Around this time every year, we run into a few of the biggest holidays. One of those being Thanksgiving, which if you’re like me, associate with stuffing your face while surrounded by your crazy family. This is the day that we are supposed to be counting our blessings, although we should really be doing that every day. Here are a few things that I’m thankful for not only this lovely holiday season, but year round:

1. My Wonderful Friends and Family Members

So typical, I know, but I really could not be more grateful for the incredible people that I’ve had the privilege to know and draw near to. I cannot stress the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage you and fill you with life. I am fortunate enough to have many of those people in my life, whether they’re in my family or are close friends who feel a whole lot like family too.

2. The Fall Weather

There are many things that are probably so much more important than this, but the fall season brings me an unexplainable amount of joy. There’s just something about the crisp air, breaking out your sweaters, lighting candles, and the colorful leaves that make life seem so much better. For some reason I associate Fall with change, which is something that I look forward to and am happy to embrace.

3. Moving Onto Bigger & Better Things

Like I said before, I’m a lover of change. So, it’s no surprise that I, as a senior in high school, would be excited to graduate and see what the rest of the world has for me. I’m thankful for all the memories, learning, and growing I’ve done throughout my years in high school, and also for the many opportunities that life still has in store for me. Also, after months of confusion and stressing out, I’m so grateful to know what school I’m going to be calling my new home next year and what major I truly want to pursue there.

4. Discovering New Interests

In the past few months, I’ve discovered and rediscovered some things that I love to do. A couple being writing (look at me now, huh?), playing the guitar, water coloring even though I’m terrible at it, and doing small DIY projects. Sometimes life gets pretty monotonous, especially during the school year, but finding new interests keep you inspired and on your feet. Although we may forget it, there is so much outside of our own little bubbles and it’s such a blessing to have the ability to discover and embrace those things. I’m thankful for all the new hobbies i’ve picked up that will last a lifetime, or even just put a smile on my face once in awhile.

5. The Things We Take For Granted

There are so many blessings that we don’t even realize are blessings. These are things like having a roof over our heads, having spare money to spend on food or going out, having food in the fridge all the time, and many more. It’s hard to even understand life to be any different than it is because we’re so accustomed to it. But, there are people all over the world that could only dream of having these things. These are the things I’m thankful for, even though sometimes I may take them for granted.