Be Thankful For What You Got

ATTENTION: With this edition of “Much Love, Soul”, I’mma need some participation. So please, set aside 15 minutes for yourself. We have two activities.

Now, for our 1st activity, take a second to jam with me! Find and listen to the song “Be Thankful For What You Got” by William DeVaughn.

I know the lyrics are repetitive and the song is long (the version of the song I have is 7 minutes and 13 seconds long :-); see below), but try to listen to the whole song. I’m sure my old school audience won’t have a problem with this task :-).

Some of you might have thought the name of the song was “Diamond in the Back” or that it was written by Curtis Mayfield. A little more history: it was originally called “A Cadillac Don't Come Easy”, but was it renamed "Be Thankful for What You Got" by the time it was released in 1972.

Now, some years ago I was watching a documentary on the life of one of our ‘Great Giants”, Mya Angelo. Among the many things she said, this simple quote stuck with me: “The best prayer one could offer is simply, thanks.” :-) And that’s what I’d like us to all ponder on….. being thankful and doing our best with what we have.

I’ve come to the realization, more now than ever, of the importance of being appreciative. Without constant appreciation, we tend to devalue our mates, our family members, our jobs, our abilities, the things we have, and anything else. Its like we need to constantly remind ourselves before we start taking things for granted!

On our first few days of school we take extra care of our clothes. When we first get that new car we wash it regularly :-). When we first enter almost any relationship, we do our best. However, how can we continue to appreciate these relationships and things with the same zeal? I’d like to suggest that constantly staying conscious of the importance of these things would help bring us the level of appreciation that they deserve.

Many of you may look at my situation and say that I have it the worst – but really I don’t! I can look around and quickly point to other inmates without family. Inmates that can’t read or write. Inmates that need help using the kiosk machine I’m using to write this message. I know other dudes that are hopeless and have given up on LIFE. From my vantage point – I’m in a much better place than many of my peers. Yet I know they have plenty to be thankful for also!

I use the above analogy because if you’re reading this message, you’re probably not in jail or prison – which to me is certainly a better hand :-) (If you disagree, I have no problem switching places :-D) Trust me, you have much to be thankful for. So without wasting any more time – what are you thankful for?

Here are ten things I’m thankful for:

1) My sanity

2) My toes

3) My fingers

4) My life

5) My family

6) My friends

7) What I’ve been fortunate to learn (knowledge)

8) This comfortable ass pillow I have that isn’t sanctioned :-)

9) The ability to have choices of what I want to eat daily (it comes with my job)

10) I know it’s the same category of family…..but….I’m thankful for Corey and Asia – my

children. May my Ancestors and I live on.

Now Your Turn: The last thing I’d like you to do is write a list of 10 things that you’re thankful for – and share it with someone.

Thank you for spending some of your with me :-) :-) :-)

Much Love,

Soul

P.S. Oh! I’m thankful for you too :-)

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