There is always a reason to be thankful but here are the ones that mean the most to me.

1. You never know what is going to happen

It seems like a cliché and maybe a couple of years ago I would have thought the same, but with the things that keep happening in the world, it doesn’t seem the case. It is easy to say “I can’t wait for tomorrow because today has sucked” or something along those lines. What we need to understand is that just because the day “sucked” does not mean you should wish it away. Instead, change it. Do something to make the day better because not everyone gets the tomorrow we all talk about. Be thankful that you have this moment, right now.

2. Family is forever

We take our families for granted. We all do it. None of us think saying goodbye to someone on the phone will be the last time and we shouldn’t. We cannot live our lives being afraid of what bad thing will happen next, but we can make sure our family members know how much we love them regardless. So say “I love you” every time you hang up the phone, not because you’re fearful it will be your last but because it is true. Family is forever so be thankful you have them in your life and let them know.

3. Home time is the best time

I will admit that being out with friends is more enticing at times than sitting at home with family, and that’s ok. It is normal for us to want to be with our friends. However, since starting college, home time has seemed so much more important and something I often long for while I’m away. I know I am not the only one who thinks this way. Regardless of if you are at home permanently or away at school temporarily, home is home and those times will always be special. Be thankful for the times when you can lay on the couch doing absolutely nothing and be so content.

4. Not everyone has what you have

This is one I often struggle with…taking for granted what I have and assuming other people have it exactly how I do. We often assume that all people around our age live the same lives but it is so far from the truth. This does not mean that what you have is any better or worse than others but maybe it is just different. The best thing to do is be grateful for whatever the “normal” is for you because in the end that is all that matters. Be thankful for what you have because not everyone is so lucky.

5. There is always something to smile about

Whether you are having the best day ever or the worst day imaginable, there will always be something to be happy about. The key to happiness is finding the happy through the hardest times, right? The hardest thing to realize is that not everything will go right all the time. You will not get everything you want but maybe that is ok. I strongly believe that things happen for a reason so be thankful for whatever that reason may be. Be thankful that you can still smile even if you don’t want to.

“To whoever reads this, I hope something good happens to you today.”