An America Worth Being Thankful For

Gratitude is a powerful force, but its true strength lies in its ability to inspire us to be better—for ourselves, one another, and the country we love.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and give thanks—a uniquely American tradition inviting us to take a moment to appreciate the goodness in our lives. As I sit down with my family this year, I find myself thinking about the broader meaning of gratitude and how it applies to the state of our nation. We are navigating deep political divides, grappling with threats to our democracy, and facing challenges that demand courage and compassion. Yet, even in these trying times, there is so much to be thankful for—because the resilience, generosity, and hope embodied by so many Americans remind us of the path forward.

I'm thankful for the everyday heroes who step up when times are tough. The first responders who run toward danger, the teachers shaping the next generation, the communities who come together to rebuild after disasters, and the friends and neighbors who come together to support each other when someone in their circle is going through a tough time. These are not just people, but the pillars that shape our nation. We should all be proud and appreciative of one another’s contributions to make a difference.

I'm thankful for the parents who teach their children to value empathy and integrity, even in a world that sometimes rewards the opposite. I'm grateful for the young people who raise their voices, march for their beliefs, and demand a safer as well as brighter future. Their resolve may very well be what carries us through the challenges ahead.

But I’m also reminded of those who seek to exploit our divisions. Dictators and authoritarians—both abroad and at home—thrive when people lose hope. They want us to wallow in darkness, to turn against one another, and to give up on the promise of democracy. They profit from our despair and inaction. Gratitude, however, is an act of defiance. We deny the victory these individuals seek by choosing to see the good in one another and the potential for a better tomorrow. When we stand together—across differences, across divides—we reaffirm the values that make America unbreakable.

This Thanksgiving, I am reminded of my immigrant roots and my family's journey to build a life here. My gratitude for this country runs deep—not just for its freedoms but for its promise to those willing to fight for it. As a young girl, I remember visiting Ellis Island and seeing the Statue of Liberty—a symbol of freedom, democracy, and most of all, friendship. Those values endure, but it’s up to us to keep them alive. They grow through the bridges we build, the trust we foster, and the shared purpose we create to face challenges together. Resilience begins at home, rooted in the connections we nurture with our friends and family.

Gratitude may not be the easiest thing to do in our current times when you’re debating whether you want to sit at that dinner table with family members who have fallen down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, lies, and propaganda. Maybe you’re like me–pissed off about the fact that the price of avocados is going to skyrocket and that they’ll become scarce when tariffs get imposed in the new year. Seriously though, how am I going to survive without guacamole? So as always, let’s take the time to express our thanks during the dinner conversation for the food on the table. After all, the cost of turkey is the lowest it has been in years! And maybe next year, when you’re back at that Thanksgiving dinner table, perhaps commonality will be found when every single person at the table agrees to give someone the bird for the fact we haven’t been able to enjoy guacamole together. Trivial as it might seem, reality will eventually set in, and it could happen.

I’m especially grateful for the incredible gift of finding a new tribe. Taking a stand has often left me in political no-man’s land, but in that space, I’ve discovered something profound—a community of people like you. Your support, courage, and shared belief in doing what’s right have reminded me that I’m not alone. Together, we are building something stronger than partisanship: a tribe rooted in shared values, integrity, and hope for the future. Thank you for being my tribe.

Gratitude is a powerful force, but its true strength lies in its ability to inspire us to be better—for ourselves, one another, and the country we love.

That's something we can all be thankful for.