As Thanksgiving nears, we take this time to share what we are thankful for. There are many times we take for granted everything we have or the people we have in our lives because at that moment we just look at it as normal living and just feel relieved that we got there and the minute after we are already thinking of the next step.

Think back on the small accomplishments you have made throughout your life, career-wise, academically, personally, etc. If you recently got into the college you always dreamt of, got through another semester, have a roof under your head, a job, a supporting family, are alive another day, and have loved ones who are there in the good and bad times- the list goes on. If we don’t acknowledge what we have and who we have in our lives now then one day when it’s all gone, that’s when we will wish we can go back and relive those precious moments.

Yes, there will be times where we will get annoyed about the things we don’t have, don’t blame yourself- it’s normal. But it’s during these times that we have to take a step back and reflect on the things we do have. So how do we create this routine of learning to be grateful? A great way to do this is through prompts, at the end of the day take five minutes to answer the following questions:

• Write about your favorite person, and describe their qualities
• Write about one good thing that happened today
• What is one challenge you have overcome
• Write about a person who has taught you unconditional love in the past, and/or present
• Write about a happy memory
• Write about a family member that you’re grateful for
• Write about 10 things you like about yourself (each one it’s own prompt) and who or what helped you become the person you are

Gratitude not only helps with personal and mental growth but when we look at it from a different perspective, there are people who would love to have what we have. Therefore taking that time off to write and reflect relieves stress and brings a bit of peace and happiness into our lives. I’ll leave you all off with a quote I once saw that helped me through difficult times and hope it will help you too:

“Whatever happened over this past year. Be thankful for where it brought you. Where you are is where you’re meant to be.”