Thanksgiving is a few days away, and it’s a time to be thankful for all of the things we have. Some of us have more than others, but no matter what, we should be thankful for what we do have. Here is a list of 24 things, in no particular order, for which we should all be thankful this Thanksgiving (and every day).
1. Home
Having a place to live seems like a small thing, but it really isn’t. Having a roof over your head is not something that everyone has, so if you have one, you should definitely be thankful for it. At the same time, home might not necessarily be a place or even the place you live; it could be people or a place other than your house. Whatever home is for you, be thankful for it. Not everyone has a home.
2. Education
We are all fortunate enough, in this country, to have the right to basic formal education, and that is definitely something for which to be thankful. Education gives you access to a whole new world of possibilities and allows you to discover things about yourself and others than you are unlikely to learn on your own. Any kind of education is a reason to be thankful, and if you have been fortunate enough to go on to higher education, like college and graduate programs, be thankful for that, too. You’re going places because of your education, and that’s awesome.
3. Family
This one seems obvious, but you should always be thankful for your family. Whether your family is “blood” or not, it helps shape you into who you are. Family cares about you, accepts you, and builds you up. That can be hard to come by, so be thankful for your family. I know I’m very thankful for mine.
4. Friends
Like family, friends help shape you as a person. Friends make us feel good, care about us, and tell us when we’re wrong. Friends are there when we need them and understand us more than we know. Friends are the family you have when you’re away from home, and we should all be thankful for that.
5. Parents
I know what you’re thinking: “Parents are family. You already said family.” Yes, parents are family, but they are so much more. Everyone has parents, even if they are not blood-related. Your parents were your first friends and the first people who loved you. Your parents raised you into the capable human you are, and they taught you all of the basic things you know, like how to talk or tie your shoes. Your parents are different than family because they gave you life; they put you in this world and let you explore all it has to offer. Be thankful for your parents today and every day (and call your mom!).
6. Siblings
Yes, siblings are annoying – trust me, I know. But you should still be thankful for them. Your siblings are sort of like friends but the ones you’re obligated to live with. They’re there for you when other people aren’t, and they don’t want to see you upset or hurt in any way, even though it might be their fault. Siblings help us learn how to get along with other people (and how not to get along with other people) by letting us be uninhibited in trying social interactions. Siblings are annoying, but they can also be pretty cool, so be thankful for your siblings at least on Thanksgiving.
7. Pets
Pets love us unconditionally, so how could we not be thankful for that?? Pets are cute and help us feel better when we’re sad. I can tell you from experience that petting my cats makes me feel better when I’m upset about something. I can’t explain it, but I know it’s true. Pets are some of our most loyal friends, and they’re super adorable, too. Be thankful for your pets; they’re definitely thankful for you.
8. Fall colors
Especially this time of year, we should be thankful for all of the beautiful colors surrounding us. The leaves changing and falling can be beautiful to see with all of the different shades of red, orange, and yellow dancing along the side of the road, scattered across the grassy fields in the park, and waiting in the trees. Take a minute or two to take in the breath-taking colors around you and be thankful for them. It’s worth it.
9. Food
Do I have to explain this one? Food is the best. Especially at a time like Thanksgiving, a holiday that is celebrated by eating way too much food, we should be thankful for food. Food is something we have a surplus here in America, so we definitely shouldn’t take it for granted. Food is awesome, and we really couldn’t live without it, so be thankful that you have food.
10. Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are not food. They have their own category. Eating warm chocolate chip cookies in the fall and winter is one of the best things ever. I’m absolutely thankful for chocolate chip cookies, especially this time of year, because they keep me warm and happy when it gets cold at night. You should be thankful for them, too.
11.Hot chocolate / coffee
I don’t like coffee, so hot chocolate is what I’m thankful for, but if you like coffee, you should be thankful for that. Hot drinks are the best this time of year, especially on those cold, snowy nights. I’m thankful for hot chocolate because it gives me the opportunity to have a warm drink that I actually enjoy (and because it’s chocolate). Whatever your warm drink of choice may be, be thankful for it this Thanksgiving.
12. Employment
Do you have a job? If so, whether you truly like it or not, be thankful for it. Not everyone has a job or the opportunity to have a job, so don’t take your for granted. I’m one of the lucky ones who loves her jobs. Both of my jobs are pretty similar, and I love every second of them. My jobs challenge me as an individual and as a role model, and I love it. I love working with children, I love working with my coworkers, and I love working for my bosses, so I’m super thankful for my jobs. No matter what your job is, at the end of the day, be thankful for it. It’s helping you grow in some way.
