You know, I’ve had this blog for over two years now, and I haven’t done a Thanksgiving/ gratitude post. I’ve decided to change that this year! I know that Thanksgiving has become a more controversial holiday in the recent years, and I understand why. But whether you do it in November or some other time, I think it is important to take a day and recognize everything you are thankful for. Otherwise, it is easy to get caught up in envy. I may not have the nicest car, high-end clothes, etc.; but I do have more than I need, and I am thankful for that.

I want to dedicate this post to a definitive list of things I am thankful for, along with an explanation as to why. Some of them will probably be pretty universal, but others may be more specific.

• Faith- I have to start here, because this determines everything else. I don’t mention it much on here, but I am a Christian. I need to be honest here. My faith hasn’t always been as strong as it should be. It’s been a work in progress all year long, but my faith is so much stronger than it has been, and I am so grateful for that.
• Family- This doesn’t just include those with whom I share blood or DNA. My family is crazy and complicated, but I love them all the same. I may not get to see my family as much as I like, but I am so glad each and every one of them is in my life.
• Friends-Similar to family, I have quite a few people I consider my friends. Some are closer to me than others, but they are all still important to me regardless. I wouldn’t be where I am without my friends.
• Education- I am so thankful for my ability and willingness to go to college to prepare myself for my career. I don’t mention this a lot because I do well in school, but college is hard. There is so much to do pretty much all the time. It’s a lot of work. I have a year and a half left, and it’s not gonna get any easier from here. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am where I need to be, doing what I need to be doing, and learning more to prepare me for my future career as a teacher.
• Struggles- This one is a little weird, but it needs to be on the list. If you read my blog at all, you’ll see thatI’ve had a more somber tone in recent weeks. There’s been a lot going on in my life, some of it I haven’t always been strong enough to handle. But the things I struggle with and go through make me stronger. So in the end, I am thankful for them because they continue to shape me.
• Change- This is pretty similar to the last one. I’m changing all the time. I’m working on improving myself and becoming better. I am not the same person I was last November, and that’s awesome to me! If I were the same, I would feel like I have not had any growth as a person. 
• Job- I don’t talk about it a whole lot, but I do like having a job. It may not pay the best, but it does still allow me to save up money. I also like that it’s a physical job. I’m on my feet for a lot of it, and I like that so much better than just sitting at a desk. 
• Senses- It is so cool to see everything that your senses do for you. I love being able to completely experience the world around me through my senses.
• Brain- I’m in a neuroscience class this semester. Let me tell you: the brain is pretty cool! It’s not something I want to dedicate my life to (unlike someone else in my family), but it’s so fascinating to know how everything works together to regulate my life.
• The rest of the body- Your body is so cool. I am so thankful for everything that holds me together and my arms and legs and all of it. I have a body that works and responds to exercise. 
• Apartment, car, clothes, and other material items- I’m getting a little more materialistic right now, and that’s okay. I’m thankful for material things. I am thankful for my apartment I live in this year, and my car. My apartment may not be the best, but it works. It has heat, air conditioning, a kitchen, a bathroom. My car is very similar. I drive a car that is 16 years old. I have crank windows and two separate keys. But it works. I can use it to get to work, go home, or run errands. Some of the things I own are secondhand, some are worn down, and some are still pretty nice. But I’m grateful nonetheless. I have more than I need, and I want for nothing. The things I do want to buy, I often save up so I can buy them.
• Opportunity- I am thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life, and the ones I am going to have in the future. I would not be who nor where I am without them. 
• Love- I have so much love to give and so much to receive. I am grateful for having that in my life.
• Memories- This semester alone, I have created so many memories. Some are good, and some are bad. But I am so fortunate to be able to remember them. My roommate is making a video over something a couple friends and I did earlier this year, and just watching it brings back the events and memories of the day. 
• Food and drink- I LOVE food! Seriously! I love that there are so many healthy options, and now that I cook more, I love discovering new recipes and things to cook. I’ll talk more about this in a later post, but I don’t diet. I eat well, but I still enjoy carbs, pizza, ice cream, cookies, and everything else deemed “unhealthy”. I just moderate it most of the time.
• Music- I love listening to music, singing, and dancing. Music is such a crucial part of my life. I listen to it when I’m at work, when I’m working out, and when I’m getting ready.
• All of you- This is last but it definitely is not the least. You as my reader means so much to me. Without you, this blog probably wouldn’t be continuing or as successful. I am so grateful to each and every one of you for reading my blog and supporting me!!!

So that’s my list. I probably missed some things, but there is so much I am thankful for in my life that I feel like I’m going to have to miss something. What are you thankful for? Take some time this week and really think about it!

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