Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m thankful every day of the year, but I thought I’d share some of the things I’m most thankful for. With all the bad going on in the world today, I hope you take a minute to reflect on what you’re thankful for, too.

Family: I am thankful for both sides of my family. I also count a lot of my friends as family members. Most of my dad’s side of the family lives close to the area, so I see them more frequently. Usually, I only get to see my mom’s side of the family on holidays, so I’m extra grateful when I get to spend time with them. Today I’ll be in Waseca with my mom’s side to celebrate a day of thanks. But we should give thanks every day, right?

Freedom: The last few years, I’ve really learned to appreciate the freedom we have and the service men and women who protect us every single day. With recent events happening all over the world lately, I feel so blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom and protection that we do.

Art: Being able to sit back and paint, draw or work on photos is a big outlet of stress for me. I’m glad I’ve found what I’m passionate about and can make art whenever I want. I’m extremely lucky that I get to consider photography one of my jobs and passions. What’s better than doing what you love every day?

My jobs: Aside from my photography business, I also work at ShopKo. If you go Black Friday shopping, you’ll find me there working overnight. I’m truly blessed with some of the best co-workers a girl could ask for. In the next few weeks, I’ll also be starting a new job at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea as a nursing assistant. I already know I’ll love it out there from my experience during clinicals. So many people struggle with either having a job, feeling secure about their income and being able to pay bills, or even just enjoying what they do on a day-to-day basis. I would have to say I am so happy where I am right now in all of my work I do.

I’m thankful for a lot more than I have just shared with you, but you should go spend time with your family and reflect on what you’re thankful for rather than reading my column. So eat lots of turkey, have some pie (or in my case, cheesecake… yum) and don’t go crazy on Black Friday shopping, especially if it’s not even technically Friday yet.

 

Erin Murtaugh is an undergraduate at Bemidji State University studying elementary education. She can be reached at murtaugh.erin@gmail.com.