Thanksgiving is one of America’s favorite holidays and the weeks leading up to it signal the beginning of the holiday season. After another busy year behind us, many share in the sentiments of disbelief that we are already midway through another November. How is it possible, we say, that a full year has gone by already? “This time last year, I was (fill in blank as appropriate) and now we’re here again,” we’ll say during conversations.

We say thank you often, but how often do we truly stop to be thankful for a moment? Sure, there are those rare moments in life where it all just seems right and you know it will be an experience you’ll never forget. What about the everyday moments in life that we should be thankful for?

Though I love the holiday season and spending time with my family, it always makes me a little sad that so many people need a holiday like Thanksgiving to remind us to be thankful for all that we have in our lives. As a society, we, myself included, have a terrible tendency to be caught up in the comings and goings of our daily lives, and forget to look at the big picture. It is only when we are asked what we are thankful for do we really stop and think about all the wonderful things in life. I wish I was able to do that more, and I think something I am thankful for this year is the fact that I realize I need to be more thankful every day of the year, not just when the holidays come around. Sure, we all feel a little extra thankful when we are surrounded by family and friends, but these blessings last all year round, and should be appreciated as such. Even when the world may seem dark, and terrible things happen to people around the globe, there is always, always something to be thankful for.

So, in the spirit of everyday thanks, here’s my list of things to be thankful for every day of the year.

1. The roof over my head.
2. My education, even on the days I may not want to go to class.
3. My suitemates for keeping me sane.
4. Family, by blood or by soul.
5. Good coffee.
6. My mom, even when she posts embarrassing pictures on Facebook.
7. Driving in the car listening to music.
8. Life experiences in the US and abroad.
9. Real hugs.
10. The Stonehill community - faculty, staff, and students.
11. My sister, no matter how much cooler than me she is (which is a lot).
12. Puppies and other small cuddly animals.
13. A feeling of safety and security in my community.
14. Late-night pizza.
15. Justin Bieber and his new album.
16. Rainy days.
17. Sunny days.
18. Loyal friends.
19. Laughter and happiness shared with others.
20. My health, and the health of those I love.