13. Teachers
I’m a little biased because I’m going to be a teacher soon (in less than two years—someone send help!), but I think you should be thankful for your teachers. All of them. From pre-school through college, your teachers and professors helped you become who you are academically, socially, and emotionally. Your teachers were there for you every day at school, and they helped you grow into what you wanted to be. Teachers do way more than most people realize, and they rarely get any credit for what they do, so the least you can do to repay them for all they’ve done for you is be thankful for your teachers.
To my former and current teachers and professors, I’m very thankful for all of you. Thank you for everything you have done. I can’t wait to be one of you in a couple short years!
14. Technology
Technology is everywhere. It helps us do practically everything. Someone is always inventing the latest technology to help us do something we could honestly do on our own. Be thankful for that. Be thankful for the time and effort people have spent creating things like the internet, laptops, cell phones, and televisions so that your life could be easier. Be thankful for the technology you have; some people have none.
15. Patience
Patience is something we should all be thankful today and every day. We should be thankful for our own patience and for the patience of others. We should be thankful that we are able to patient with other people when they bother us or don’t behave in a way we particularly like. But we should also be thankful that other people are able to be patient with us because no one is perfect. We should be thankful for the patience of others when we are at our best and our worst. All in all, be patient, and be thankful for that patience.
16. Good health
Good health is definitely something to be thankful for because it keeps us going. Be thankful for being healthy because it lets you do everything you need to do every day. Someday, it is likely that your good health will fade, and you will wish you could have it back. Appreciate what you have right now by being thankful for good health.
17. Weekends
This one needs no explanation. Weekends are awesome because they give us two days to do whatever we want before we have to go back to work and school for the next five days. Be thankful for weekends (as if you aren’t already).
18. Laughter
They say laughter is the best medicine, and I think we should be thankful for that medicine. Be thankful for your own laughter and the laughter of others. It’s beautiful to hear the laughter of the people you care about; it means they’re happy. It’s beautiful to hear the laughter of your friends and family on even the most troubling days; it means they still have hope. It’s beautiful to hear the laughter of children on any given day; it has so much innocence. Be thankful for laughter. I know I am.
19. Love
Everyone should be thankful for love. All kinds of love. Platonic, familial, and romantic love. Love can be given, taken, and shared, and that is beautiful. We give and receive love to and from the people around us every day. Be thankful for the love you have in your life. Even if you don’t think anyone loves you, I can guarantee you that at least one person loves you. Trust me.
20. Music
I am thankful for music because it calms me down when I get upset. I am thankful for music because it keeps me entertained on long car rides. I am thankful for music because it has allowed me to discover some of my talents. I am thankful for music because I can relate to it and play it over and over until I get tired of it. I am thankful for music because it brings people together. Music is does so many wonderful things for us. Be thankful for it.
21. Kindness
Like patience, be thankful for your own kindness and the kindness of others. Be thankful that you were kind to the people who enjoy being in your life now, and be thankful that others are kind to you, even when you don’t deserve it. Be thankful for kindness every day because it lifts us all up and brings up together. With this thankfulness, always remember to be kind to one another. We all need kindness.
22. Strength
Even in our darkest times, we all have strength to get us through. Strength helps us get back up and try again. Strength helps us heal and grow. Be thankful that you have strength to help you get through each and every day to live life with those you love. Strength is a mentality we all have the capacity to possess. Be thankful for it.
23. Challenges
Be thankful for the challenges you encounter every day and for the strength to overcome them. We should be thankful for our challenges because they help us grow and learn to solve problems. Challenges shape us into the people we are because we are what we have been through. Look at every challenge as something to be thankful for, and you will overcome anything it throws at you. Be thankful for failing grades and bad evaluations. Be thankful for people who tell you that you can’t do it. Be thankful for heartbreak and disappointment. All of these things make you a better person. Be thankful for challenges.
24. Life
Most of all, we should all be thankful for the lives we have. We should be thankful for life itself every day. You are still alive. You are still here. You are still living and breathing and taking in everything life has to offer. Enjoy it and be thankful for it. Life is not something to be taken lightly. Days turn into years in an instant. Be thankful for your life and the lives of the people you love. Life is happening; don’t take it for granted.
These are some things I am thankful for every day, and I hope you can find time in your week to be thankful for them, too. I wish you and your family wonderful memories together and a happy Thanksgiving.
