“It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive” - Bruce Springsteen, “Badlands”
I am not going to lie. I am a Bruce fan by proxy. My husband is obsessed, and over the years I have also come to love that raspy voice, energetic stage presence, and the profound lyrics of Mr. Bruce Springsteen. What reads as such a simple line is actually pretty deep. I think this lyric in particular is the embodiment of gratitude: being thankful for all that life throws our way.
Our current culture can make it hard to let yourself be happy that you are you and here on this earth. A simple thing that we take for granted: our existence. We are plagued with a society filled with violence and poverty, which can make us feel like we don’t deserve to enjoy the lives we have.
We also live in a culture that thrives on having more of everything and competitiveness. This can lead individuals to examine their self worth and never believe they are good enough, or have enough. This ideology is toxic and damaging.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we will reflect on all the joys and sorrows of the year. Some years are harder than others. Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder to be grateful for what you have in life. Take this gentle reminder of gratitude beyond Thanksgiving and let yourself enjoy the beautiful, ugly, exciting, boring, and the ups and downs this wonderment of life gives us. We all deserve to embrace the joy of life.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Be kind to yourselves and share your gratitude with the world. Sending love and compassion to all.
RaeLynn
