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Happy Thanksgiving

Be thankful; be giving

Lizzie Ryann

Nov 23, 2016

Bucknell

238

There are two parts involved in the celebration of Thanksgiving and these parts are evident in the name of the holiday; Thanksgiving is a compound noun composed of the words "thanks" and "giving". Moreover, Thanksgiving reminds us to be both thankful and giving. Just as there is an innate two part nature to this holiday, my article is also two parts.

PART 1: BE THANKFUL

Thanksgiving is much more than sweet potatoes and turkey; it is a day that reminds us to be thankful. It is so important to reflect on the things you are thankful for. Gratitude is a transformative practice that makes life more meaningful. It can be easy to take daily luxuries for granted, but a life full of gratitude is a better life. In honor of the "thanks" part of Thanksgiving, here are 10 things I am thankful for:

1. My parents' unconditional love.

2. My dog.

3. My friends.

4. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs.

5. The Gilmore Girls' Revival.

6. Tea.

7. My ability to live in the land of the free because of the brave.

8. Laughter.

9. Sunrises and sunsets.

10. Chocolate.

Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for.

PART 2: BE GIVING

Thanksgiving also reminds us to give. It is so easy to give to others and so necessary. Chances are that many of the comforts in your life were given to you; perhaps from the sacrifices of your parents or the generosity of your grandparents. Even life's little gifts like stranger's that hold the door open are gifts. All the gifts you receive should inspire you to pay it forward. Here are 10 easy ways to give back:

1. Donate food to your local food pantry.

2. Give blood. (http://www.redcross.org/)

3. Send care packages or letters to US soldiers. (https://www.operationgratitude.com/)

4. Run or walk for a cause. Even your weekend jog can be used to give back using the Charity Miles app.

5. Volunteer at a local Senior Center.

6. Online shop via GoodSearch (https://www.goodsearch.com/). You choose the cause that GoodSearch donates a percentage of your purchases to.

7. Buy your school supplies through Yoobi (http://yoobi.com/). For every Yoobi item you buy an item is donated to a U.S. classroom in need of school supplies.

8. Donate your clothing to Goodwill (http://www.goodwill.org/).

9. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen.

10. Do something kind for someone else. It can be as simple as holding the door open or giving a compliment.

Everyday find some small way to pay it forward.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Happy Thanksgiving

Be thankful; be giving

PART 1: BE THANKFUL

1. My parents' unconditional love.

2. My dog.

3. My friends.

4. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs.

5. The Gilmore Girls' Revival.

6. Tea.

7. My ability to live in the land of the free because of the brave.

8. Laughter.

9. Sunrises and sunsets.

10. Chocolate.

PART 2: BE GIVING

1. Donate food to your local food pantry.

2. Give blood. (http://www.redcross.org/)

3. Send care packages or letters to US soldiers. (https://www.operationgratitude.com/)

4. Run or walk for a cause. Even your weekend jog can be used to give back using the Charity Miles app.

5. Volunteer at a local Senior Center.

6. Online shop via GoodSearch (https://www.goodsearch.com/). You choose the cause that GoodSearch donates a percentage of your purchases to.

7. Buy your school supplies through Yoobi (http://yoobi.com/). For every Yoobi item you buy an item is donated to a U.S. classroom in need of school supplies.

8. Donate your clothing to Goodwill (http://www.goodwill.org/).

9. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen.

10. Do something kind for someone else. It can be as simple as holding the door open or giving a compliment.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

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