Thanksgiving is more than just gathering around the dinner table to eat turkey, before moving to the couch to watch football. It's about home, new land, freedom, and being thankful for all of those things, and much more. Let's be grateful together this thanksgiving!
I'm grateful for...
1. Family
As crazy as they may be sometimes, they will always be our foundation.
2. Life Lessons
Sometimes we don't always get it right, or life throws us a curveball and it teaches us a valuable lesson.
3. Friends
Being able to call someone a friend is something we shouldn't ever take for granted. They help complete us. After all, they are the family we chose for ourselves.
4. Home
Not everyone has somewhere to call home or a bed to sleep in. Coming home at night and crawling in bed should never be taken for granted. Thank you Sandra Bullock and The Blindside for that reminder (and for always making me cry).
5. Prayer
Freedom of Religion. The power of prayer. The healing hands of Jesus. Laying it all down at the foot of the cross.
6. Food
Knowing that there is always something in the pantry or a kitchen to prepare a home cooked meal in, or even this Thanksgiving prepared for us.
7. Work
Yes, it may not be the most fun, ideal, or dream job but earning a paycheck is a necessity but still something we should be grateful to do, in order to provide for ourselves.
8. Clothes
Warm jackets. T-shirts. Jeans. Pants. Shoes.
A washer and dryer for laundry or even quarters for the laundromat.
9. Forgiveness
Offering a second chance, or receiving a second chance. Asking for forgiveness. Knowing you are forgiven.
10. Significant Other
Being in love can be something we take for granted and having someone there. Tell them you are thankful for them today and how much they mean to you.
11. Pictures
Old. New. Memories. Captured to remember year after year.
12. Hometowns
The feeling of nostalgia you feel when you go back to your favorite spots in town, even if you have been many times before.
13. Pets
Coming home to a wiggly, wet nose, and a wagging tail is always something to look forward to when you come through the front door.
14. Future
New beginnings, moving forward with careers, following life's journey, and getting to dream about it all until then.
15. Good Days & Bad Days
Bad days make the good ones even better.
16. Weekends
Friday. Saturday. Sunday.
Sometimes we even get an extra day for a long weekend - cherish them.
17. Traveling
New adventures. New places. Making memories. Exploring new cultures, foods, lives, and worlds.
18. Connections
Staying in touch with distant friends.
Social media platforms when they aren't full of political banter.
19. Giving > Receiving
Being able to receive gifts you didn't expect. Being able to give back means so much more than receiving.
20. Music
Listening to the lyrics, falling in a trance in the tune and sounds.
21. Teachers
Helping you to learn so much over your life, building on each school year, in order to get you where you are today.
22. Reading
The ability to read is something we take for granted. From reading texts, cheesy Instagram captions, and our favorite books. We couldn't survive well without it.
23. Health
Being healthy!
Even if we have our own health issues, we can still be healthy by eating well, participating in regular exercise, and taking care of ourselves.
24. Hobbies
We all have different tastes, visions, things that we love.
Hiking. Crafting. Reading. Sports.
25. Conversations
Deep conversations about biggest dreams and darkest fears. Enjoyable conversation about our loves and favorite things.
26. Laughter
Smiling. Laughing uncontrollably. Giggling. Tickled laughs. Can't seem to catch your breath laughing.
27. Being Cozy
Cuddling up with your favorite blanket, your love, watching a movie, the dog, a good cup of coffee, wearing your favorite sweatpants, or whatever makes you the happiest.
28. Growing
Emotionally. Physically. Mentally.
A year ago, you were a different person.
29. Sleep
It doesn't always come easy, but it is sure nice when it does happen and you get a good 8 hours of shut eye.
30. Everything Else
Traditions. Holidays. Cookies. Shopping. Organization. Painting. Your likes, dislikes, talents, lessons, and life. Be grateful for every moment.
Thanksgiving is upon us, it's been the season of being thankful, appreciative, and realizing how grateful we are. Take that with you into every month, not just November. Go tell someone you are thankful for them today.
Happy Thanksgiving, ya turkeys!
