I know it is not Thanksgiving yet, but it doesn’t cause any harm to express some gratitude, isn’t it? I just got my first two weeks of unemployment insurance (UI) and I am so so happy about that. I know being unemployed is never a good thing, but let’s focus on the bright side today.
1) I am thankful for my unemployment money because it can cover my rent, utility, car, even my brother’s rent (I’m in charge of that since he’s still a uni student) without me touching my savings. Of course, I still have to spend a little bit from the savings for things necessary but I always think three, four times before spending.
2) I am thankful that I actually have savings. I applied for UI two weeks ago and got denied. I knew it was only a system error and eventually I would get it approved so I was not panicked. However, it is the unknown that easily scares people since you don’t know when the check will come.
3) I am thankful that I have a job allowing me to have savings. So many people live paycheck to paycheck while I am lucky enough to have 2-month savings. I know a lot of doctors, dentists saying that they had to sacrifice so many years studying and working hard to earn the title and the lifestyle, so this is fair. Hey, a lot of people work hard as well if not even more without ever having an opportunity to change their destiny. Therefore, I am thankful for the career, the opportunity that CU gave me and all the help I have.
4) I am thankful that I can visit my family anytime I want (of course I only visit my direct family for now) and have a home cook meal. It is a blessing and doesn’t require any further explanation.
5) I am thankful that my family is still healthy. As I mentioned before, there are several family members contracting the virus but they all recovered. Things could be worse.
6) I am thankful that I have a place to live. A nice cozy apartment that I am proud of and I have to restrain myself from décor too much (my pleasure guilt).
7) I am thankful that I wake up every day simply deciding if I should drink tea or coffee for the morning and what to eat instead of thinking how I survive the day.
8) I am thankful to have a great support system from family and friends. I have so many wonderful people in my life that I think of almost every day (although I may not text or call all of you guys).
9) I am thankful that I have many hobbies to dive into during this special time. It’s a matter of choosing which hobby I want to do today.
10) I am thankful for my life in general. I’ve read somewhere that if you have a roof above your head, food to put into your mouth and a dream/goal to pursue, you are luckier than 90% people on Earth. In that case, I think I hit a jackpot.
I believe that even in the darkest hours, we can still find something to be thankful about. Thinking about all the bad things happening right now doesn’t make us less suffering or make the situation brighter. If you have to think anyway, try something positive.