There is something to be said about the simple things. The tiny actions and circumstances that inspire joy that perhaps we don’t talk about enough.

And, I’m thankful for my family, my health, my privileges, and all the usual things—but with Thanksgiving coming up super soon, I thought I’d do something a bit more outlandish, and tell you, dear reader, about the more abstract things I am thankful for, and appreciate.

So, yeah, let’s get a tad schmaltzy.

I’m thankful for the sky, and how it looks empty and yet so full.

I’m thankful for driving in the dark with friends and blaring music and singing too loud.

I’m thankful for adventures and doing something for the simple reason that we can.

I’m thankful for the quiet of the suburbs and the thrumming of city life and its endless lights.

I’m thankful for wind so strong it takes away your breath and makes your lips and cheeks just a bit raw.

I’m thankful for unexpected favorite songs in department stores, and when you can think of the perfect quip at the perfect moment.

I’m thankful for group meals and anxious, excited energy flowing through a crowd.

I’m thankful for the smell of bacon and coffee and old books and when someone nearby chooses a flawless perfume or cologne and it permeates their living space and their essence.

I’m thankful that I get to live in a world full of endless interesting stuff. That I never need to be bored, always moving to something new and fun, should I simply let it happen.

And, hey, I’m thankful I can write, and read, and talk, too. I’m thankful I can communicate.

I’m thankful I am not alone. That I don’t feel alone, even when I am.

I’m thankful for that sensation where you look at another person, see them truly, and get that in their head, in those eyes, is a whole other person, as complicated as you—but different than you. And you get to get a glimpse of them.

I’m thankful when I recognize something of me in another person. And when someone does in me.

And you know what? It’s funny… I’m not sure when I realized this, but I might just be thankful to be a person, alive, and existing.

I’m might just be thankful to be Brandon.

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Special thanks to: Bob Gerkin, Collin Pearman, Dylan Alexander, Jerry Banfield, and Michael The Comic Nerd. 

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