Another Perspective of Gratitude

Here it is again! Happy Thanksgiving! When we were in first grade, we were taught that this is a day to give thanks for everything you have in your life. Spend the day eating and relaxing with your family. As I'm getting older, I'm realizing how much I love this holiday. There's no commercial hype, no stress of buying gifts. It's just a time to be thankful and spend it with the ones you love.

Of course, when we think of being thankful, we think of our family, our friends, our health, our shelter. But what about everything else? 

I'm thankful that I'm stressed out during my graduate school application process. It means I'm blessed enough to be able to continue my education to better my future.

I'm thankful for my professor who is giving me a slightly tough time this semester. She's reminding me that college work is challenging and I need to work hard.

I'm thankful for frozen yogurt. No explanation necessary.

I'm thankful that I need to pay for college this year. I'm learning the value of a dollar.

I'm thankful for my calloused feet and bruised knees. It means I'm physically able to play sports. 

I'm thankful for my failures. I've learned to grow from them. I'm learned what I like and don't like.

I'm thankful for wifi. Without it, this little blog wouldn't exist.

I'm thankful for my crappy fourth grade teacher. I learned what NOT to do (if I'm ever actually a teacher).

I'm thankful for my alarm clock. I would be late a lot without it.

I'm thankful for that time I got cut from a travel softball team. There are always going to be people out there who are better than you.

I'm thankful for my toothbrush. I wouldn't have many friends without it. Definitely no boyfriend, either.

I'm thankful for for those lectures my mom gives. I've learned some stuff through all the ramblings.

And of course, I'm thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. Whether a coach, a teacher, a parent, sibling, friend, roommate, boyfriend, classmate, or co-worker, I'm thankful for you. You have molded me into the person I am today. 

Today, be thankful. Think about every privilege you have in your life and truly appreciate it. Happy Thanksgiving!