Marc Cuniberti Thanksgiving is a special time of year. It is a time for gratitude and appreciating what we have.
Unarguably, 2020 has been a frightful year. Few on the planet would debate such a claim. But in the midst of tremendous calamity, we can take a moment and, if anything, admit to ourselves it could have been worse.
No doubt, economically, the year 2020 has devastated world economies and comparably, without precedent. And although I have not traveled overseas since CoVid, I can comfortably say the damage here in the U.S. is similar to almost all other industrialized nations that make up our world.
In the midst of this, however, my recent trip to a large strip mall encouraged my outlook. Simply put, it was packed. It was as if nothing had happened. Crowds were large and lines were long. Had patrons not been wearing masks and had stores not been throttling patrons due to CoVid, I would not have known the world was in one of the worst economic downturns in modern history.
I suppose we should be grateful for the stimulus programs that have allowed this.
Although many businesses have gone away for good, and they will be followed by many more, the consumer, at least some of them, are seemingly in the shopping mood and lining up to spend money.
Speaking of programs, food bank lines are longer than they have been in recent memory. As cars and people trail around the block for assistance, we can give thanks to those amazing individuals that staff and donate to such worthwhile endeavors. I can only say “bless their hearts”, each and every one of them.
The polarization of America due to political differences has only added to the toxicity of the year. Indeed, even the subject of facemasks has added more fuel to the fires of bitterness. Racial tensions amplified yet again the anger. It seemed as if the nation was splitting in two.
Yet with conclusion of the election, it appeared perhaps everyone was tiring of the conflicts. No matter what side of the various arguments we found ourselves on, it’s almost as if an audible sigh of relief was collectively felt by all, or least hopefully felt by many. No matter who was your candidate, I am sure there are those on both sides that are glad “it” is over. Perhaps we are just tired, or fed up, or maybe even a little embarrassed. All of these emotions are understandable, and probably well justified.
Whatever we are feeling, we can be grateful we, as a nation of brothers and sisters, are still together, if not completely healed and bonded as before. I can only hope friendships and families can be rebuilt, words and actions can be forgiven, and a renewed appreciation can sprout up where there once was anger and discontent.
In this moment, I will be thankful for my family, my friends, my ability to work, my health and my spirituality.
I will be thankful our economy is still functioning, that racial tensions seem to be easing, and that the reality of exhaustion, usually regarded as a negative, can be looked upon instead as a reason to put down our proverbial pitchforks, put away our differences, and once again call everyone, as in everyone, our brothers and sisters. For we are just that, brothers and sisters.
America, it is time to forgive, it is time to accept, it is time to heal.
We will beat this. All of this. Our economy will go on. Damaged and bruised certainly. But it will survive. And hopefully, we, all of us, have learned just a little more about others and learned a little more about ourselves. We can do better and I am extremely thankful to know we will.
Opinions expressed here are opinion only, and not those of any bank or investment advisory firm. Nothing stated is meant to insure a guarantee, or to be construed as investment advice. Neither Money Management Radio (“Money Matters”) receive, control, access or monitor client funds, accounts, or portfolios. For a list of the services offered by Mr. Cuniberti, call (530)559-1214. California Insurance License #0L34249 and Medicare Agent. Insurance services offered independently through Marc Cuniberti and not affiliated with any RIA firm or entity. Email: [email protected]
Photo by Zach Reiner on Unsplash
