Why You Should Be Thankful this Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to reflect on the things we are grateful for. For Pinays, there are many things to be thankful for! Here are 5 things every Filipina should be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1. Family 

Our families are the cornerstone of our lives, providing love, support, and encouragement throughout our journeys. This Thanksgiving let's take a moment to express gratitude for the unique individuals who make up our families. Whether it's a parent, sibling, grandparent, or relative - their presence in our lives brings endless joy and love. Make sure you embrace our loved ones with open arms and appreciate all they do for us! 

2. Friends 

Having a good friend by your side can be a true blessing. They provide support, comfort, and unconditional love. And while it may not always seem easy to find genuine friends, the ones that stick with us through thick and thin are worth cherishing. Take time to reach out to our friends and tell them how much they mean to us. A simple text or call can go a long way in letting them know that we appreciate their presence in our lives. 

3. Our Health 

When we are in good health, it's easy to take it for granted. We don't think about how blessed we are to be able to run and play or even just perform simple daily tasks like getting dressed or cooking a meal. But as soon as our health begins to decline, everything else in our lives becomes that much harder. Let's this holiday season serve as a reminder to appreciate the seemly small gifts of good health.

4. Our Homes 

This Thanksgiving, as we gather in our homes surrounded by loved ones and warm-hearted moments, let's take a moment to appreciate the shelter and security our homes bring us. Our homes are a refuge from the outside world and a safe space for us to relax and recharge.

But let's also remember those who are without homes or who have been displaced due to conflict or natural disasters. They deserve our thoughts and prayers during this time of gratitude. We can show our appreciation for the gifts our homes give us by helping those without shelter and volunteering for organizations that help those less fortunate than we are. Homes should be a basic human right - let's work towards making sure everyone has access to this important source of comfort and security in their lives.

5. Our country 

As Filipinos, we are lucky to call the Philippines our home. But beyond its physical gifts, the Philippines also offers so much in terms of culture and community. Known as a warm and hospitable nation, it is common for Filipinos to treat even strangers like family. So, this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate all that the Philippines has given us—rich culture, colorful traditions, and a strong sense of community. We truly are blessed to call this beautiful country our home!

Filipinas are some of the strongest and most resilient people in the world. We may not always have everything we want, but we are blessed with an amazing sense of community and family that supports us through thick and thin. Let’s all take a moment this Thanksgiving to reflect on what we’re grateful for, and let’s remember to be thankful for our sisters—both near and far. What are you most grateful for this year?