Everyone knows that November is the month of giving thanks. With the holidays around the corner and Thanksgiving arriving soon, I've done quite a bit of thinking. I took a moment to realize all the wonderful things in my life that I'm thankful for and that has helped shape who I am today. So many people forget to count their blessings and realizing that you have so much to be thankful for is a great start into becoming a great well-rounded person.
Here's a list of the 14 reasons that I'm thankful this November.
1. I have a wonderful family.
Kelsey Thomas
My family is my biggest support system. They cheer me on and encourage me to always be my best self. I was raised by two amazing parents who continually make me feel loved and uplifted. My brother and sister are my biggest role models and have constantly protected me and defended me.
2. I've established beautiful friendships.
My close friends have been there for me through everything. They've seen me heartbroken. They've seen my messy room. They've heard all my 5-minute stories that I drag out for 30 minutes. They never judge me and always make sure that I know they have my back and will always be there for me.
3. I have good health.
I'm so lucky that I am not terminally ill or disabled. I have the ability to breathe, run, speak and think. Although I do get sick, it's never anything serious and I'm so grateful for that.
4. I'm in a loving relationship.
The relationship that I'm currently in is one that I am so proud to be a part of. I have someone who cares about me, makes me feel loved and truly adores me for my true self. I've experienced difficult relationships and heartache before, and I'm so thankful that this one is different.
5. I live in a world full of opportunity.
Every day there are opportunities swirling around me. I always get the chance to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I'm able to meet so many people and put myself out there and allow my presence to be known. Let me tell ya, it's a pretty good feeling.
6. I've learned to love nature's beauty.
I'm in the mountains this fall and am slowly seeing the leaves on all the trees changing from green to gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and purple. Driving in my car, I see the rainfall of dead leaves and watch as they flood the streets, and I just can't help admiring the beauty of it.
7. I get a break from school.
November means that I get a week-long break during the week of Thanksgiving. This week is so valuable to me because I am able to go home and spend time with my family without having to stress about school and exams. It's a nice breath of fresh air where I can relax and enjoy the quality time I deserve with my favorite people.
8. I've set foot on new journeys.
This year for me has been a year of new things. I've tried different things throughout the semester. I became the editor-in-chief for my school's Odyssey team. I've starting looking into summer internships. It's a lot of new adventures that I have been able to experience, and I'm glad that I'm also able to balance all of my different obligations throughout the semester.
9. I have a roof over my head.
I am so blessed to be able to have a home to go to every night. There are many people nowadays who lose their jobs and sometimes their homes and don't have the luxury to go home to a heated house in the winter. Having a home is something so many people take for granted.
10. I am able to get food on the table.
Although my cooking isn't necessarily outstanding, I am able to provide food for myself and can go get food when I don't feel like cooking. I'm so appreciative of this because some people struggle just to get a minimal amount of groceries for their families.
11. I have grown to develop a deeper understanding of myself and other people.
I've experienced so much in the past year that has truly changed the way I see myself, other people and the world around me. I feel like I have a deeper understanding of situations and know healthy ways of responding to conflict. This is extremely important to me because a year ago, I was honestly a mess that didn't know how to handle situations. I've grown and I'm more mature and now feel so comfortable to face whatever life throws at me.
12. Knowledge is attainable and I attend a great university.
Getting an education is something that not everyone goes after. I'm thankful that I get to experience life at such a great university and can grow within my intellectual development. With knowledge, the world is in my hands.
13. I am able to practice the things I'm passionate about every day.
Not everyone gets to go to school for what they love. Dance and writing are two things that have been important to me since I was a child, and growing up to still feel the same way isn't likely for all people. However for me, I am able to study both dance and journalism, as well as experience them first-hand through jobs and clubs.
14. I am alive and able to see another day.
The biggest thing that I'm thankful for is the fact that I am alive and well. I know that any day could be my last, and I'm beyond blessed to have woken up this morning and been able to experience a day. When I have bad days, and life just feels like it's sucking, I think about this and remind myself that it's just another day and become thankful that I have the chance of seeing another.
Count your blessings and be grateful for them. Never take life for granted because you never know when it could end. There are so many things that everyone has to be thankful for. Appreciate the little things and live every day as if it's your last. Sit down and think about where you were a year ago and where you are now. Are you happy with the changes? If not, change them. Be thankful for the opportunity to change and find the things that shape you. Allow those things to come together in vibrant colors and paint a picture of who you are, because honestly, I can guarantee that you're a great person. But once you see how lucky you truly are, you'll be even better.
man running in forestPhoto by 
