What are you thankful for this year?
Perhaps this year more than ever, the practice of giving thanks will be a welcome break from not only everyday stresses, but also the post-election anxiety that many of us are experiencing. Whether you’re surrounded by friends, family and a tryptophan-laden feast or are spending the holiday solo, this fourth Thursday in November is a great time to reflect on the people and things that help you get through even the most difficult days.
To kick off the holiday, the women behind New Women New Yorkers took some time to write down what they’re thankful for this year, from new family additions to communities of support. But we also want to know what all of you, our readers, are thankful for this year. Please comment below or tag your posts on social media with #NWLoveNY to let us know, “What are you thankful for this year?”
“I am thankful for the entry into my life of my sweet and adorable baby girl. People say motherhood changes you. It certainly does, in a sometimes painful but beautiful way. Nitzan fills every day of my new life with joy and laughter, with surprises, with challenge and hope. On the morning of November 9, her smile when I woke her up was the only thing that made me hold it together.” —Arielle Kandel, Founder & Director of NWNY
“I am thankful for the opportunity to belong to the NWNY community. Over the last few years, working with NWNY has empowered me take on new challenges, meet new people, and be innovative and creative in such rewarding ways. I am thankful for the safe space that NWNY provides for its staff, volunteers and program participants, and the tremendous community of support that has mobilized since the beginning of this organization.” —Abbey Kurtz, Outreach & Development Manager
“I’m so incredibly thankful for the wonderful man I can, as of June, call my husband. He’s been a wonderful and encouraging support in my life for the past six years and I’m grateful to have had the chance to celebrate with so many family and friends this year. I’m also thankful for the strong-willed women I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with at New Women New Yorkers over the past year and a half, and for the opportunity and ability to help our writers give young immigrant women a platform to share their stories.” —Anna Archibald, Blog Manager & Editor
“I am thankful for the people in my life who are always examples of kindness, openness, and love. I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who challenge me and who have strong character. I am thankful to live in a place like New York, a city made up of diverse people and communities because my world view is continually expanding. I would not be the person I am today without these people and these experiences — for that I am thankful!” —Emily Barnard, Blog Contributor
“I’m thankful to be a part of a strong, supportive community of women — especially women of color — who, despite dismaying circumstances, have come together to support one another and brainstorm ways to heal, empower one another, and sustainably organize in the months and years to come.” —Ludmila Leiva, Blog Editor & Contributor
“I am thankful for my new friends in NYC. I did not make any friends in London where I have lived before for couple of years. Now I have friends from different countries. I am so happy for that. I am thankful for my first job as a teacher—it helped me a lot after I have lost my mom. Kids are funny and make me laugh all the time. I am grateful for my life. I can breath, see wonderful Central Park every morning or afternoon when I cross it to go to work. I can hear birds. I am thankful for having a family who supports me when I pass through difficult moments in my life. I think that we have to be grateful for what we have and never forget that we have a lot.” —Daria Kurdyukova, Blog Contributor and LEAD program graduate
“I am thankful for gaining new and wonderful friends who have inspired and motivated me in so many ways. I am also thankful for the opportunity to have met some of the refugees in Europe and to have listened to their heartbreaking stories of survival. I am also truly thankful for having a community of strong and supportive women here at NWNY which allowed me to meet and relate with so many unique and interesting women whose stories of struggle and courage are just mind blowing. This year made me appreciate my life, family, and friends even more. And on a personal note: Every year and this year, I am thankful for the opportunity to live in this great city and meet so many interesting people. I am also thankful for still having my precious and sweet grandmother who impatiently waits for my visit every year!” —Khatia Mikadze, Blog Contributor
“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect. This November, in addition to being grateful for family and friends, I am grateful for allies. In a time of uncertainty post-election, I am thankful for the comfort and solidarity that I find among them. I am also thankful for all the great organizations and unsung heroes out there working to protect our most vulnerable populations. They provide the inspiration I need to fight for and be hopeful for a better future for all.” —Diana Ortiz, Communications & Social Media Manager
“I’m thankful to have grown up in a community of immigrants. Colombians, Dominicans, Russians, Poles, Puerto Ricans, Egyptians, Koreans, Mexicans, Romanians. Documented and undocumented. I love that I can count on one hand the number of people I grew up with who spoke only one language and I love that I belong to two distinct cultures with distinct languages and traditions.” —Aneta Molenda, Blog Contributor
