With Thanksgiving coming up, I feel like a lot of people start getting in a contemplative mood and start to think about the things they are grateful for. There is a general consensus of the things people say; family, their home, their pets, etc. While thinking about it this year, I've realized there are so many small things, things that happen on a daily basis that we don't even notice anymore, that are just as important as some of the other things that we name. So this year, I'm going to acknowledge some of the smaller and more unique things that I love and am grateful for. Hopefully, this will draw some attention on some of the things you're forgetting about when Auntie Carol asks you what you're thankful for at dinner.

1. I love the way the smell of coffee fills my suite on a Monday morning when everyone is making coffee to help them get through the day

2. I love going to see the lighthouse at Folly Beach after midnight and sitting on the rocks with my feet in the water

3. I love how good a hot shower feels on a day that I don't feel very good

4. I love the smell that's in the air right before it rains

5. I love putting on a warm sweatshirt that was just pulled from the dryer

6. I love artists, like Sam Smith, where you can hear every ounce of passion and emotion in their voice

7. I love a good stir-fry made with lots of veggies and chicken

8. I love cold and rainy days because it's perfect book-reading weather

9. I love the way beanies keep my ears warm

10. I love the feeling of peace and calm that comes over me after I do a session of yoga

11. I love white chocolate raspberry cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory

12. I love those nights when I can manage to get to sleep before 12 AM (doesn't happen often)

13. I love having friends that support me through anything and are always there when I need them

14. I love the smell of a book and I would much rather have a physical book than reading something on my phone or an E-reader

15. I love being alive

I hope reading this list has helped you identify some things that you may not have realized you were thankful for. Tell ya Aunt Carol about how you love the smell of books instead of telling her you're thankful for the family (unless you've never told them that before, then definitely tell them.)