Thanksgiving is fast approaching and people are listing off all that they are thankful for. It's the time of year where we think about all the good things in our lives and give thanks. The thing is, we often don't stop and think about the unthankful things in our lives.

This year, that's exactly what I am thankful for. The unthankful.

I'm okay with some of the bad things that have happened. It's made me who I am and has presented new opportunities for me. Sometimes, you just have to look on the bright side.

I am thankful for having had cancer.

The road to remission was long and hard, but in the end, it was all worth it. I met some incredible people and joined a support group. Something I would've never done had I not been diagnosed. It also led me to the job I have today, the job I love.

I'm thankful for my mental disorder.

Without it, I wouldn't have met my counselor who has helped me through so much in life. I wouldn't have a new perspective on life. Wouldn't appreciate the little accomplishments as I do. It may be hard to handle, but in the end, I know that it's OK.

It's so common to just be grateful for our accomplishments in life, for all of the positives. It's okay to be grateful for the bad times too. Failure is good, it helps us learn. Hard times help us grow. The bad gives us breakthroughs.

It's not an easy thing to do, but you have to try to find the good in the bad.

Recognizing and learning to appreciate the bad on some level, might make it easier to handle. Knowing that something good could come from it could help you take a step back and breathe. Nothing is permanent.

Try to see all of your unfortunate moments as a new opportunity. An opportunity to learn what you're capable. The hard times are valuable experiences. We are not defined by our scars, but they are a part of us.

There is a lot more to be thankful for in life than just the good times.

Everything we have gone through has brought us where we are today. To your job, your spouse, home and so much more. Life is messy and hard at times, but we only get one life. If you're hung up on the bad you're not living your life to the fullest.

I've learned to embrace the bad times. I'm so tired of them wearing me down. I don't want to worry about them. I want to see the good it's brought me. The person it's helped shape me into. I'm glad I went through tough times.

When you're thinking about what you're thankful for this holiday season, remember the bad times are good too.