Thankful for Family, Friends and Tofurkey! Top Ten Reasons to Give Thanks
Thanksgiving has always been a complicated holiday for me. And no, it’s not because I prefer not to eat meat. Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been conflicted by the glaring contradiction that is Turkey Day. I gotta be honest, the traditional Plymouth Rock narrative starring “the Natives and the Pilgrims” just doesn’t cut it for me. The sentiment is powerful, but the truth is that our nation hasn’t always done the best job of living up to its principles.
But, word to Glen Beck, I’m not as “radical” as I once was. I mean, when I was in my early 20s I used to attend “Happy Thankstaking” parties with friends in LA that usually ended with me being in a drunken debate with one of my white roommates. Today, I am a lot more self-reflective and can sort of understand what all the fuss is about.
I’ve learned that even though the Thanksgiving story is a crock of B.S., doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t take time out to express my deep felt appreciation for my friends and family. (Truthfully, everyday should be Thanksgiving, but of course the pressures of life often prevent me from slowing down and being present and patient.) So over the years, I have learned to slow down, and enjoy the holidays. Even while stuffing down Tofurkey.
This year I am even more thankful than ever. So I decided to throw together a list of the top ten things I am thankful for. Forgive me for the mushiness, but I am thankful for a lot ish!
Check the list after the jump.
1. My 1-year-old son makes me want to jump on the floor and relive my World Wrestling fantasies. (I’ve been told l look like Nacho Libre, thus number 7.)
2. My partner is really my partner. While any relationship should always be a work in progress, Jayme and I are truly dancing together.
3. My family is starting to be more focused on fun than the struggles of the day.
4. My closest friends (you know who you are) are starting to acknowledge that our relationships can both be private and professional. Which is fun, I’ve always enjoyed working with the homies.
5. The League staff is amazing. Trust me, if you haven’t met any Leaguers.
6. The League has a lot of amazing supporters who have been helping me get over my fears of being an Executive Director.
7. I am finally taking time out of my day to work out again. I forgot how good it feels to be sweating profusely.
8. I have a job. Over 50% of the African American males in my community are unemployed.
9. You have to dig deep, but hip-hop music is starting to get good again.
10. I am finally being disciplined enough to stop working on the weekends. I forgot how fun doing nothing can be.
Of course, I have a lot more things to be thankful for. Unfortunately, I gotta get back to work. 
Be safe, and enjoy your holiday.
nice list