It is undeniable that October, November, and December are the most anticipated months of the year for almost everyone–that is, for millennials at least. Why? Three words: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Okay that was four words, but you get the point). Nothing screams fall like changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, right? The teens get dressed up and party on the last day of October (provided the holiday falls nicely on a weekend day) soaking up those last few moments of Instagram-worthy good times. But when first of November rolls around, the decorations come down, the costumes either get tossed or put into storage, and there’s a twenty-seven-day drought before another national event worthy of documenting comes along.
For one day, families gather to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving. From a historical viewpoint, the holiday was originally meant to celebrate the Pilgrims first harvest during the early 1600's. In modern times, people come together with their families and maybe friends as a means of kindling the spirit of “home”. Relating back to my social media point, you may see posts of “Thankful Lists” or photos of loved ones followed by a sweet caption of endearment. It’s all meant with good hearts and good intentions, but today I’m going to divert from the stereotypical path and make my own list of who and what I’m thankful for. It doesn't cover everything, but it's a starting point.
To the veterans who are currently serving or have served our great country, I am thankful for you. You are so brave, and I can't imagine doing what you're doing. Words can't describe how much I appreciate your service. Thank you.
To the cashiers I encounter at the many stores I buy from, I am thankful for you. Some days you are in good spirits and others you look as though you might murder me. However, I understand that the lady before me displayed characteristics strikingly similar to the Antichrist, and that significantly lowered your self-esteem and the quality of your day. But I want you to know I am thankful for you. I always feel so bad as I stand by and watch you pack my bags, even if it is your job. Thanks, buddy.
To the people who have fixed my phone in the past, I am thankful for you. I know you hate me because I can't properly explain what's wrong with my phone, but I admire your patience. I'm sure you're thinking about how many drinks you'll need after this week. Nonetheless you have done your job well and I thank you for that.
To the people at customer service, I am thankful for you. You also hate me, but with your job, you probably hate everyone. It's okay, I don't blame you. Thank you for helping me.
To the fast-food workers, I am thankful for you. Words can't even describe the number of times you've saved me. On the days when I get off of work late--really late--and you (bless your soul) are still open and obliged to make me food... Thank you. Even when I'm just lazy, thank you for making me food.
To the construction workers that fascinate me every time I walk past the sites, I am thankful for you. Your job looks physically exhausting, and I know I could never do it. The buildings, roads, bridges, etc. all look great. Thank you.
To the doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals I have encountered in this glorious life of mine, I am thankful for you. I want you to know that I am deathly afraid anytime I have to come in for routine check-ups. But how lucky am I to have this fear? How lucky am I to be able to obtain routine check-ups? I am always scared, but I am thankful. I hope that one day the world will be a better place, and everyone will be able to be as fortunate as I am to have healthcare just a phone call way. Thank you.
To my bed, favorite pillow, and copious amounts of blankets, I am thankful for you. You are all inanimate objects, so this note doesn't really mean anything, but I have to be thankful because not everyone is so lucky.
To my house, I am thankful for you. You are by no means in tip-top shape, but some people have nothing, and I can't ignore that fact. Aside from Dad paying the bills to keep the roof over my head, thank you for putting a roof over my head.
To the roads I get to drive on, I am thankful for you. Recently I learned that not everyone has roads to drive on, and I suddenly appreciated you so much more. Sometimes you are not always in fabulous condition, but you get the job done. Thank you.
To my education, I am thankful for you. I frequently wake up and think "No, I don't wanna go!" But once again, how lucky am I to be able to say that? How lucky am I to be able to have an education? This one is for you, school (and teachers). Thank you.
To the people I don't particularly hold a high opinion of, I am thankful for you. You have shown me exactly who I don't want to be, and it has without a doubt been incredibly beneficial to my well-being. The actions you have displayed have propelled me to run harder and faster toward my dreams than before you appeared in my life. Your actions have inspired me to be a better person, to spread love and show kindness whenever I can. Thank you.
To my God, I am thankful for you. Even when I tell you that I'm okay for awhile and that you can go help the people that need it, you never leave. When I feel alone or am in need of a friend, you are there. Thank you. (Amen).
Finally, to my family (and second family), I am thankful for you. Without every single one of you, I wouldn't have a chance of being the young woman I am today. You have taught me how to be bold, strong, fearless, kind, and loving. Words can't express how appreciative I am for that. Despite the hard times, you have shown me that it is possible for flowers to bloom in the darkest of days. I love you. Thank you.
This isn't my whole list, but this is supposed to be an article, not a novel.
Be thankful.
That is my message to you. It's not a one day event. It's everyday. As you go through life, every second of every day, look around at the people who make your day a little bit easier and say "Thank you". Appreciate the items, ideas, or establishments that make your day a little bit easier. There is so much in the world that we have to be thankful for, yet these things go unnoticed or taken for granted. So, yes, go ahead and post pictures of your friends and family on Instagram on Thanksgiving day, but don't forget the rest of the world during the other 364 days of the year. Open your mind to appreciate the little things. God knows where you would be without them.
