Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year! There's yummy food, you can wear cute outfits and spend great quality time with family and friends. Some of the best family memories are made on Thanksgiving throughout the years. While it is a great time for football, food and family, it is also a time for us all to reflect. It is a time to reflect on the countless blessings that we have in our lives, as well as the struggles that we may have faced over the past year and how they made us stronger. For those of us who have, perhaps, had a tumultuous year, Thanksgiving is a good time to remember the many good things in our lives despite any hardships. Here are just a few of the many things that we all have to be thankful for.
1. Our family
Honestly, where would we be without them?
2. Our friends
They're always by our side.
3. Our health
This is something that we often take for granted, but it is something to be so thankful for. When you, your family and your friends are all in good health, you know that you have something to be truly thankful for.
4. Our country
Although some people may not feel as though we should be grateful for our country right now, America is still one of the strongest countries in the world that offers a host of opportunities and allows freedoms that are not offered in other countries.
5. Our education
No matter where you are in your educational process, it is a blessing that so many people have the opportunity to further their studies in a variety of ways.
6. Healthcare
As mentioned before, we should never take our health — or any healthcare benefits that we have — for granted.
7. Our safety
We have to be so thankful for the men and women protecting our country at home and overseas. On Thanksgiving — and every other day of the year —, we salute you!
8. Music
Life would be a lot less beautiful without music.
9. Self-expression
Being able to be oneself is not a privilege that everyone possesses!
10. Faith
Although faith is different for each individual, it is something to be thankful for nonetheless.
11. Our rights
We are so lucky to live in a country founded on the principles of freedom!
12. Being accepting of other people
This Thanksgiving, work toward accepting people rather than simply "tolerating" them.
13. Remembering those who passed away with fond memories
Although losing someone that you love is an extremely difficult thing, we all have to give thanks for the amazing memories that we have shared with our loved ones that have lost.
14. Being able to pursue your dreams
Not everyone is so lucky!
15. Having people to support you
Many of us would not be where we are today without a strong support system in our lives.
16. Mentors
Our mentors have given us guidance to find the right path in life, which we should all be thankful for.
17. People who inspire us
For giving us a model of how we want to live our lives.
18. Our parents, who provide constant support
Even when we don't believe in ourselves, our parents are the ones who still have faith in us!
19. Our pets
Who doesn't love their pets?
20. Having the means for Thanksgiving dinner
Some people aren't so fortunate to have a hot meal with family this year.
21. People who have knocked us down
We still have to give thanks for the tough times because it is always a learning experience.
22. Our ability to get back up after being knocked down
Our resilience only proves our internal strength.
23. Nature
All around us are beautiful sights that we should never overlook.
24. Clean water
Clean water is something that we underestimate every day, but shouldn't forget about
25. Heat
As the winter weather settles in during the next few months, we'll appreciate heat more and more.
26. Being able to read and write
We would not have gotten as far as we have today without these great abilities.
27. Making memories with friends
They will last a lifetime!
28. Being able to make our own decisions
Decision-making is such a small thing that so many people take for granted.
29. The bad days that make the good days that much better
It only makes us more grateful for the abundance of good days.
30. Life
This Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for life in general. Sometimes life is such a fleeting concept and we have to cherish each and every moment. You never know when your entire life can change in the blink of an eye.
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
