Thankful
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Let's Focus On Being Thankful Every Day, Not Just On Thanksgiving

Every day may not be perfect, but there is still a lot to be thankful for.

43
Let's Focus On Being Thankful Every Day, Not Just On Thanksgiving
Corrine Harding

It's November, Halloween is over, and some of the best holidays are ahead of us: Thanksgiving and Christmas. The one problem I have with Thanksgiving is that it seems that people focus on what we are thankful just for during the month of November and around this holiday. I understand that this holiday brings to the forefront the idea of being #blessed and #thankful for everything that is given to us, but what if we do something crazy? What if we always put who and what we're thankful for at the forefront of our minds every day, not just on the day we eat a week's worth of calories in one sitting?

Why is it important to be thankful every day? In a world with so much anger, sadness, and negative things occurring, it is so important to our emotional health we try to find the best things. Even with all of the negative events that happen, there is good in the world. The good may be hard to see sometimes. Taking the time out of your day to realize the parts in your life you are thankful no matter how big or small can ignite a positive light within you. In turn, this positivity can extend to others, and create a domino effect of thankfulness.

How can you implement this idea of being thankful every day? Whenever you are talking to someone at the end of your day, ask this person a very simple question, "What has been your favorite thing that has happened to you today?" This listening ear can be your family, a significant other, roommates, your dog, or anyone that you can have social interaction with. One very simple question can open the door to meaningful conversations. Reflecting back on your day to your best moment makes you realize that even on the worst of days, there is a glimmer of hope. Having conversations like this can make you find out more about a person. You can find out more about yourself too. You can have this conversation with a big group of people or just one person, and if you don't have anyone around you? Grab a journal to self-reflect on your day.

Do you always get what you want? No. Are our lives perfect? Heck no. Is every event in your life something you are eternally grateful for? Probably not. Being thankful for what you have or maybe even what you don't have is just realizing that no matter what is going on, you have something or someone who makes life worth it. This mindset can bring a little bit of brightness in the dark moment in your life.

So this Thanksgiving, gobble till you wobble. Watch the football game. Take a five-hour nap. Do whatever traditions you usually do on the fourth Thursday of November, but create a new tradition for the rest of your year. I challenge you, whoever you are no matter where you are or when you are reading this, to start being thankful for every day. Find the best thing in everyone's life, including your own, and being thankful for every day can become easy. Being grateful will never be overrated.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55521
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35797
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957813
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186007
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments