Thanksgiving Day is drawing near. The majority of Singaporeans -- from my hometown -- do not celebrate thanksgiving, so I honestly do not know what to expect for the upcoming holiday. Moreover, I won't be able to spend it with my family, but I am more than delighted to be able to spend my first thanksgiving with my new friends here in UCR. Hence, instead of writing about what to be thankful for on thanksgiving, here are 5 things that I am grateful for in general.

1. Family And Friends

According to Robert Waldinger's TED Talk in 2015, a "good life is built with good relationships." These relationships are not limited to those in a romantic sense, but also those with one's family and friends. I am thankful for all those who have showered me with love and concern, those who have given me the strength to pursue my dreams, those who have impacted my life positively in one way or another... This gratitude simply cannot be expressed in words...

2. Food

Why? Because food is love. Period.

3. Past Mistakes

We all regret the blunders made in the past; sometimes, all I wish for is a chance to turn back time so that I can undo them. Unfortunately, life is not a storybook which you can revise, update and re-publish. Without a functional command-backspace button for life, perhaps we should learn from those mistakes and ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. So don’t worry about making mistakes. We all do. We are human beings. It is only normal for us to trip and stumble; but what truly matters is that we “fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

4. Education

Ok, I admit, more often than not, you would find me lamenting about school and the never ending stream of homework... However, deep down, I am wholeheartedly grateful for the opportunity to seek education -- the route which most people claim to pave the way for success, or at least, a proven stepping stone to ascend the social ladder. I consider myself extremely lucky, to be able to attend college in a foreign country, exposing myself to the unfamiliar, enriching my life with the priceless insights and experiences derived from education.

From today onwards, spend a minute or two everyday -- be it in the morning, on the way home, during a meal, or even when showering -- give some thought to this question: "What am I thankful for?" You will find yourself much happier than you have ever been.

It's time to start being greatful by being grateful.