It’s 2021 and we have been dealing with COVID, quarantines, and shutdowns for over a year now.  There are so many frustrations and things out there that can cause you to feel down, depressed and like nothing is ever going to be the same as it was before the COVID pandemic hit.  There is, however, one way to fight that feeling, and that’s by thinking about things you are thankful for.  Even if you have been hit hard by the pandemic.  Normally this would be a November post, however, I have been feeling down myself recently and started a list of things that I’m thankful for to help cheer myself up.  Did you know that thinking about the things you are thankful for can help spread positivity as well?  With so much negative stuff going around these days, being positive and thankful for what we have is so important. So, I’m going to give you my list of things that I’m thankful for, then can add to it throughout October and November.

1. I’m thankful that we have a roof over our head, food to eat and a stability that many other people don’t currently have or are afraid of loosing with the loosening of COVID restrictions.
   So many people during the pandemic have been out of work for an extended time. I’ve talked to so many people who express this very concern. Many of these people are still on unstable footing, not sure if they will have a job from one week to the next.  Even though many places have reopened and found ways to stay open, there are still fears that a surge might cause another partial shut down. From what I have read and understand, most government leaders have said that they will not shut down their states, however, what might it take for that to change.  What happens when there is a strain of COVID that is vaccine resistant?  I’ve spoken to many people who are afraid of the possibility of this and aren’t financially stable enough to survive even a partial shut down.  I’m thankful that we are stable enough that we don’t have to worry about loosing what we currently have.
2. I’m thankful for my family.
   So many people have lost family through one disaster or another.  So many people have lost one or more family members to COVID, guns, violence, ect. We are lucky that, even though COVID ran through our family, we didn’t loose anyone and have been able to stay together through it all.  We have done what was necessary to keep other, more susceptible, family members healthy. Throughout it all, we have helped each other through the pandemic and it has helped strengthen our family even more.  Knowing that my kids continue to need me and depend on the stability that we provide them is enough of a reason to be thankful.  There are so many kids that don’t have that stability, don’t know the love of parents.  This is something that to me is so important.  I grew up in a loving home and want my kids to know that love as well.  When they were babies, I promised each of my kids that I would love them for as long as I lived and asked God to help me guide them and teach them about love.
3. I’m thankful that we have jobs and financial stability.
   Going into the pandemic, there was a short time when the company Sean worked for shut down.  That was a scary time, however, he was soon back to work.  Now, not only has he stepped into a new job with better growth possibilities, I’ve also been able to start working with the help of Hailie, who was willing to step up and watch her siblings.  This has added to our feeling of stability and will allow for more opportunities down the road.  We are wanting to be able to travel.  We are wanting to be able to move south within the next few years.  This can only be done with financial stability and the ability of both me and Sean being able to work.  So being able to get experience is a necessity for me and job growth for both of us is huge.  It’s also important that we have enough money coming in to be able to meet our expenses, fix up the house in preparation to sell down the road and also be able to save.
   Once again, I have spoken to so many people that don’t have financial stability.  There was a time when we weren’t financially stable either.  It’s taken time and determination (and Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University) to get us to where we are at today.
4. I’m thankful for friends.
   Like with family, without our friends, we wouldn’t be where we are at today.  We can turn to our friends when we need someone to talk to.  They are there for us no matter what.
5. I’m thankful for our health and the doctors that work to keep us healthy.
   Even when we aren’t at optimal health, God reminds us that it could be much worth.  Even on days when I’m hurting so bad that I don’t want to get out of bed, it’s a reminder that I’m still alive.  Our doctors work hard to provide the care necessary to help keep us alive and healthy.  Medication helps control my blood pressure, helps keep Sean’s diabetes under control and helps prevent seizures in Lorianna.  These are all things that help keep us healthy and are things that we should be thankful for each day.
6. I’m thankful for our pets.
   We have a lot of pets in our house.  Every member of our family has at least one pet and Leslie has a lot of pets.  We have dogs, cats, a rabbit, a guinea pig, a rat and two lizards. Pets are great to have because they will listen to us without complaining, arguing or talking back, although one of our dogs does sometimes have to put his two cents in.  Pets can help reduce stress and offer unconditional love.  They are there for us, even when we feel like no one else is.  There is nothing like a cat coming over to you and jumping on your lap when you have had a bad day, or a dog greeting you when you walk in the door.  These are things that you know you can count on.
7. I’m thankful for waking up in the morning.
   Even on the worst days, the fact that we have woken up means that God’s given us another day, another chance to enjoy, laugh and love.  Even if I don’t feel like getting out of bed, knowing that God has given me another day is enough of a reason to push myself to do so.

These are only a few of the many things that I’m thankful for each day.  What are some of the things that you are thankful for.  Tell me in the comments below or tag us on Facebook or Twitter with #2021ThankfulChallenge.  Let’s find out what everyone else is thankful for as well!  Can we spread thankfulness and positivity around the world this fall?