10 Things to Be Thankful for This Year

Thanksgiving is almost here—can you believe it? Before long, shoppers will rush the stores to gather ingredients for their family feasts. And then soon after that dinner, they’ll rush the stores again to snag all the Black Friday deals they can.

I’m not bashing sales and discounts. I love a good holiday discount when I find something that is a great buy! I love the hunt! But let’s be honest with ourselves… sometimes in all the hubbub of shopping during the holidays, we can lose sight of the simple gifts we receive every day.

It’s so important for us to take the time to give thanks for what we have. Even research studies have shown that the more grateful you are, the happier you are!

That’s why today’s article is all about what you can be thankful for this year. If you’re reading this blog, chances are that most, if not all, these 10 things apply to you.

1. Your Family and Loved Ones

Love is one of the greatest gifts on earth. I’m sure you’ve experienced your fair share of broken or imperfect relationships. But no matter what heartache you’ve been through, each precious relationship in your life is worth being thankful for.

So who is it for you? Your husband? Your kids? Your friends or your pets? Celebrate your loved ones this year!

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

2. Your Health—Whatever It May Look Like

It’s so easy to focus on where we’re not healthy instead of where we are healthy. Maybe you still have some of the extra baby weight from your third child. But the fact that you can talk a walk outside and breathe in the fresh air on your own is amazing!

We can’t always control what happens to our health. We can’t always stop our bodies from getting injured or even from developing terminal diseases. But whatever form of health you have now—enjoy it and give thanks for it.

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

3. A Roof Over Your Head

As many as 1.6 billion people don’t have adequate housing, according to Habitat for Humanity. How heartbreaking is that? If you do have a home, make sure you take some time this season to give thanks for it and remember those who don’t have the same luxury.

And of course, take advantage of the opportunity to decorate your home with tons of ideas from my blog!

Photo by Tina Dawson on Unsplash

4. Drinkable Water at Your Disposal

Can you imagine not having access to drinking water? I can’t! All I have to do is flip on my faucet to get a pot of water to cook or to wet my toothbrush or to take a shower. Meanwhile, the CDC estimates that as many as 780 million people around the world don’t have access to clean water.

I’m never taking my faucets for granted again!

Photo by Clint McKoy on Unsplash

5. Access to the Internet

This is yet another incredible privilege that we have in the United States (and the Western world in general). Think about it… how many times do you go to your phone or laptop to Google something when you have a question? We have so much valuable information and entertainment at our fingertips—not to mention ways to make money online.

It’s such a blessing to have access to the internet. Have you taken the time to think about that lately?

Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash

6. Those Who Have Influenced and Mentored You

Get out that journal again and write down 5 people who have influenced you for the better. How did they impact you? What valuable lessons did you learn from them? It’s incredible how our lives intersect and impact one another. Take a moment and ponder that.

Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash

7. Clothes to Keep You Warm and Safe

Not only do we have clothes that fit to keep us and our loved ones warm… but we also have the bonus of fashionable clothing. You know I love making things in my home beautiful, and that includes what my family and I wear.

And hey, check out my article if you need some fall fashion inspiration!

8. Basic Hygiene Products

Again, this is something we don’t really think about often because we view it as a common necessity. But around 2.5 billion people don’t have the means for improved sanitation, according to the CDC. That includes basic things like period products, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.

Photo by ?? Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

9. The Freedom to Believe and Think as You Do

I’m grateful to live in a nation that allows me to vote and to live according to whatever I believe. Not all countries have that. The freedom to have our own opinions, political leanings, and religious beliefs is a true blessing.

Photo by Gian Cescon on Unsplash

10. Waking Up Alive!

Every day that we wake up alive is a day to give thanks. Each new morning is a chance to love our families, learn from our mistakes, and grow as human beings. I don’t mean that to sound sappy—it’s just so true!

Take a moment today to give thanks for all 10 of these things and whatever other blessings come to your mind.

Take a look below at some inspirational quotes that I really resonate with!

Thankful For

I know I have a bunch to be thankful for this year what about you? Let me know in the comments below and check out some of my recent blog posts!

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