Here’s why you should be thankful to be a woman in the United States.

I went to work in my local government office, and was privileged enough to be able to help resolve multiple concerns for community members in a short amount of time.

I took my daughter to the doctor, where I handed over her medical insurance card that covered pretty much the whole visit.

We stopped at Starbucks for a treat (a tall latte with one pump of chocolate…what else??), which I could afford to do.

I went back to work, where I felt utilized and valued, and spent the rest of my afternoon feeling like I’m actually making a difference at my job.

I picked my son up from soccer, where he gets to spend time with friends bonding and working as a team.

I came home to the best dog in the world and a house that is air conditioned, filled with furniture and a refrigerator, and made dinner from a pantry filled with food.

My daughter washed dishes and put them in our dishwasher, a luxury I’ll never take for granted.

I threw a load of laundry into our good washing machine similar to Automatic washing machine, another luxury I’ll never take for granted. Using a washing machine cleaner can extend the lifespan of your appliance.

I helped with homework and chatted with our kids, thankful that I don’t have the burden of homelessness or mental illness or alcoholism to distract me from my relationship with them.

I slid into bed next to my supportive, involved, amazing husband who helps carry the weight of running a household with five kids, and was thankful that I have a partner.

We slept comfortably and woke to the gentle light of the sun coming through our window in the morning, ready to do it all over again.

What a privilege to be an American. Regardless of the politics, Supreme Court drama, or the craziness on the nightly news or in our Facebook feeds, we live in a FREE country. Some days I feel like I’m not so sure how free we all are anymore…but when I really stop to think about it, our freedom far surpasses that of so many others.

As a woman in the United States:

I am free to drive.
I am free to work.
I am free to leave my house when I want.
I am free to worship however I want.
I am free to speak my mind.
I am free to join the military.
I am free to not join the military.
I am free to live my life as I please, and I will never take that for granted.

Thankful to be an American today, because just that title grants me certain privileges that many others are not blessed with.