FEARLESSNESS WON OUT OVER FEAR OF THE OTHER

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, one when I relish taking time to ref lect on all that I have to be thankful for, time spent gathering with family and friends over food prepared with love, and the generosity to others that f lows from a place of gratitude. And then 2020 happened, and the warmth of thankfulness has felt as though I need to will it into existence.

We have seen a pandemic take the lives of more than 250,000 people in the United States. We have watched as friends and family members have lost their jobs and businesses. The fatigue of pandemic-related isolation is real.

2020 also shined a light on a divided nation. We have watched hate manifest itself boldly in political rhetoric. White nationalism emerged from the nation’s shadows boasting its existence. And fear of the “other” drove policies that disrupted and separated families and communities.

As I sit with these feelings in direct conf lict with my usual sunny disposition, I am reminded of a quote by the poet Iain Thomas: “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.”

This Thanksgiving season, I choose to be thankful. I’m thankful for the sunshine between the clouds and the new growth that is breaking through the cracks of old ways and old thoughts.

I am thankful that by and large, folks are recognizing the real impact of structural racism and anti-Blackness. I am thankful that the Black Lives Matter movement is more than just fighting so a group of people “matter” but is a real movement to affirm the value, humanity and contribution of every Black person in our country.

I am thankful that more LGBTQ+ individuals were elected into public office this year than ever, and that we had our first openly LGBTQ+ presidential candidate in Pete Buttigieg. I am thankful we have an incoming administration I can trust will work to protect my son’s rights and the rights of all our LGBTQ+ community members.

I am thankful for those in our fearless Generation Z who have risen to demand change, have organized masterfully, and who are uncompromising in their work to ensure our world and planet are healthy, and that all people are given equitable opportunities to thrive.

I am thankful for the strength of communities to rally around those suffering from the pandemic through generous donations and the nonprofits innovating their services to meet the needs of those they serve. I am thankful for the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who give what they have, even at times when they are giving all that they have in service of others.

I am incredibly thankful for our frontline workers who tirelessly respond to challenges while placing their own families at risk — our medical and public safety professionals, service workers and teachers. And we can’t forget all the parents of schoolchildren doing their best to be both parents and teachers.

I am thankful for my family and friends and the moments of connection that have felt like oxygen on days I needed it the most.

As I think of all the things, I am thankful for, I am reminded that this world is a beautiful place. In fact, I may even be starting to crave a big slice of pumpkin pie, which is another thing I am incredibly grateful for!