Even though we don’t have thanksgiving in South-Africa, this time of the year is about being thankful for what you have. Here is a list of things I am thankful for:
Democracy and a mostly stable country
I am thankful that the transitioning from apartheid to democracy over the last 20 years has been relatively peaceful. South-Africa still has some issues, but for the most part a large percentage of the population has started to move on and live together.
Education
Education eliminates ignorance and empowers people. It is a subject I am very passionate about and fully promote educating yourself for as long as you can.
Medication, Clinical Trials, Science and Vaccines
These four are interlinked in my mind. I touch on all four in my field of work, and the power of medicine and the eradication of disease will always fascinate me.
Faith
I am a Christian and I am thankful that I live in a country where all people are allowed to practise their religion. Different religions get along fantastically here, and the people are very open to discussing why they believe in a certain way, but also willing to accept that you might not agree. My beliefs give me hope and make me feel safe, and I am so glad that I am a practising member.
Friends
They make you laugh. They understand who you are and accept you that way. I include people at work in here too, because they actually spend more time with you than your actual friends.
Family
Because they are always there for you.
Cell phones
For enabling me to have obsessive social media tendencies and allowing me to call people.
Tablets
For being small laptops you can carry around.
BOOKS
Obviously
Music
For understanding how I feel.
Walking
For keeping me fit, getting me into the fresh air and for exercising my dog.
My dog
For being happy and loving and hilarious all the time.
Clean drinking water
South-Africa has some of the cleanest tap water in the world. We are able to drink water directly from the tap without worrying about infection. It is truly an exceptional gift and I really appreciate it.
Hand sanitizer
For keeping the germaphobe happy
Coffee
For keeping me awake
Wine
For being delicious
Chocolate
FOR BEING DELICIOUS
J.K Rowling
For giving me Harry Potter
The internet
For connecting me to the world.
My job
Unemployment is a big problem in my country, and I was unemployed for six months. I am so thankful that for the last four years I have been permanently employed at a place that I love. I am thankful that I am allowed to grow here, with opportunities always available for those who work hard, a fair boss, a decent salary, and for support while I slosh my way through my degree.
Make-up
Because who doesn’t like looking pretty?
Life of this city girl 