Giving Thanks For What We Have

The other day, actress Angelina Jolie received an honorary Oscar. She was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Governors Awards, an honor presented to those in Hollywood “whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.” Past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lewis, Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor

While I can’t say Jolie has ever been a favorite of mine, what she said in her acceptance speech was quite profound. And truth be told, her words made even this non-fan see her in a prettier light.

For me, the most poignant moment of her speech was when she said, “I have never understood why some people are lucky enough to be born with the chance that I had, to have this path in life. And why across the world there’s a woman just like me, with the same abilities and the same desires, same work ethic and love for her family, who would most likely make better films and better speeches. Only she sits in a refugee camp. And she has no voice. She worries about what her children will eat, how to keep them safe and if they’ll ever be allowed to return home. I don’t know why this is my life and that’s hers.”

Image from Oleander + Palm

Angelina went on to say, “We are all…everyone in the room…so fortunate”.

What a wonderful speech. We need more of this kind of thinking, wouldn’t you agree?

Even those of us with far less are still luckier than most in this world. For the most part, if you were born in a non third world nation your life has been charmed. If you’re reading this on a computer or mobile device, your life is most certainly charmed. In fact, if you know how to read at all, your life is charmed more than you know.

We need less wanting and more giving thanks for what we have. And shouldn’t it be an everyday thing? Not just on this day or this time of year. Shouldn’t being thankful be the way we live?

If it isn’t already, let’s start today. Let’s be thankful for what we have and recognize that we are beyond fortunate. Are you with me?

I’ll start. Here are just a few of the things I’m grateful for.

* I’m thankful to have a roof over my head, food to eat and my health, as well as that of those I love.

* I cannot give thanks enough for my wonderful husband. “I was forever changed the minute you came into my life. And though I know I’m not the easiest person to be married to, I will be forever grateful for you.”

* Without children of our own, our crazy doodle-dog Quinley has become our fur-baby. And I’m to-the-moon thrilled for her presence in our life.

* Last by definitely not least, I am thankful that so many of you have made Fab You Bliss a regular read. You know I put my heart and soul into this blog, so I’m beyond thrilled that you enjoy what I create. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for your support!

In closing, let’s make being thankful the “regular Joe’s” Humanitarian Award. If we do, I’ll bet this world will be a much happier place.

Now your turn, what are you thankful for?

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!