How often do you stalk someone's Instagram and start to wish you had the things that they had or looked like them? We all do it, and it's easy to compare ourselves to them and equate this with our own happiness. Comparison is the thief of joy, and there will always be someone prettier, smarter and richer than you. We need to stop dwelling over how good people we follow on social media seem to have it and start being grateful for the things that we have that bring true joy to our lives. November is a month of thanksgiving, so here's 30 things to be thankful for.
1. You are alive and breathing.
You get a fresh start each morning to create your life.
2. You have someone you consider a best friend.
Or multiple people.
3. You are a best friend to someone.
Knowing that someone else values you and your friendship is pretty awesome.
4. You have a job.
Even if you don't always enjoy it, you're making money and bettering yourself.
5. You are unemployed, but have free time.
Unemployment means more free time you can dedicate to education, job searching and/or personal growth.
6. Food on your table.
In times of delicious home cooked meals and times of ramen noodles for every meal, you have something to eat.
7. An exciting future to look forward to.
Graduation, landing a job you love, moving cities - the list is endless.
8. People who have forgiven you and the people you've forgiven.
Forgiveness can teach you a lot about a person or yourself, and once you've found the courage to forgive or be forgiven, a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
9. Deep conversations.
Conversations that go further than surface level create amazing friendships and foster deep thinking.
10. Kind people.
The guy in front of you at Starbucks who paid for your order, the stranger who returned your lost wallet and didn't take the cash inside, and the girl who stood up for you when you were being picked on have made your day 10x better, and have even caused a chain reaction to anyone witnessing the act to do their own good deed for the day.
11. The voicemails you have saved on your phone.
These funny or beautiful messages mean you have someone that you care about and that cares for you. Maybe you've lost this person, but you're lucky enough to have a piece of them to hold on to.
12. Pictures you have of lost loved ones.
Take pictures of everything, you'll thank yourself when you have great memories to look back on once people have passed or moved away.
13. The time you have now with friends and family.
Any communication you're able to have with your favorite people is something to be thankful for, tomorrow isn't guaranteed.
14. Strong coffee and smooth wine.
Coffee dates and wine nights have been the beginning of beautiful friendships with many unlikely people. Plus, these are just a few of life's greatest luxuries.
15. Your pets who love you unconditionally.
There's nothing better than coming home to an overexcited dog who pees herself because she's just that happy to see you.
16. Your able body parts.
Be thankful for any body parts you have; eyes to read, a mouth to speak, legs to run, or arms to hug with.
17. Free things you can find on the internet.
You probably wouldn't pass half of your classes if it weren't for all the free information and sample test sites online.
18. Your talents.
Your talents make you unique and can even change the world.
19. The ability to make yourself happy.
You are in control of your life, and each day you can choose to be happy.
20. Friends who have given you memories to last a lifetime.
Especially the stories you can't tell your parents about.
21. Friends who tell it like it is.
We need honest friends to help us in situations when they see things we can't.
22. Your ability to help others.
You could be a blessing to someone in need and not even realize the impact you have on their life.
23. Hard times that have made you appreciative of the good times.
Hard times build character, and also make the good times even better.
24. Netflix binges.
These are seriously the best.
25. A sense of community once you've finally found somewhere you belong.
If you've found a church home, campus organization, job, or friend group that makes you feel connected, consider yourself very blessed.
26. Good hair days.
Especially when other people notice and compliment you.
27. Laughing so hard your cheeks hurt and you pee a little.
Don't act like that's never happened.
28. Your education.
Education is something that no one can ever take away from you, and knowledge is power.
29. Your family.
Family doesn't just mean your biological parents. I consider family to be anyone who loves and supports me unconditionally and would drop everything in the blink of an eye to be by my side. If it weren't for these amazing people that I surround myself with I wouldn't be the person I am today or have the things that I do.
30. Jesus.
It's amazing to know that you are so loved that someone would die so you could live.
