It's that time of the year again when we give thanks and recognize all that we have. Throughout the year with our busy schedule and hectic lives, we tend to forget how we are fortunate. Thanksgiving is a time where we can take a break from our constant hustle in life and surround ourselves with those who make us smile a little bigger and make our hearts a little fuller. Here are a few things I am thankful for this year:

1. My Family

Family has become so important to me this past year and often times I feel like I take them for granted. They do a lot for me, from cooking homemade meals to helping me calm down when I rant to them about my worries and stresses over the phone. They are my biggest support system and I don't know what I would do without them.

2. My Friends

Although family is important to me, so are my friends. Since I moved away from home I depend on my friends a lot more than I used to. With my family being hours away, I was thankful that I had a strong support system right by me. From walks in the park, hour long conversations, and movie nights, they have helped me enjoy this year. I'm thankful for their friendships and I am glad that I had the chance of meeting them this year.

3. My Health

This year has taught me that I should not take my health for granted because at any point it could be taken away from me. I think a lot of people are oblivious to the fact that some things change and there is nothing that they can do about it. I believe we should all live life to the fullest and be thankful for our health, because it is very important.

4. My Opportunities

As I've moved past high school and on my own in college, I've realized that I'm fortunate compared to others. I have the ability to go to college and to learn more about what I am interested and I've realized that some people do not get that opportunity. I am thankful that I get to go to college for something that I love and that I have the resources to do so.

Thanksgiving is usually known as the season where people get together with family and eat a lot of food, or it's forgotten and people go straight to Christmas. I believe that Thanksgiving is an important day to celebrate, because it helps keep people grounded and content with what they have.

What are you thankful for?