With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I think it is so important to give thanks to the small things in your life. Not necessarily in a list format, but just think about how lucky you truly are. Everyone is facing challenges, some better, some worse, than your own. But, growth does not happen when you are constantly comparing yourself to others; Just because someone has it better than you does not mean you can’t relish in what you have, and vice versa.

So, be happy for the B you got on the midterm because it means you are able to go to school. Be thankful for the parking spot you are able to find at the end of the parking lot because it means you are able to walk and enjoy the weather. Be appreciative of the arguments you hear about the election because it means we are able to enjoy freedom of speech. Enjoy the work you have because it means you are making money for yourself or your family. Appreciate the people who dislike you or don’t understand you, because it means that you have stood for something important in your life. Understand just how lucky you are when you are thinking about your daily life. We take so much for granted without realizing it.

Most importantly, be thankful for the people with whom you surround yourself. Call your best friend and just assure them of how important their presence is in your life. Thank your mothers, your fathers, your aunts, uncles, grandparents, whomever and let them know just how influential they have been in your life. Because even with arguments and misunderstandings those closest to you have proven their interest in your life and they deserve to know that you understand their contribution.Take a dish over to your neighbors, give a personal card to the mailman. Even if people have very little interaction in your life, show your thanks. Too often we go without having a basic understanding of other's and their needs. Take care of each other, we need more of that.