I hate turkey. I hate pie... unless it is pumpkin. I hate real mashed potatoes. I hate stuffing. I hate cranberries. But I don't hate Thanksgiving.

It is the one time of year my family gets together from all across the country to enjoy time gathered around the table together. It is the only time I get to see my cousins. It is when Civilization comes out and new inventions get a dry run.

It is a time when I can curl into my cousin's side and fall asleep from a food coma, usually consisting of rolls in my case. It is time with my crazy family that I would trade for anything. It is a time to be grateful for all of the people in my life.

I am grateful for my parents. For enduring time apart, but still managing to stay together for over 30 years. For being everything I hope to be someday.

I am grateful for my friends. For making me laugh and feel confident and beautiful. For showing me how to loosen up and that it is okay to be myself.

I am grateful for my sister. For teaching me what it means to be comfortable with who you are, and telling me what to do and what not to do.

I am grateful for my cousins. For setting a bar to strive for, and letting me hug them for ten minutes without complaint. For their constant friendship and love.

I am grateful for my freedom. For allowing me to get an education, to vote, to speak my mind and to pursue my dreams.

I am grateful for my grandparents. For their tolerance of a changing world and love and patience and humor.

I am grateful for my jobs. For the amazing people and lessons, I have learned along the way. For being given the chance to prove I am worth something.

I am grateful for my aunt and uncle. For letting me stay with them while I grew as a person and discovered an independence away from my parents.

I am grateful for my health. For being active and allowing me to be a picky eater. For the challenge of accepting my body no matter how different it might be from the standard of "beauty."

I am grateful for free will. For being able to make my own choices and opinions.

I am grateful for my teachers. For opening my mind to new ideas and being role models.

I am grateful for creativity. For being able to express inner thoughts in new ways. For being able to help others be creative.

I am grateful for my life. For being who I am and the opportunities, I have been given.

It is important to take a step back from the daily grind that is life and remember why you are living it. Negativity brings your whole life down. Being an optimist and positive is no easy feat, but the happiness you will gain will be worth it.