I told myself I would complain less. When, before my final at 8 a.m. that would be followed by two more finals that day, I read that thousands of people in Aleppo were facing genocide and were trapped, I pledged to myself that I would complain less. I wanted to eliminate complaining entirely from my vocabulary. No negative commentary on any of my circumstances. If I felt myself feeling less than great, I declared I would devote myself to finding that silver lining no matter what it might be.

If I were tasked with making a list of things I would like to change about my life, I could fill pages. I don’t want to live like that. Negativity is draining. It feels like it rots my core. It tires me and moves me to mean thoughts when I should be thinking positive, uplifting things. I am an upbeat person; again, I do not want to complain. And so I began jotting down things that make me happy throughout the day, whether by mental note or on any scrap of paper I could find. There’s a lot that makes me feel grateful — especially the little things. Although I haven’t completely eliminated complaining from my life as I hope to do, I do realize one thing: I’m also grateful to live in a place where I can express my complaints.

Access to hot showers where I can crank the heat and forget about what troubles me. Warm towels that dry me off and a variety of clothes to choose. A reliable roof that keeps out the snow and a warm bed, a bed that’s even better when my blankets, pillows, and body heat are shared. Goodnight kisses. Goodnight kisses that are that alone without the expectation of anything else. Naps between classes, warm meals, and coffee from Water Street. Optimism. The ability to work hard and do the right thing, even when it isn’t the easy thing. Watching the snow fall as it twinkles in the streetlight. Reminding myself that winter may be cold, but it sure is pretty. Braving a blizzard and going to Fourth Coast and Sweetwater’s in the middle of the night, followed by conversation that ran so late that night evolved into morning. Evolving each day into a better person than I was the day previous. Writing. Reading. Learning. Access to higher education. There are thousands of little things in life that make each day sweet and enrich my experience.

What would life be without great people? I am so fortunate to know plenty of fantastic people. Immediate family, extended family, friends I’ve known so long or so well that they’ve become family, coworkers with whom the camaraderie is just like family. Phone calls that make a long day seem not so bad. Customers who are polite and happy to interact with me. Movie, music, and book recommendations from my favorite people. Snapchats of people’s pets. Card games, conversations, and pizza orders that have become timeless weekend traditions. Solidifying rooming plans for next year and the excitement of sharing an apartment with cool folks. Texts that make me smile. Compliments that make me blush. Giving compliments. Giving gifts. Listening. Enjoying another’s company even when it’s quiet.

I am grateful to be living this life and especially grateful for all that makes it so sweet.