3 Things To Be Thankful For This Fall

A wonderful thing happened this week that instilled millions of Americans with hope, pride, and inspiration. But before Tuesday, as we watched the stock market fall quicker than the leaves this autumn and witnessed more and more people losing their jobs and getting forced out of their homes every day, we felt desperate for something to feel grateful for before the upcoming national holiday tells us to. It's always somehow easier to focus on the negative than the positive, especially lately during this awful economy and stressful election season (despite its positive result).

All the glaring negativity around us has forced us to seek out the positive, and we found that in these hard, depressing times, there were actually a lot of good things going on even before Tuesday, and we want to call attention to some of them. It seems that people are already uniting across this beaten-down country to find creative ways to be generous with their precious time and harder than ever earned money. Here are a few examples of fall blessings that we are thankful for.

#1: Beast Cancer Awareness Month

We all know that Breast Cancer Awareness Month just ended because of the pink ribbons that all but blanketed the country throughout October, but Susan G. Komen and other Breast Cancer foundations have made a difference that goes a lot deeper than décor. This year, among other accomplishments, hundreds of women showed up in Tanzania to race for the cure, helping to expand awareness throughout the world. Throughout October, we were thrilled to see so many individuals and companies working together to turn a horrible disease into something powerful. All of that pink stuff has really helped women and families that have been touched by the disease feel loved and supported; plus, for every pink ribbon purchased, we are all closer to a cure.

#2: Weight Watchers "Lose for Good" Campaign

We usually advise women to steer clear of typical, restrictive weight loss plans because they very often merely serve as fuel for the fire of obsessions with and body image. However, Weight Watchers has proven that they can certainly do some good by launching a six week "Lose for Good" campaign this fall, during which for every pound lost through their program (up to one million), Weight Watchers donated a pound of food to Share our Strength and Action Against Hunger. Over the course of the campaign, over 4 million pounds were lost and a million dollars' worth of food was donated by Weight Watchers. Not only did people better their own lives by eating healthier, but they helped ensure that fewer children in America and around the world will grow up hungry. Kudos to Weight Watchers for uniting our world at a time when it has felt very divided.

#3: $100 Million for Journalism

Columbia University's Journalism School announced in October that they not only reached their campaign's goal of raising $100 million, but they did it three years ahead of schedule. While much has already been said online about what an elite institution like Columbia will do with all that cash, suffice it to say we are thrilled to see that so many people believe in furthering our democracy at home and abroad by contributing to the future of journalism.

Comments

[Nonpartay]

I lost over 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and have kept it off for a year. So I agree, that's a very good suggestion. It really works!

[wpiv926]

My 3 things: (1.) We won't have to hear the name SARAH PALIN for awhile at least. (2.) Joe the Plumbers' 15 minutes of fame are up and (3.) BARACK OBAMA WILL BE POTUS!!!!!!

[macbabe]

#4: WE GOT OUR COUNTRY BACK!!!!!!!!!!! Yaaaaaaa-Hoooooooo!