There's something special about this time of year. It's the season of giving, and spending time with family and friends. There are over a million things we could say that we are thankful for, but here is a small list of things that we often don't think about to highlight...
1. Clean Water
So often we drink a glass of water, take a long hot shower, use the toilet, and wash our hands, without thinking twice. It's a norm for most of us, we do these things everyday. Some people across the world have to walk miles and miles to just be able to survive. And most of the time, the water that they fetch is filled with bacteria. The next time you take a sip of water, take a second to appreciate the clean water that fuels your body.
I highly recommend reading this book called THIRST by Scott Harrison, he shares his amazing mission to bring clean drinking water to the world. This book brought me to tears multiple times and it made me change my lifestyle habits when it came to water usage.
2. The Ocean
The ocean is my getaway from responsibilities and reality. A simple dip cleanses my mind and gives me fresh start to my day. But not only is it my escape, it provides oxygen, homes to many sea creatures, and is vital to any living thing's survival. Believe it or not, the ocean provides at least more than half of the earth's oxygen. Even if you don't live near the ocean, it still provides the food you eat, the plants you grow, and the rain that falls. It is the life support system of all living things.
With our oceans being treated as dumpsters, it is being suffocated with plastic killing our reefs and marine life. To educate yourself on how the ocean is being heavily impacted by humans, watch A PLASTIC OCEAN on Netflix.
3. A Healthy Body
The state of the world is strange right now. We are still in a pandemic after nearly 2 years, and if you are reading this and you are healthy, be grateful for that. To be able to wake up, walk, breathe, talk, laugh, swim, run, is such a blessing. There are hundreds of thousands of people battling illnesses and disabilities every single day. Take this time to think of someone close to you who is battling an illness or tragedy and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
This is our friend Tamo, currently battling cancer. Every day we are reminded how lucky we are to be healthy. Please keep him in your prayers as he fights for his life. We want to see him with his family surfing and riding bikes again! (Instagram @tamo.wong)
4. The Roof Over Your Head
It is estimated that over 150 million people are homeless worldwide. That is Hawaii's entire population times 100. With the cost of living constantly going up, putting a roof over your head is getting harder and harder. Often people who are homeless are suffering from mental illness or addiction. Without proper help or treatment, they are at most times caught in a cycle and are unable to provide for themselves. Before you judge someone on the street, remember that they are also people. They are just people with invisible walls and ceilings.
Project Hawai'i Inc is an organization that helps homeless children in Hawai'i succeed. They take donations and also offer volunteer and career positions. Visit their site and follow their instagram to help their cause. https://www.helpthehomelesskeiki.org/ @projecthawaiiinc
5. Sunshine
There's nothing better than waking up with the sun. The warmth of its rays leaking through your windows every morning is something to be grateful for. We're especially lucky because we live in Hawaii, where the sun is always out and does not fail to keep us nice and sweaty. A few minutes of sunshine can improve your mood and strengthens your immune system. It can even kill bacteria! Take a few minutes today to go outside and soak in some rays!
But don't forget your sunscreen! Here's our personal favorite, Da Mask Sunscreen. All organic and natural ingredients, reef-safe, moisturizing, water-resistant. Everything you want in a sunscreen. Get yours at seaxseven.com, only a few left in stock!
Sometimes it's hard to feel deeply grateful for every single thing that exists in your life. But if you take a couple moments in your day to look for something to appreciate, I believe you will live a more fulfilling and happy life. What are 5 things you are grateful for this year? Comment down below!