of yourself. I am thankful for my family and friends who have repeatedly shown their love for me and never left my side.”
Aiden: “I’m grateful for my family. Even after I had turned my back on them they welcomed me back with open arms.”
Anthony: “I am thankful for having an able body. I love to move and dance, and I sometimes take that for granted. I am thankful I am able to walk wherever I need to go, when there are others out their who aren’t as fortunate. I have learned to respect my body because it is the greatest instrument I have.”
Natalia: “I am honestly thankful for those who did not give up on me when I needed them the most: family, friends, and mentors who helped shape me into the young woman I am today. From the words of advice, to those who just listen to me vent, and the prayers that were sent my way, to get me through the most difficult times. Because of all this and the wonderful people in my life, I am alive and healthy, which is one of the number one things I am thankful for. To be alive, well, and enjoying life!”
Andrea: “I am thankful for my life. It is incredible to look back at times when I didn’t know or understand what was happening, when things were not going as I had planned, and see God’s hand in those moments. I am so thankful that He truly works everything together for my good. I have a wonderful family, incredible friends, and a job that I love. I am very blessed and have much to be thankful for.”
Shana: “I am most thankful for my teachers in life. That can be a person from any walk of life, an event, or even an object. This allows me to continue to learn every day.”
Rachel: “I am thankful for the act of forgiveness. The act of forgiveness is something only the strong can do. And once you forgive your enemies, you will start to see that it’s the one thing that will always maintain your peace and happiness. Without forgiveness there is no love, and without love where is life? I see no point in this life if we have no love. That is why I am so thankful for the act of forgiveness.”
Gordie: “I am thankful to still be alive, sober, and not in jail. Had I continued using drugs, jail and death were my only options. Every day when I wake up, I am grateful for this, as my best friend overdosed and died and my other best friend is in jail. It could have easily been me.”
Freddie: “I am thankful for God’s grace, for what Jesus did, for my amazing husband, our beautiful baby that is due in January, family, friends, our church community and for notMYkid and having the chance to work with such wonderful people every day.”
William: “I’m thankful for everything that happens throughout the course of our lives. Each and every moment is a blessing, both in the work that I do with notMYkid and as a minister. Driving in traffic, watching the leaves change, the flowers bloom, the process of life and death is in all things. And I am grateful to be here to experience it all. Even the heartache, the tears, and anger. Frustrations and sorrow. Pain and suffering. I’m thankful that I am able to experience this life. This February is the 5th anniversary of my ‘rebirth’. And for that I am also thankful.”