From the start, manners are ingrained into everyday life. “Say please and thank you” has always been a standby in my household. It is just natural to say “thank you” to the person who held the door, the one who said “God bless you”, and the friend who gave you a compliment. We are told to thank people, expressing our gratitude, but we often let important thank yous fall by the wayside. Have you ever said thank you to a situation? Those times when you feel the sun shining on your skin on a cold winter day or the thought of a memory that brings a smile to your face. It is these instances that deserve the biggest thank yous. These little moments of happiness and heartbreak that remind us that life is more than just the people that surround you. It is these experiences and memories that make life great. I have compiled a list of these forgotten thank yous because with all the craziness in life, sometimes we fail to realize that sometimes the problems in life are hidden blessings.

Thank you for:

… the clothes that are too tight showing me that I have enough to eat.

…that extra hour of homework reminding me that I have the freedom to an education.

…the tears shed out of homesickness because I have a home worth missing.

…the exhaustion I feel at the end of the day signifying accomplishments from a long day.

…the holes in my socks because I have two feet to walk on.

…the cold wind that stings my cheeks reminding me I have a warm home to return to.

…arguing with friends because I have someone I love enough to argue with.

…the political debates I participate in reminding me I have the freedom of speech.

…filling my car up with gas because I have the ability to pay for it.

…the sick relatives I pray for reminding me that I have someone to worry about.

…the rain that falls while I am walking allowing the beauty of nature to flower.

…the friends lost to arguments teaching me lifelong lessons on how to be a better friend.

…the parents I miss while I am away reminding me just how important family is.