Being Thankful In A Thankless World
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Being Thankful In A Thankless World

The importance of being thankful all year long.

112
Being Thankful In A Thankless World
Simon Maage

When I was in high school, I would end every class period by thanking my teacher. It was simple, and after a few weeks, I didn't even need to think about it anymore. I had no idea what an impact this was until parent-teacher night. My parents came home telling me how much the teachers loved me and appreciated my daily thanks. I was quiet in class, but my teachers noticed me for my thankfulness.

Receiving thanks should not stand out. It should not be a unique or strange occurrence. I was glad my teachers appreciated me, but I couldn't help thinking that it was strange that not more students did this. Why don't more people do this in general? People are so stingy with their thanks nowadays. I wonder if this is why people find it so hard to be thankful?

When it hits November, all the conversations seem to center around what people are thankful for. The problem is simply that, people don't think about their blessings or express their thankfulness until November. Even then, people feel compelled to be thankful for something only because everyone else is. I think that if people were truly thankful, they would remember more often.

This constant thankfulness doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to get into a habit of thankfulness. Take stock of your life. What do you have to be grateful for? Even in times of financial, political, or personal strife, there are always things to be thankful for. Even little things deserve recognition, like having a comfy bed, getting encouraging texts from your mom, or having the money to buy yourself some ice cream. These things are small and seemingly insignificant, but they are things to be thankful for.

It is great to recognize your blessings on Thanksgiving, don't get me wrong, but I think we should get into a habit of being thankful all the time. How about being thankful for the snow in January, the beautiful flowers in the spring, the Fourth of July fun in the summer, and all the things in between. There are things to be thankful for all year long if we only recognize them.

If we live a life of thankfulness, it will change our outlook on life. You know how at Thanksgiving you tend to be more patient with people and circumstances because you have recently thought of how thankful you are for things? What if you could have this mindset all year? I think that considering your blessings and how thankful you are for people and situations in your life helps you to be more patient and have a better outlook.

Finally, outwardly showing your thankfulness, though thanking people regularly or expressing your thankfulness can make a difference on the rest of the world. The world often forgets to thank anyone for anything, so make saying "thank you" cool again, by saying it all the time! Thank everybody for everything and see how much it changes your attitude and the attitude of people around you!

So as you prepare for Thanksgiving and reflect on all you are thankful for and remember to extend your thankfulness for the rest of the year!

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.

52340
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?

33626
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.

956405
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.

181267
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