Today in the United States, Thanksgiving is Celebrated. It is where over four hundred years ago, the first Colonials to make land had Thanksgiving with the Natives in the eastern part of the country. It is a time where everyone often relates in being Grateful and Thankful. In many years, I was constantly negative, however this Thanksgiving I have much to be Grateful and Thankful for.

This is not a sense to gloat or glorify about everything that is good in my life, because it has taken a lot of time to get where I am today. For the past six years since living on my own, I have been struggling with my mental health more than not. I can honestly say that for once I am on the better side of the mend to where I am taking better care of my mental health every day. I knew all along what has been set forth in my mental health treatment has been proven to work and that I need to combat some of the side effects of the treatment, of which I am taking the best approach that I have taken in an exceptionally long time.

While the most notable thing that has happened in 2024 has been when my father had his stroke back in May, I have been there for my mother often supporting her when I can and being the son that I need to be, continually treasuring the time with all of my family as I am able to. There are things that can be put to the side when it comes to family and I have been able to carve time out for family more often and it has seen the desire and need to take care of myself consistently and constantly, regardless of the day or what is happening the next one. It could have been a worse situation and in fact it has, but I am proud to say that as of now my father is medically stable and while we are never granted tomorrow, I continue to be my best to everyone I meet because I do not want to regret something that I may never take back.

I am also grateful that I have been able to go to the dentist for the first time in several years and get some necessary work done just last week. It shows how important it is to take care of all of my body and that having a new insurance a few months ago was well worth the switch providing me more things that I need and being able to have better health, the latter of which I must do more on my part to improve my physical health and wellbeing in the future.

As I have previously stated, we are never guaranteed tomorrow and therefore I must do what I need to do to take care of myself each day so I can make the best of that day not only me, but also those around me because they deserve me at my best. It is important to be grateful and thankful for everything in your life and to never take anything for granted because as 2024 has proven to me, things can change in a matter of moments.

Happy Thanksgiving!