Today I am thankful for the basic necessities of life. Food, water, air, clothing, and shelter. I know these are technically five different things, but working in concert, they are all necessary for life.
Food – necessary for survival and so many varieties to choose from. Having the ability to enjoy a good meal is something I don’t take for granted. So many people out there aren’t fortunate to have even the basics and for this I am truly sad. Every human has a right to have basic nutrition that is essential for survival. My heart truly goes out to those in the world that are hungry. Thanksgiving is a great time of reflection on their issue, since it’s a day of gratitude and feasting. Every year I look to volunteer in a soup kitchen or at least donate food in some form or fashion. I can appreciate what it’s like to not be able to enjoy the creature comforts of home. Although I do not profess to know what the hungry are going through to the fullest extent, there WAS a time when I didn’t have much to eat when I was away at school. My friends and I had to come up with clever ways to make the most of the little amount of food we had. She even resorted to making rice (which was the most affordable thing) and changing it up daily by putting ketchup on it one day, butter the next, and so on. It wasn’t easy having to eat an orange for half of a day and a piece of bread at night. It was a scary time but it sure taught me the value in all that I consume.
On a luxurious note, I love to partake in the sumptuous cuisines of different places. It could be food from down south or food indigenous to a foreign country. Sometimes, taking some of the cooking classes that I have taken allows me to ravel the work via my taste buds!
Water – best creation known to man! Enough to hydrate, nourish (in its own way), and quench your thirst. Water is also necessary to hydrate plants. Water is the basis for many things. We simply should not take advantage of the fact that we have good drinking water as opposed to other parts of the world where decent water is practically a luxury. It shouldn’t be this way. Not only is water great to drink, but it’s also beautiful to look at. For me nothing could compare to the Caribbean Sea. So calming and so gorgeous, its turquoise beauty is unparalleled. What so great is that it’s pretty clear further into the sea!
Air – the air we breathe is so vital to all of our body and life functions. Ever been stuck somewhere where the air is stale or where the room is stuffy? Doesn’t it feel absolutely amazing to get that first breath of fresh air? Fresh air also helps me clear my mind a bit. It refreshes my system when the environment seems to be too much to handle. Some places have been touted as having clearer, fresher, air than others. Although the air is pretty thin, I have heard that the air in Colorado is pretty amazing (or your lungs can handle it and provided you know how to be the in it). Unfortunately, in some places where there is more traffic and thus air pollution, clear air is a welcome and refreshing thing to experience.
Clothing – you don’t have to be a clotheshorse to appreciate what basic clothing can do. It keeps you cool or warm depending on the season and the need. Can you imagine walking around seeing all sorts of people naked? Probably not a pretty sight! I am thankful for my clothing and the ability to change outfits on a whim. I don’t take my wardrobe for granted – I donate clothes that no longer fit me or that I no longer wear so others can use them.
Seeing different fashions from around the world is one of my favorite things. Indian saris, Japanese kimonos, and even the latest European collections all fascinate me. Clothes and shoes are a weakness of mine (Hey what girl doesn’t love to go shopping and doesn’t dream of a walk-in closet?) Just sayin’.
Shelter – can’t say it enough but shelter is so important to protect us from the elements. My abode is not a sprawling mansion but it suits me just fine. It fits my needs and more importantly, gives me warmth in the winter and cools me in huge summer. My heart goes out to the homeless who don’t have a shelter to protect them.
I love to see different things pertaining to living spaces. From seeing celebrities’ domains to seeing someone make the most out of a small studio apartment, it all excites me. I wasn’t like this before, but as I grow older, I have a different appreciation for things like Ikea and HGTV.
All of these are so important and vital to living at I am BEYOND thankful for them. Without one of these elements, life simply wouldn’t be. Can you add anything you think is important to survival and life?
XOXOXOXO,
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