That I live in a democratic nation where we have the freedom to speak our minds, to go about our business unmolested as long as we don’t impair the ability of others to do so, to vote on our officials and expect a fair and just outcome.

I am thankful that I can drive my own car, that I can walk down the street and feel safe doing so. I can hold a job. I can choose what to wear (or not to wear). I can associate with whomever I choose, and worship whichever God I choose (or not, if that is my decision).

For all the economic mess this country is in, it is a pretty awesome place to be, and I think that from time to time I need to sit back and remember that, when my day is not going how I planned, and I’m feeling sorry for myself.

I am always looking outside of this country for a sense of belonging and a sense of community, but at the core, I am grateful to be born into this country with all its opportunities. I am a woman and I have a job. I wear what I want and can speak my mind, unafraid.

I can’t make my blog green for Iran, but if I could I would. I want the people of Iran to have the same freedoms and sense of security that I take for granted.

(If you aren’t aware of how awful things are there, this post should help make it a little clearer: Iran: Neda Soltani. A word of warning, though – it’s extremely graphic and extremely difficult to watch.)