In a world that’s so fast-paced, it’s easy to loose touch of all the privileges we have. However, when the holiday season comes around and we have a break from the routine of our daily lives, things become much clearer.
Between gathering with family, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, helping prepare a few dishes, and curating a holiday playlist, I spent quite a bit of time browsing through social media on Thanksgiving. What I saw was not the usual smiles and dramatics, but rather an outpour of gratitude.
“I am thankful for for three healthy meals each day”
“I am thankful for good friends and good fortune”
“I am grateful for my access to healthcare”
“I am thankful for a stable and safe home environment”
After reading a couple of the #CBThanksgivingchallenge tweets, self-reflection was inevitable. I had woken up in a warm safe home, in a bed, in a room of my own. I had brushed my teeth and washed my face in clean flowing water. I had browsed through an entire pantry of food, and had more than enough options to choose from for breakfast, and now sat comfortably in front of my fireplace. I had so much to be grateful for. Having access to these luxuries things aren’t things that I think about that often, but these are the sole concerns of over 4,000 people experiencing homelessness in Raleigh.
Today and always, I am thankful for all the privileges that I’ve been afforded and for all those using their privilege to help others. I feel so inspired knowing that my peers’ actions go beyond just tweeting and posting things online, but turn into real donations and social actions. We are now in the home stretch, with December 9th just around the corner, and I have no doubt that our check will read 150K that night.
Octavia Christopher
Executive Council Member