Thanksgiving is about more than shoving your face with turkey and mashed potatoes. It's about more than seeing which family member can eat the most rolls. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. I'll repeat that: Thanksgiving is about GIVING THANKS. Not giving thanks to your electronics or your designer clothes. There are greater things to be thankful for.
-Your family: They are there through every up and every down, even when they don't want to be. They have seen you at your absolute worst, crying and screaming and hating the world, and they have seen you at your absolute best, laughing and smiling and conquering the world. I guarantee that without your family doing (or not doing) what they've done your whole life, you would not be where you are today. Give thanks to your mom, your dad, your siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. They make you who you are. They will love you despite everything.
-Your friends: These are the people you go to when you want to laugh and have fun, go out or stay in. Most have been there for your highs and some have stuck around for your lows. They're the ones who make you feel like you're not alone, like you're a part of something. Give thanks to them for listening to your venting, jamming to the latest Justin Bieber song, and tipping it back on a Saturday night (or any night) for any and all occasions.
-Your pets: Your four-legged, furry friends. The ones who approach you after a long day and want nothing more than to cuddle and love you. They give you their heart and want nothing but the same in return. Give thanks to them for being loyal when no one else can.
-The roof over your head: Not everyone has a house or apartment or any means of living. We take it for granted, but on this day, acknowledge the fact you're lucky you have a roof over your head, heat warming your house, running water and lights that turn on thanks to the flick of a switch. We aren't all so privileged. Give thanks to your abode.
-Your job: If it weren't for your job, you wouldn't have a residence or any of the things that come with it. You wouldn't be able to buy food, clothes or pay for your car expenses or phone bill. Whether you make minimum wage or six figures, imagine how much you'd have if you suddenly lost your job--it wouldn't matter how much you made if you suddenly had nothing. Appreciate your employment for one moment. Just one moment, not forever. I know we all have days when we don't like our jobs or we think we should get a raise, but just for one moment appreciate the fact you have a job and a source of income, no matter the size. Give thanks to the hard work you put in everyday.
-The heart in your chest that keeps you alive: Be thankful for your body. Not all of us are lucky enough to have all our organs working, keeping us alive and well. Sometimes things go wrong and our bodies fight and fight and fight until they can't anymore, for whatever reason there may be. Give thanks to your body as it fights for you.
-The sun rising each day: As bad as some days can be, there is always tomorrow. The moon will always replace the sun in the sky and the stars will come out, silencing your troubles as sleep swallows you for the night. And, each morning, the sun will rise, showing you that it's a new day; offering you a chance to make things right, to make yourself happy. Give thanks to the sun for rising each and every day, showing you that giving up is not an option.
-The food on the table and the company around the table: Some people don't have enough money to make a Thanksgiving meal or they don't have anyone to share it with. Give thanks to the delicious food on the table and the beautiful people around you who will share with you not only the food, but also great company.
Don't forget what the fourth Thursday of November is all about. Enjoy the day, be thankful for what you have, forget for a moment about what you don't have, and don't forget to have a slice of pie. Even if it's just for one day, be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving.
