When Thanksgiving rolls around I usually get excited about the food of course. But then I realized that I was missing the true meaning of Thanksgiving, which is to be thankful.

These past few years I was always wanting more and never happy with what I already have. I always thought that someone had it better than me, which may be the case. However, someone could have it worse. It does not mean that you don't have problems or that your problems are not serious; it just means that maybe for this Thanksgiving if your feeling down, try to think about things that make you happy that you are thankful for.

We get caught up in the food and spending time with our family, which of course is fun. But do we take a step back to appreciate the moment and actually take in what we are thankful for? When I spend Thanksgiving with my family, we sometimes would go around and say what we were thankful for. Now, we just eat and my mom says "dinner, happy Thanksgiving." May sound like a good gig, but it actually saddened me that we did not get to embrace the wonderful things in our life.

Last year for Thanksgiving, I asked my family if we go around and say what we were thankful for, but they did not want too. I believe that though there was no point and "who cares." Well, I did. I really wanted to tell my parents I thankful I was for them, and the for the food on the table, and my dogs, and for even being able to experience nature, something I love.

This year I won't be spending Thanksgiving with my parents due to work and well being 3 hours away. I'm bummed but my job gives food at least. But this made me realize that I will miss my parents so much and I am even more thankful that I get to have them as my parents.

My depression every year has gotten the best of me, where I really think my life is the worst. My feelings are valid though and they are what they are. But when Thanksgiving comes around, I start to think about those less fortunate then me, like the poor children in the hospital with cancer, the homeless on the streets, the past and current shootings, climate change causing wildfires, the list is endless. Then I just think, wow my situation could be worse.

What I am trying to say is, if you are feeling down, make a list of things you are thankful for. And I am not saying that you are not allowed to be sad, angry, etc. this Thanksgiving; all I am saying is, look for those things you are thankful for and hold onto them. They help you and you need them to survive.

Happy Thanksgiving.