Darby Hinkley

This time of year, we all start to think about what we’re thankful for.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to overlook the simple things in life that we take for granted on a daily basis. For some reason, humans tend to see problems that need to be solved before they step back and think about all the things that are already going right. At least this human does that.

But today, I’d like to remind myself and others of all the wonderful reasons to be grateful.

For example, I woke up today and my eyes blinked on their own, my heart beat, and my lungs gathered oxygen. My brain told my body to get out of bed and get on with the day, come what may. I was able to drink a large cup of coffee, take a hot shower, and select my outfit from my oodles of unnecessary clothing that I, thankfully, have the means to buy.

I got ready to go to a job I love, working with people I care about and genuinely enjoy being around. I knew my 16-year-old son was already at school, which is literally across the street from my house. He’s a healthy, smart, funny, athletic young man with a great head on his (tall) shoulders. I’m thankful for that.

I got in my new (used) Chevy Equinox, pushed the button to start it, which always amuses me, and headed downtown to The Alpena News. I am grateful to live and work in the town where I was born and raised. It’s a town full of wonderful, generous people who always show up for each other. When someone needs something, the Alpena community comes through. I’m happy to be a part of that.

As I drove, I was grateful that other cars were abiding by traffic laws. Can you imagine if people just started driving through red lights and never using their blinkers? That’s not happening, and I’m glad. I mean, there are a handful of unlawful drivers out there, but most people play by the rules.

I will be enjoying Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by family at my mom’s house. I know we will have plenty of food, and I’m ever so grateful for that. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have family nearby that can gather to share a delicious meal. My big brother and his family will be coming up from Lansing to join us, and my sister and her family will be heading in from Hubbard Lake. My stepmom — or “bonus mom,” as I call her — will join us, as well as my 96-year-old grandma. I am very fortunate to have these blessed holiday moments with my family.

I’m even grateful for my fingers, as I type these words. They are functional, and they know how to type fast. It may seem like a silly thing to mention, but, if we think about all the reasons we have to be thankful, life becomes a little sweeter.

When we bask in gratitude, we blossom with love. We are better equipped to serve others when we are grateful for what we have right now, without worrying about what we don’t have or what could be better.

Being content with what you have is a great way to head into the season of giving. When you are grateful for even the small things, you can see that life not only “isn’t that bad” but it is actually good. We are surrounded by reasons to be thankful. I hope you find yours this holiday season.

Darby Hinkley is grateful to be Lifestyles Editor at The Alpena News. She welcomes your email at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or your phone call to 989-358-5691.