Thanksgiving should not be the only time you express your gratitude! During my sophomore year of high school, my history teacher had us write down three things we were grateful for each day. I thought the idea was cute, but definitely did not understand the impact it would have on me at first. Acknowledging your gratitude inevitably promotes the creation of happiness within your life. For instance, it can improve your emotional state, as well as deepen your relationships. Personality-wise, those who express gratitude often tend to be less self-centered and more optimistic. For this reason, I strongly encourage you all to greet each day with a grateful heart. We live such busy lives - it’s very easy to go about every ordinary day without ever recognizing all the beauty they truly hold.

So here is my challenge to you: take a minute or two each day to think about or write down something you are grateful for in that moment. I have done this for the past five months in my own “Daily Gratitude Journal”. I have definitely noticed a naturally more positive attitude and altering perspective. My favorite entries include . . .

1. The opportunity to spend an entire summer at camp surrounded by inspiring people who motivate me to become the best version of myself possible
2. A strong support system
3. Scones
4. Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles
5. People who challenge and therefore expand my own ways of thinking
6. Parents who will drop anything to “come to my rescue” whenever I need it
7. Small moments like eating a Chipotle burrito in the ocean under a cloudless sky
8. The ability to find beauty in ordinary moments
9. To live in such a naturally beautiful place
10. Sunshine
11. Boston trips
12. Obstacles (aka opportunities of growth)
13. Polite people
14. Clear skies to stargaze
15. The opportunity to share my passion for dance through teaching
16. Grilled cheese
17. People who make me feel comfortable/like I can be myself
18. Creativity
19. Nature Valley bars
20. People who go out of their way to cheer up others
21. To be alive
22. Adaptability
23. Such a strong camp family
24. Meeting a wide variety of people
25. My Daily Gratitude Journal
26. Sleep
27. Sunrises
28. Sunsets
29. Flexibility
30. Health
31. Silly humor
32. Triangle Beach
33. Relaxing with my family
34. Naps on beaches
35. New interests
36. Sign language teachers
37. The Hamilton soundtrack
38. Generosity
39. Lambert’s paninis
40. Wachusett Mountain
41. Staff wellness
42. Imagination
43. Willingness to learn and value differences
44. The Mariners
45. Chocolate milk
46. Supportive, understanding, and encouraging professors
47. Confidence
48. Motivation
49. Everything my parents have provided for me
50. Respectful gentlemen
51. Beautiful weather
52. Comfy, fuzzy socks
53. Dad jokes
54. The kindness of strangers
55. Tater tots
56. City explorations
57. My siblings
58. Chemistry
59. Thoughtful, dedicated teachers
60. The fact that dance can bring people together
61. Music
62. Heartwarming Facebook videos
63. My parents’ unconditional love
64. Cat gifs
65. WPI’s campus
66. My hometown
67. Chicken and broccoli alfredo
68. My GoPro
69. The app Houseparty
70. Strawberry sensation smoothies
71. Blue Hills
72. The ability to sleep in
73. Silly humor
74. My quote book
75. Hilliard’s chocolate candies
76. Brilliant advice
77. My home
78. New England autumn scenery
79. Cuddling
80. The Office
81. Natural talents
82. Comfy clothing
83. Bid Day
84. Alpha Phi
85. Moments of pure happiness
86. The opportunity to write for The Odyssey
87. Low-stress weeks
88. My right to vote
89. People who are able to find positivity in any situation
90. Knowing every lyric to a song
91. Show choir
92. Soft blankets
93. My freedom
94. Vacations
95. Impactful conversations
96. Hiking
97. Chicken nuggets
98. Massachusetts’ North Shore
99. Genuinity
100. Education