Ah, thanksgiving. The time to meet with family, talk about what you're thankful for, and then eat so many carbs you go into a food coma for the rest of the night. Speaking of being thankful, sometimes I feel like we as a society tend to take things for granted. Well maybe not take things for granted, I feel like that has such a negative connotation to it. I think it's something more like, you are thankful for things but sometimes you forget to be consciously aware that you're thankful for them. Does that make sense? I'm not sure but we'll pretend like it does.

When I was with my church group one time, our leader asked us, "Say you wake up in the morning, and all that you had was what you said you were thankful for the night before. What would you have?" Pretty thought-provoking, I know. It really makes you to stop and think and actually realize just how lucky in life you are, and reminds you to be gracious that you have the chance to live your life like this.

And I am, I am so truly grateful for my life and everything in it. So in honor of thanksgiving (obviously), I've made a list of some of the things that I'm thankful for. Besides like, the OG, you know, such as God, parents, family, friends, food, shelter, water, etc.

I'm thankful for...

...the ability to go to UNO, and to really, truly enjoy it here.

...being able to visit France and Spain on a school trip (which was heckin' awesome)

...animals, because I love animals and they're awesome.

...technology, for being just so cool.

...science, man.

...books, and all the stories that are told there.

...having my ulcerative colitis be in remission and continuing to stay that way.

...chocolate. God, thank you so much for having chocolate be a thing. Amen.

There's just a short list of things I'm thankful for. We should always go through life remembering to not take things for granted, because many other people don't have the same opportunities as you do. This thanksgiving, sit down and really think about the things you have in life, the opportunities, the people, everything. Some people aren't as lucky as you are.

Now, go forth, do good, be thankful, and stuff your face full with pumpkin pie.