With the season of giving, gratitude, family, friends and love upon us, I thought I would write about things to always be grateful for. In the words of David A. Bednar, “A grateful person is rich in contentment”. I’ve found that the more gratitude and appreciation I express, the happier I am. Now, I’m not wildly successful or already working at an insanely cool job like some of my impressive peers are, but I have so much to be thankful for that I consider myself rich. I am such a happy person because of the joy all the wonderful aspects that make up my life. When you think about and really appreciate all the things in your life that make it good, you will immediately be in a better mood. So if you needed to see a little list today to remind yourself or allow you to reflect on the things you have to be grateful for, here’s mine (in no particular order other than family having to be number 1) :

1. Family

Always number one. Always has been and always will be. In sickness and in health, family is something to be appreciated, valued and loved. Family is everything. I know people always say that and that can make something a cliche, but it couldn’t be more true. Family can make people go crazy, especially around the holidays, but it is the strongest, instinctively loving support system humans have. That doesn’t mean it should or will ever be perfect, but cherishing your family is worth all the energy and effort. If you have people you love and are loved by, take a minute to tell them you love them and are grateful for them. Those things feel as good to say as they do to hear.

2. Health

Something very much worthy of taking a second to appreciate is when you’re healthy and strong. Always be grateful when your body and mind feel good. When people you love are healthy, that is when you should feel the most grateful. Knowing you appreciated the healthy times is what helps you get through tough times, regarding your own health or someone you love. Always be mindful to never take health for granted.

3. Safety

I definitely appreciate when I feel safe. It is such a simple thing that is sometimes taken for granted until something terrible happens. I am grateful for the bigger picture feeling of safety such as feeling safe at home, work, school, in my town and my country. I am also grateful for the smaller scale things, like when I get home safe from walking home alone at night. I appreciate that I feel safe in my neighborhood. and that I live amongst genuinely good people. I am grateful when I go out with friends and feel safe in public places. I value the feeling of trust in the police in my town that they would help me. I appreciate when my car isn’t broken into when I park it on my street. Safety is such a huge factor in one’s happiness, I am deeply grateful for when I feel safe.

4. Friends

Always always always be grateful for the people in your life that make it good. Appreciate the people as well as the fact that you are able to share experiences with them that make you both happy. I am so happy thinking about how I have been able to ski, swim, hike, camp, travel and play outside all over the world with people I adore. I appreciate that insane feeling of meeting someone for the first time and feeling like you’ve known each other forever. I am so grateful to have friends who feel like family. What a truly beautiful aspect of life - to have so much love for humans who you aren’t related to. I will never take it for granted.

5. Education

Growing up in a country where we are all able to attend public school and learn about so much in varying fields of study, I see that that is such a beautiful gift. I appreciate the fact that we have libraries in our towns and schools that we can select literature of our liking regardless of other people’s beliefs. I love that our school systems enables kids to read based on their interests and educate themselves at their own freedom when not in class. I am grateful for the education I received growing up and the opportunity to attend college as well. Always be grateful for being able to learn. Knowledge is such a gift, I am so happy I was raised in a society that encouraged me to learn and grow at every stage in my life.

6. FOOD

I was going to only make this a list of 5 things because I prefer when things end on a multiple of five, but then I remembered food and I couldn’t leave it out of a list of things to be grateful for. Food is a HUGE joy in my life. I love cooking with my friends and family. Going out to meals and exploring new cultures through food. I love trying new things and finding flavors that blow my mind. Dining with people is such a bonding experience, I will always be grateful for food and the culture that surrounds it. I am grateful I have family and friends who love cooking. I love that my friends love dessert. I am grateful I can afford food and have access to it. I am appreciative of all the deliciousness that has been created in this world.

Life is beautiful if you look at it that way. Never take for granted things that bring your life joy. During this season of celebrating life, love, friends and family, always tell people you value their place in your life. You will feel happy you said it and they will be happy you feel that way. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!