Be #Thankful This Year

Although Thanksgiving is washed out by Christmas decorations and sales, it still remains one of my favorite holidays spent with my amazing and loving family (and of course amazing food).

Sometimes I am guilty of taking a lot for granted and always want what I just cannot have. What does that mean? I need to realize that everything happens for a reason and I should be blessed to have what I already do, like @puetznicklas ‘s amazing bread!! 

Here are 25 things I am #thankful for this year:

1. Family – Let’s start off with the basics. Family means everything to me and I would not be the person I am without them. They are there for me when no one else is and I could not be more grateful for that.

2. Friends – I am aware I am a lot to handle and so I thank each and every one of you who stand by me through thick and thin and listen to me complain about my endless (boy) problems. 

3. Health – In the end, I am a healthy 19 year old girl and that should count for a lot. Yes, I have some mental health issues that I still struggle with, but overall I am well and thankful to be that way. 

4. A Loving Home – Never thought I would say this, but I love coming home from school. Coming home for Thanksgiving just reminds me how much I actually miss being all bundled up, cozy in my own room. 

5. Good Education – The fact that I am able to attend a school like Emerson College and do what I love is an amazing feeling I take for granted too often.

6. Night Out’s – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Nights are definitely something to be thankful for. I don’t know what I would do if I did not have time to just let loose, go out, party, and have fun with no worries on my mind. 

7. Night In’s – Just as important as GNO’s, staying in is a must to relax and recharge. I’m so thankful for night’s that I can just bundle up with Netflix and food and just do NOTHING.

8. Being single – Being single has never felt so good! I feel free and independent! Obviously, throughout this experience I have been hurt and lead on, but it is important to just come back on top and show those assholes you don’t need them. 

9. Learning from My Mistakes – I am extremely grateful for being a person that has made many mistakes in her past, but am determined to not re-live them by becoming a stronger and more loving person. 

10. Gaining More Confidence – Throughout the past year, I have gained an abundance of self love and worth and could not be happier about this. I still struggle a lot with Anxiety, Depression, and Trichotillomania, but have become a stronger and more independent woman who does not need anyone to make her happy (even though sometimes I break this … but I mean it happens to everyone, right?) 

11. Laughter – INCREDIBLY thankful for laughter. Without it I would not be inspired to be a better person. Seeing others laugh or smile because of something I said is extremely rewarding. Also, laughing just connects people and can make a serious situation lighter and easier to deal with. 

12. Rom Coms – Don’t get me started with Rom Coms. Comedies in general, including sitcoms not only influence my career path, but make me happy when I am down. I will never refuse the chance to sit down with a friend, eat a ton of junk food, and laugh my ass off watching a movie like Friends With Benefits or Love Actually. 

13. Scarves – Three words: My. Staple. Accessory. I feel naked leaving the house without a scarf on when it’s cold. They make me feel classy, warm, and stylish at the same time so I mean I’m obviously thankful for them! 

14. Kindness from Strangers – Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than receiving a compliment from a stranger. Like, they went out of their way to talk to someone they don’t know to make me feel better. Even if it’s just a smile to someone on the streets, kindness truly does go a long way. 

15. Hikes – Going to school in Boston doesn’t allow me to do this much, but when I get a chance, hiking is the perfect way to get exercise, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and relax your body and mind. 

16. Making the Subway Just Before the Doors Close – Honestly, there’s no better feeling than reaching that subway right before the door closes, especially on a Friday night at midnight and you cannot afford an Uber if the last train left for the night. #thankfulaf

17. Good Hair and Makeup Days – Ugh don’t you just love it when your hair and makeup are on point? Also, isn’t it amazing when your skin is so clear it looks like it’s been Photoshopped? It just makes my confidence levels rise and my mood improve. 

18. Alone time – Personally, I am someone who does rely on others a lot, but personal time is something necessary to just organize yourself and think about everything you need to, so I am blessed when the opportunity arises. 

19. Walks – There’s nothing like a nice long walk on a crisp day. Obviously this was easier to achieve when it was nicer and brighter out, but I aim to take a walk once a day around the Boston Commons, Public Garden, and/or Esplanade in between classes to clear my head, listen to good music, and enjoy the fresh air. 

20. A Good Cry – Everyone needs a good cry every once in a while and surprisingly, that is something I am thankful for! Small moments that anger us always build up and lead to outbursts, but on the bright side when they do, everything can only go up from there!

21. Throwback Music – Nothing gets me going like some good 90s, 00s, or 10s, throwbacks. Play anything from Akon, Sean Kingston, or Tyga to Beyonce, Britney Spears, or Rihanna to Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy, or Panic! at the Disco and I will 10/10 be on my feet dancing and screaming the lyrics. TBH Flo Rida and Ke$ha’s “Right Round” is playing in the background while I type this… 

22. Hot Chai Lattes from Starbucks – #basicbitch? Yes. And I’m basic and I’m proud. So thankful for those nice hot chai lattes on a cold day. P.S. Add any syrup to the drink to add a seasonal taste to get you in the mood for the holiday season!

23. Crunchy Leaves – This is a seasonal thing to be thankful for, but autumn is my favorite season. Walking on leaves and hearing the crunching noise makes me nostalgic for when I would jump in piles of them with my sister when we were younger. 

24. The Perfect Outfit – Wearing something that you feel confident in is winning half the battle to me! If you look good, you’ll feel good, and success will follow!

25. That I’m Not a Turkey – Did you know about 46 MILLION turkeys die a year for Thanksgiving? Talk about being #blessed to not be one of those gobbling guys! 

This is just a list of some things I am grateful for this year. If I continued I would be typing forever! What are you guys thankful for?