What does it mean to truly be thankful? As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, many people are starting to talk about what they are thankful for this holiday season. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year because I get to be surrounded by family, close friends, and football! But, thanksgiving is so much more than this. It is a time to give thanks.
Many are participating in a 30 days of thankfulness challenge on social media where they are posting photos and captions that express their gratitude. Merriam-Webster dictionary (2017) defines thankful as “conscious of benefit received, expressive of thanks, and well pleased.” So, what are you thankful for? Here is what I am thankful for and what some people of Berks County had to say about what they were thankful for this year.
20. Weekends
The perfect opportunity for fun and a break from the stresses of the week.
19. Memories
Allow us to never forget the ones who are no longer with us, and we can cherish all of the good times in our lives.
18. A hug
Has the power to change someone’s day. Sometimes, we just need a little physical contact to feel loved.
17. The perfect playlist
Can motivate and hit us in the feels all at the same time.
16. Long drives
A great escape from reality for a little while.
15. Pumpkin pie
Mmmmmm…makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
14. Fall leaves changing colors
Appreciate the simple beauties around us every day which lead to big piles of leaves we are never too old to jump in.
13. Snail mail
There is just something about getting a physical note in your mailbox.
12. Faith
Believing in something greater than ourselves.
11. “Activism” – Megan King
The ability to speak our support or opposition of controversial issues in the world.
10. Sweater Weather
There is nothing better than a big heavy sweater to be cute and comfortable.
9. Coffee
My secret weapon. Gives me the energy to tackle the day.
8. A smile
The simplest of gestures, but the most meaningful.
7. “Opportunities” – Abbi Westgate
The ability to get an education, to travel, and the list is endless. They are what we make of them.
6. Health
Even on days when we do not feel our best, it could always be worse.
5. “Community” – Megan King
Support us in our endeavors as we have common interests that unify us.
4. Laughter
A good laugh is the best medicine. It can make even your worst day a little bit brighter.
3. “Clean Water and Food” – Jenn Toledo
Too often, we take these for granted and forget that many do not have access to the same quality and quantity that we have.
2. “Close Friends” – Abbi Westgate
New and old, they are the family that we got to choose.
1. Family
The ones that we do not get to pick, but no matter how old we are, they are there to support and help us solve our problems.
So remember, we do not have to wait for Thanksgiving to roll around every year to express our gratitude toward others. These are things that we can be aware of all year round and give a little thanks for. Because without many of these things, our lives would not be the same. Like William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
