I know that it seems like a long list, man 30 things right? I get it, but the point here is that November is 30 days long ergo 30 things. For some reason around this time every year, people think it's necessary to verbalize what they're thankful for (though I would imagine that they're thankful for those things more frequently than they admit). So here it is, the 30 things to be thankful for.
1. You're alive
Seriously, this is an amazing feat. Maybe you don't feel like this is monumental, but I assure you that being alive is something to be thankful for.
"The hardest thing in this world is to live in it." -Buffy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
2. Animals exist
Do I really need to explain this? If you need further validation, look no further!
3. Fleece Blankets
There have been times where I feel like I am going to freeze to death in my bedroom... so I have 3 (yes 3) fleece blankets on my bed. It's fuzzy and warm coziness of wonderful sleep, if you want one, you can buy one here.
4. Netflix
Seriously, besides Hulu and the opportunities to watch TV and other movies and shows through providers (Xfinity, DirectTV, etc.), Netflix is by far the most popular. Not to mention that they are updating their movies and shows on a monthly basis (though we aren't always happy when they delete movies/shows).
5. Dessert is your friend
Dessert exists. It doesn't matter if your favorite is cake, cookies, ice cream, chocolate, or pie, DESSERT EXISTS.
6. Caffeine will be there
This could be chocolate, tea, COFFEE, soda/pop, fancy waters, or some protein bars, caffeine has your back. Feeling tired? No worries, there's something for that. If all else fails, there's always this (But seriously, it's something to be thankful for).
7. Laughter is contagious
You know the laughter I am referring to, the kind that has your stomach in physical pain because you're laughing so hard, for whatever reason. I remember this one time, my grandfather slapped my grandmother with a cucumber at a restaurant because it was thinly sliced and wiggly. I have never seen a man laugh so hard in his life, I could barely contain the laughter myself. If you ever need something to laugh about, just go here.
8. Freedom of Expression
Meaning our outlet. Writing, Signing, Blogging, YouTube, etc. etc. This is our ability to set our pace in life as well as personal expression. Find some of these things here, here, here, and here.
9. Serotonin and Dopamine
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, impulse, and memory. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that's associated with the pleasure center of the brain, meaning it deals with emotions and motivation. They are both important in your brain in order to be at neutral levels. If you'd like to know about it more, here's a video that explains them. (In other words, they are your happy.)
10. Showers
Have you ever heard the saying that a shower can wash away anything? I know that being in the shower is soothing, a way to wake up or to engage going to bed. Perhaps it's the only alone time you have or sensual time you may have. Whatever it is, it's important and something to be thankful for.
11. PASTA
Pasta is amazing. I literally cannot express it in any other way. If you want some awesome recipes for something you may not have cooked before, look no further.
12. Music
Music is one of the coolest expression-based experiences that people have encountered. It's the lyrics being sung or maybe the melody or mood of the music. It gets us as people into a rhythm of pure bliss.
13. Movies
It doesn't matter what your favorite genre is, movies can and will be there. Movies are here to entertain, to interact, to be relatable, to talk about hard hitting issues, to question, and most importantly to give life. Be thankful for their existence.
14. Not having to set an alarm
That moment when you have a day off from work or classes. A day that you can literally go to sleep at any given time and know you don't have to be up exceptionally early. Can I promise you that your body and/or someone/something else wakes you up? No... but you should be thankful for the little moments of rest.
15. Alone time
I love being around people, truly, but like anyone else, having alone time is something to be thankful for. Personally, my alone time corresponds with #10. When do you get alone time?
16. Great Night Sleep
Let's be real here, it is hard to get a great night sleep. It's those moments that you just wake up completely alert and ready to take on the day. I am definitely guilty of not sleeping well, but here's a list of things that could help if you're looking for that Oompf you need for the ultimate sleep.
17. Sexual Health
Sexual health is something to be EXTREMELY thankful for. There are resources out there for individuals in order to protect them from STD's, Pregnancy, as well as starting to learn and understand our own bodies. Pretty Nifty Stuff!
18. Coloring Books
The motion of coloring is an excellent source of stress relief. The craze of adult coloring books has taken over as it has become a time to do something without thinking about it or it's something to do in general .
19. Google
At some point in your life, you needed google. Whether it was to look up Quizlets in order to help you do homework/take a quiz or if you were looking for the PERFECT Gif to send to your best friend about how you're currently feeling. Google is always there and continues to grow every day (Plus, they change their logo all the time for holiday's or to show pride, tragedy, etc.).
20. Sales
Though Black Friday shopping is basically the epitome of sales or Cyber Monday even, but I am referring to the person who buys anything for $20 that was originally meant $300 or more on any given day. Sales are awesome, they make people feel like they're winning at this shopping thing (You totally are by the way).
21. Food Porn
Will you make the videos that you watch? Maybe, maybe not. The fact that they exist, mmmm, good stuff. Tasty is my favorite, as well as Cooking Panda, and Delish. Try not to drool while you watch their food videos.
22. Chapstick
Who doesn't love the feeling of soft lips? Chapstick is the best to have to the point that they even make tinted versions for any occasion. CHAPSTICK GALORE. Plus, it helps out in the winter time when the air is dry (or when the air is dry overall at any time...).
23. Jokes
The answer to this is not favorable, so look it up if you REALLY want to know. The point is, that jokes are still jokes, even if they're bad dad jokes, or something ridiculous. They pave the path to funny and they're initially meant to amuse.
24. Books
As children, we are asked to read books we may or may not care about, but books are something to be thankful for. Yes, the internet is useful and removes the need for books more so in today's age, but they're still important and something to be thankful for as they are where we started.
25. Internet Connection
Where would we be without the internet? There'd be no Google, no Facebook, Tumblr, Odyssey, Twitter, Buzzfeed, StumbleUpon, Pinterest, and so on. I am happy that I have been alive through the entirety of the Internets progress, it's definitely made functioning more convenient.
26. Memories
It doesn't matter whether or not your memories are exceptional or horrible, they are your memories. They make up parts of yourself that make you, well... you. (Even if Rose didn't move over and let Jack live... totally not salty).
27. Traditions
Traditions can either be something you do as an entire family, like holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah , Kwanza, etc.) or just something you do once in a while (Dinners, Brunches, Weekly Visits, etc). I remember when I was growing up, my father would always make my siblings and I breakfast on the Sunday's we were with him, that was pretty awesome, a tradition I wouldn't mind having back.
28. Oxygen
I feel like this is pretty self-explanatory. Go on, say thank you to the plants, even if you don't like them, especially trees.
29. Human Choice
As a person, you have the ability to choose whatever path your heart desires, good or bad. It's YOUR choice, your body, your life, your decisions. So remember that when you're feeling stuck, it's alright because you can make the decision to change, and that's something to be very grateful for.
30. There's ALWAYS Family
A family isn't always those that share your DNA, it's the people that you'd call to bury a body (but really, you shouldn't do that), it's the people who'd show up for anything and everything... There's always someone in your corner, whether you initially realize it or not.
