Foreign Policy Blogs

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!Today citizens and residents of the United States set forth to spend the day amongst family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The day is one where we are able to escape the ciaos that has become our everyday lives and take a moment to gather around tables covered in bountiful food and partake in traditions old and new.   As you gather around your tables today, remember the true meaning of the day, and truly give thanks for all you have as we are often consumed by what is missing in our lives and not what we have. Regardless of how full your plates or tables are, take a moment to remember the fullness of life comes from those who surround our tables and fill our lives.

Too often we forget to thank those in our lives that mean and do so much for us, we fail to see what is truly important in our lives. It has become almost a normal pastime to take our lives for granted, and rarely do we stop to look and see how lucky we really are. I know that even on my worst day, I am one of the lucky ones, and I am thankful that I have been so blessed for all I have and I have learned that what I am most thankful for is not material, but the wealth of people and experiences I have had. Each year I sit down and realize how much richer my life has become…often I feel my plate is fuller and burdensome, but then I stop and look and I see that my table is bigger and I realize the heaviness of my daily plate is worth it and really not so full.  I have been blessed to encounter so many people who have shown me nothing but strength and thanks in the face of adversity. The year has not always been the easiest, but I give so much thanks for the struggles and hardships I have had, as they have made me stronger and my life richer.

Take today to teach the children in your life the true meaning of Thanksgiving, and look to make everyday one in which they give thanks. Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to begin looking at ways in which you can give back to the community. Can’t think of any?…stay tuned as I will be bringing you a list of ways you can help underprivileged children!

 

Author

Cassandra Clifford

Cassandra Clifford is the Founder and Executive Director of Bridge to Freedom Foundation, which works to enhance and improve the services and opportunities available to survivors of modern slavery. She holds an M.A., International Relations from Dublin City University in Ireland, as well as a B.A., Marketing and A.S., Fashion Merchandise/Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cassandra has previously worked in both the corporate and charity sector for various industries and causes, including; Child Trafficking, Learning Disabilities, Publishing, Marketing, Public Relations and Fashion. Currently Cassandra is conducting independent research on the use of rape as a weapon of war, as well as America’s Pimp Culture and its Impact on Modern Slavery. In addition to her many purists Cassandra is also working to develop a series of children’s books.

Cassandra currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area, where she also writes for the Examiner, as the DC Human Rights Examiner, and serves as an active leadership member of DC Stop Modern Slavery.


Areas of Focus:
Children's Rights; Human Rights; Conflict