Just because Thanksgiving has passed, there is no reason to stop thinking of things to be thankful for. It is too easy to focus on negatives — the friend who for some reason isn't talking to you, the quickly approaching finals, etc. — that we forget about the positives. As Andy Williams sings, this is "the most wonderful time of the year." The holiday season is here and I feel it is time to take a moment to reflect on what we have to be thankful for.
1. Family.
Too often around the holidays I see or hear people complaining that they have to spend time with their families. To spend time with family is a very special thing, be thankful for all of that time and cherish the memories you will make.
2. Friendship.
While you may not see your friends on the actual holiday itself i.e.Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's, you can still be thankful for them. Friends are like a second family you build through those you meet at school, work, or countless other places. They laugh with you, cry with you, and always seem to know the best way to help. Be thankful to have these people in your life.
3. Food and a place to call home.
There are so many in this world who have nowhere near enough to eat and have to sleep outside no matter the weather because they have nowhere else to go. Maybe your college dining hall doesn't have the best food or maybe your dorm room is kind of small, but enough to eat and a place to rest are always things to be thankful for. So, this Thursday as you feast upon turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc. at someone's house (or wherever you happen to be celebrating), please truly take a moment to be thankful for the food you are eating.
4. Opportunity.
Whether it be educational, work-related, travel, social, or numerous other possibilities, there are opportunities and doors opening at every turn. Be thankful these opportunities present themselves, see them as potential to grow and learn, and do your best not to pass them up.
5. Nature.
Though the world is changing every day, there remain countless breathtaking natural moments. This may include a waterfall that you drive by, a mountain range, or a view of the ocean. Or it could be something as simple as sunlight streaming through leaves, a rainbow after a storm, or a sunset. It's easy to miss these little moments of beauty throughout the day but they are there if you look.
The list of things to be thankful for can go on for pages or be broken into little subcategories, depending on the person. And this is not to say that watching sports games or planning to shop the next day are crimes. It is meant as a reminder that we often have more than we realize and, these next couple of weeks especially, take a few moments to recognize and appreciate the good we have.
