Over the course of the year, it is easy to forget about all of the blessings that we have. We get occupied with school, jobs, opportunities, travel, and change. When the holidays come around, we begin to rethink everything that has happened in our lives. We reminisce about the adventures that seemed unreal. We are grateful for the family that we have. We laugh more often and smile bigger. Maybe it is the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Family is very special. We never get to pick our family. Rather, the family chose us. Family comes in many forms. There are parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, partners, and best friends. No matter who consists of your family, it is held together tightly with love.

It seems like we help mom out in the kitchen more often. We are willing to help younger sisters with homework. We are willing to play a poker game with the cousin. It is impossible not to hug more often during this time of year. No matter who your family is, you are grateful for them.

Through thick and thin, bad and good, dark and light, we are thankful to have good people in our lives.

Opportunities are always available, but it is few that catches our eyes. They bring us experience and teach us to be open-minded. Be thankful for these opportunities which help us grow. Whether they are for school, your future career, or for fun, they are there so that we will have stories to tell our kids in the future.

We are thankful if we get these opportunities because they are competitive and challenging. We learn that they are not always available. We are thankful for where life takes us.

The world is so much bigger than anyone imagined was possible. Over the seas or across the road, there are always adventure somewhere. Be thankful that the world is full of adventures and awestruck beauty.

If you are able to travel outside of your home country, be grateful that you have been able to see more of the world when in reality you are probably only going to see a fraction of it in your lifetime. Be grateful that you can experience different types of climates, cultures, and food. The world is full of endless possibilities, so make it your oyster.

Each of us have so much to be thankful for. We shouldn't let the holiday season be the only time to remember what we have. Be thankful for everything everyday.