I've had my fair share of moments where I have foolishly looked beyond the surface and forgotten to appreciate what I am fortunately provided with in life. I know what it's like to take life for granted, and I know what it feels like to be taken for granted.

When life starts to pass you by, it's often hard to stay fully aware of the passing of time. We forget to appreciate the few seconds we have with someone before that precious moment has passed and simply becomes a memory. Sometimes, all it takes is the loss of someone's presence for you to fully be thankful for the graces they have done to your life.

So what if you woke up with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?

Learn to be grateful for those who stand by you through the thick and thin of life's sporadic contingencies. The souls that fight for you and care about your perceptions of the world are the souls worth thanking God for.

In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to pay my gratitude to the individuals who have shown me countless times how truly blessed I am to have them in my life.

Thank you to:

My parents, who raised me to be an individual who loves selflessly, works hard and keeps an open mind about different perspectives of the world.

My friends, who never fail to lift my spirits when I need their support the most. I know that if I shall ever lose my footing, I will always have someone to fall back on.

My companion, who brings out the best version of myself and truly loves me for all that I am.

My educators, who push me to work toward my future and put forth the best work that I possibly can.