This year was a challenge. Both those dealing with a disability and those who are non-disabled are facing trials unimaginable in modern times.

Thanksgiving is upon us, which for many will be different this year. My church is doing a sermon series about learning to give thanks for Thanksgiving.

Having high-functioning autism is a difficult struggle for me. There are times, I must confess, I complain, especially when I am experiencing sensory overload. Sometimes I see other non-disabled people handling many things with ease, and I get jealous. I imagine others with a disability have felt the same way.

Over the past few weeks, I am learning to be thankful despite having a disability. One example was going to college at Jacksonville State University. Because of my disability, I received a full-ride scholarship to the school through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Unlike many students in my generation, I graduated with no student loan debt.

I am also thankful for the time I flew home from the Denver airport one summer. With help, I arranged through the Transportation Security Administration to help me through security. Because of my disability, I went through a special like and bypassed the crowds. Talk about reducing anxiety.

In an article written in Psychology Today in 2015, behavioral scientists noted seven physical and mental benefits of being thankful. These are the following findings:

• ·         Better relationships

• ·         Improvement in physical health

• ·         Improving psychological health

• ·         Being less angry and more empathetic

• ·         Improved sleep

• ·         Improved Self-Esteem

• ·         Improved mental stamina

Learning to be grateful is not easy, especially in these trying times and living with a disability. However, there were some positives to 2020. On the East coast, the fall foliage was the most spectacular in several years. Recently, I got to see my niece and visit both The Lost Sea in Tennessee and Natural Bridge in Virginia. I’m also thankful for the weight I’ve lost during the pandemic.

For those living with a disability or a caregiver of a disabled person, I encourage you to take a few minutes of quiet time and think about ways you are blessed. If you need help, write those thoughts down in a journal for a visual reminder. Another helpful thing is not spending too much time on social media, which can increase envy.

Learning to be thankful takes effort and does not come naturally. As I said, I am learning how to be grateful and not compare myself to other people. Even in a horrible year as 2020 has been, there is probably something one can give gratitude for something in their lives with a moment to reflect.

If you are struggling to be thankful for having a disability, don't suffer alone. As I have stated before, Tennessee Valley Unite has a Facebook support page (again in moderation) where one can reach out to other caregivers locally for support.

What are you thankful for? Comment in the section below. Also, check out this link for other health benefits of being thankful.