Another Thanksgiving is upon us, the season when people finally remember to be grateful. However, the external attributes of the holidays have become so big, that sometimes we forget about the true essence of those special days.

Some people don’t even know what to be thankful for, especially in these hard times, when we are surrounded by negative events and emotions. The others think that what they have is not enough, and it’s not something to be proud of.

So, for this post, I decided to bring a list of the things that every single person can be thankful for, no matter in what place they are in their lives. Because if we learn to appreciate the things that we already have, even if they seem little and unimportant compared to others, we’ll start attracting more positive energy to our lives.

1. Our Lives. This is the top thing we take for granted – our own life. We seem not to appreciate it, not to care or understand its value. But the fact that we get to wake every day and live is simply incredible. Every day we get a new chance to do something, to get closer to our goal, to make mistakes, have fun, relax, work, think and feel. Even if we have difficulties, who doesn’t? It’s an integral part of our lives, which we should accept. Never take your life for granted and know its worth.

2. Our Bodies and Health. We, people, are just horrible with our bodies. It’s literally the place where we live, but we treat it so poorly. We keep comparing ourselves with others, trying to reach the beauty standards, constantly want to change different parts of our body in order to be considered beautiful and hot. We don’t eat what our organisms needs, torture ourselves in gym, affecting our health. Think about it, if we treated another person like we treat ourselves, we would be considered an abuser, a bully and a toxic person. While in reality it is a true gift that we have a well functioning body, which gives us the ability to walk, see, talk etc. And even if we have some problems or dysfunction, we still need to be extremely grateful for ourselves, our bodies, its unique features and even flaws. Because that’s who we are.

3. Basic Needs and Comfort. We should thank God every single day for basic things we need for survival. We have roofs above our heads. It doesn’t matter if someone’s mansion is bigger and more luxurious than your little apartment, it doesn’t matter if you can’t afford to buy your own house and are still living with your parents or rent a place with friends. The most important thing is that we have a special place which we call home, where we feel safe, warm and comfortable. Think of all those unfortunate people or stray animals, who freeze on streets, getting wet under the rain, and just appreciate the four walls that you have. Same with food and water. We constantly judge and complain that our pizza was delivered a little cold, or our coffee wasn’t as sweet, without realizing that it’s all bullshit. You have the ability to buy food and beverages, to eat new things, and that’s the most essential thing. Not the misplaced order or cold delivery.

4. Our Activity. By this, I mean our jobs, schools, universities etc. People generally complain about these things, while they are an integral and a huge part of our lives. If you don’t like what you do, then either get to guts to change it (fortune favors the brave), or accept the situation, try to see its good sides and still be thankful. Maybe you don’t have your dream’s job, but at least the salary’s good, the office is close to your house, you work with your best friend and have fun. Or receive money which gives you the possibility to live and buy what you like. Don’t be ungrateful for the thing you have, because it’s like cutting a branch on which you’re sitting.

5. Our Close People. This is one of the main things people usually complain about, because they all feel lonely every now and then. We tend not to notice the people, who we have, always dreaming of better, more fun friends, our other half etc. We put labels on every person we have in our lives, thinking that they’re toxic and bad for us, trying to find someone else. Or just feel generally lonely, thinking that we have no one. Which, in most occasions, is not true. There’s a good quote I saw one day, saying sth like “if you have at least one person to tell your good or bad news to, then you’re not alone”. And if you think about it, it’s so true. Yes, you may not have a big group of friends, but you have at least one best friend. Or a roommate, close cousins and siblings, great parents, a significant other, children, or even a pet, it doesn’t really matter. Just appreciate people who love you, accept them how they are and be grateful for them.

6. Our Hobbies. Life would be so boring if we didn’t have any hobbies. Whereas most people don’t even consider their interests as something be proud of. But being truly passionate about something is one of the best things that can happen to us. Again, it doesn’t matter what you love doing – drawing, dancing, playing guitar, reading, hiking or binge-watching tv series. These are our life fuels, things that bring us the most happiness, yet we ignore them, not considering as a “life achievement“. Be thankful for the things that bring you joy.

7. Our Memories. One of many problems of people, is that they don’t see their lives as a whole. They separate it into periods, and once the current one gets a little boring or if something goes wrong, they instantly start whining that their life sucks. We should remember, that our life doesn’t only consist of now. It’s the whole thing. And it’s normal to have ups and down, great periods or slightly negative ones. But it doesn’t mean that if, for instance, the past year has been rough for you, you automatically become a loser or an unlucky person. Or that life will stay like that forever. Remember all the great times, all the fun, adventures and happy moments that you’ve had throughout your whole life. Rewatch your old photos and videos in order to understand that and give thanks for your incredible life.

I know that the things I’ve mentioned aren’t something extraordinary. But that’s the whole point. It’s everything all of us have, which means that in reality we’re all equal. And even if someone has something more than we do (which is absolutely normal), it doesn’t mean that we don’t have enough. For example, if my neighbor has 5 million dollars, and I have only 3 million, just because he has 2 extra millions, it doesn’t make me poor. I hope you’ll get what I’m trying to say.

So, for this Thanksgiving season, try to make your own lists of all the amazing things that you have, and haven’t been noticing all this time. Apologize to yourself or the universe for ignoring these good things, and start being grateful every single day. And have a happy Thanksgiving 🍁