Note: This was originally written for and published on the Intrinsic Styles blog
With Thanksgiving here, it’s important to reflect on everything we have to be grateful for in our lives. This is especially true in light of the current devastation the Philippines is experiencing due to Typhoon Haiyan. According to recent government estimates, Typhoon Haiyan has caused over 5,200 deaths, and injured almost 26,000 people. For those of us who haven’t been tragically affected by this natural disaster, we have even more things to be thankful for this holiday season.
Often when we list things we are thankful of, we forget the simplest privileges we have in our lives. Here are some reminders of blessings we have, that others may not.
1. Drinkable water
We are so lucky that we have access to as much clean water as we want. We drink it, shower with it, wash our hands in it, etc. However, 780 million people don’t have access to clean water, and 3.4 million people die every year from a water-related disease. That’s almost the size of Los Angeles. So be thankful this holiday season every time you wash the dishes after a meal, or take a shower after a full meal with your loved ones.
2. The ability to read
From a young age, we are thrown into the school system, and are taught a plethora of things, including how to read. From this knowledge, stems our future and careers. However, there are so many people who never have the opportunity to learn how to read at all. In fact, around 774 million people in the world can’t read, and therefore don’t have the same opportunities as everyone else.
3. Internet access
Because of the quick and vast spread of the Internet, it’s so easy to think that it has penetrated much of the world. However, this luxury we often take for granted (and have access to from basically any street corner, with the right password) is not accessed by about 2/3 of the world. In the Philippines, only about 32.4% of the population has Internet access. So when you’re looking up that perfect recipe for how to roast your turkey dinner, think about those who can’t do anything remotely close to that.
4. Adequate shelter
This Thanksgiving, be thankful for the roof over your head. 1 in 3 children in the world (about 640 million) don’t have adequate shelter. Yet so often, we take it for granted that we have somewhere we can sleep and live without having to worry. So take the time to appreciate the little things, and remember that your shelter really is a blessing.
5. Electricity
Chances are, you’re reading this blog post using some form of technology like a laptop or phone. What do you do when it dies? You just plug it in and let it charge. Yet 1.6 billion people in the world don’t even have electricity in general, let alone the kind of technology we have that utilizes technology. This Thanksgiving, be thankful for the lights that are shining bright above your Thanksgiving table, and the electricity that is making your life that much easier.
So during this holiday season, as you spend time eating delicious food with those you love, be thankful for the things you might take for granted. There are so many who are struggling to simply figure out what to do next in the Philippines, or who have lost family members and their homes. Therefore, it really seems fitting to put everything in perspective, and count your blessings.