Thanksgiving is just around the corner, this holiday doesn’t hold much meaning to me being a Brit by birth. I do however enjoy taking time out to be thankful, so despite my misgiving about celebrating this day, it is still a day that stands out. It is a day where I can intentionally take a breath, be aware and be grateful for all the love and family I have in my life.

I was talking to my brother on the long drive back from seeing a friend the other day, we talked politics, his life, my life, my kids, religion, economics, and probably many more topics.  One of the most important things we talked about was being the change you want to see. When I moved to Houston and into our neighborhood a position opened up on the HOA for a safety chair committee member. I gladly put myself up for it, firstly because I felt like people from my age group needed to be involved in our community and secondly I just wanted to help and get to know more people. People don’t end up where they end up by starting big, most people start small. So if this thanksgiving you feel discontent with the way the world is, look at your community, your neighbors, local organizations and see how you can help and how you can get involved.

I am so thankful for this wonderful community I live in, I know a large percentage of my neighbors, the kids in the neighborhood and the dogs for that matter. I have had a neighbor give away a piano to us, help jump-start my car, offer to watch my kids and organize a way for the neighborhood to participate in the Houston food bank drive, to name a few things. Just the other day a bunch of us were gathered spontaneously on the street with the kids. Nash was trying to catch up with the big kids and nearly face planted the steps several times (good old depth perception issues); however, he didn’t as there was always one of my neighbors ready to help me. For the first time in my adult life, I finally understand what community is about and I am incredibly thankful for that. This new-found knowledge couldn’t have found me at a better time.

Happy Thanksgiving fellow residents of America and for the non-residents well happy Thursday when it comes, your one day closer to the weekend.

(Featured image – Jack in red embracing Nash in Blue.)