It's finally here! In a few short days, Thanksgiving will take place. Everyone in your family will gather around the table and share a bountiful feast that usually includes turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberries. And who can forget the pumpkin pie?

At my house, and I'm sure other families do this too, everyone goes around the table during dinner and says what they are thankful for. I usually say things like my family, my friends, the roof over my head... etc, as do the rest of my family.

This year, however, I want to make it my goal to be more thankful every day, not just Thanksgiving day.

I often find myself going through the motions during the week. I have a set routine and I often stick to it, and try not to deviate from it. I don't take much time to pause and reflect on my day. I catch myself focusing on the negative aspects of my day instead of remembering the good things about the day. Last year I kept a journal and wrote in it every day (or as much as I could, because: college) all the things I was grateful for that day. It was a great way to see that there are still good things in the day, no matter how bad I thought my day was. But sadly, as papers and tests started piling up, I found myself passing up that opportunity to reflect on what I was thankful for because I would stay up too late and forget to do it. I haven't done it since.

Giving thanks doesn't have to be saved for Thanksgiving Day. Studies have shown that writing down what you are grateful for each day can make you more happy and optimistic!

I want to challenge you. Your challenge is, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to write down at least three things that you are grateful for each day. Lets call it the "Be Thankful Daily" Challenge. Then after Christmas, if you feel happier and more optimistic about your life, don't stop! Keep writing down what you are thankful for each day and watch see how much better you will feel about life.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life this time of year, with finals and the holidays just around the corner. But taking just five minutes at the end of the day to think of what you're grateful for can help make it just a little less crazy. Everyone has five minutes to spare to reflect on their day.

Take this challenge and see how it can change your outlook on life. Extend your thankfulness passed November 26th. You'll thank me later (pun intended:)

Happy Thanksgiving!