38 Things To Be Thankful For

In case you haven’t started counting down yet, there are 38 days left in 2017.

Thanksgiving day is the perfect day to be thankful and we have put together a list of things to be thankful for every day until the year ends.

It is easier to focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do have. But we need to take time out to remember all the things we take for granted and really need to be more thankful for.

Also, if you’re feeling down or discouraged, this is an encouraging way to think of the little things that count because they matter.

Here are 38 reasons to be thankful:

1.

Waking up: Simply waking up today means you have one thing to be thankful for.

2.

Good Health: Being able to step outside to breathe in fresh air is a good reminder of how many little things we should be thankful for. Even if your health isn’t great, it could be worse and you likely still have some working parts to be thankful for.

3.

Your Parents: They may be annoying and seem like they just brought you into the world to stress you and call you to pass the remote that’s right next to them. However, they gave you life; life is worth so much.

4.

Good friends and family: Family and good friends are everything. The quality of friendships counts more than the number of friends you have. So those two friends you love so much that have your back are enough to show gratitude.

Happy couple. Photo: First Digital

5.

Ability to help: Being able to help others in need reminds us that we are all in need in one way or the other. Having the ability to help a person in need makes the world a better place, even if on a very tiny scale.

6.

Love: The world would be a different place if we all lacked the ability to love. Be thankful for little pleasures like pets that welcome you when you open the door, crushes that remind you that humans are always seeking to love and be loved, or acts of affection like hugs and hand-holding and kisses that remind us of the importance of touch.

7.

Hate: People who don’t like you remind you that you have values and opinions so strong that you’re willing to sacrifice your likability at the expense of standing by them. That’s a good way to look at it.

8.

Having a home: Whether you live in a rented apartment, a mansion or a tent, having a place to call home is something to be thankful for. A bed is also something people take for granted until they don’t have one.

9.

Weekends and holidays: There’s something magical about weekends and holidays. They give you a reason to celebrate and that is something we should be thankful for.

10.

Education: The opportunity to attend school and get a good education is something many people in the world don’t have.

11.

Teachers: Whether it’s your grandmother teaching you to embroider handkerchiefs or your plumber showing you how to prevent future problems, be grateful that others are willing to use their time and talents to teach you something new.

12.

Your ability to read: If you’re reading this right now, you have a lot to be thankful for.

PHOTO: YourBlackEducation

13.

Books and movies: They provide an opportunity to enter another world all from the comfort of your own home.

14.

Ability to Learn: The ability to learn new things means we have endless potential. Being able to think, remember, and solve problems sure makes life easier.

15.

Mistakes: If we never made mistakes, we wouldn’t learn much, so it is one of those things we should be thankful for.

16.

Risk Takers: Some of life’s best inventions have resulted from an entrepreneur who was willing to take a risk.

17.

Technology: Cell phones make talking to loved ones easy. For a phone that allows you to communicate with people instantaneously even when you are far away from them. For a computer, and for the fact that they exist, and that you can have access to it – to do your work, to gain information, and to learn. For the Internet, no matter how awful it may seem some days, it has revolutionized our lives for the better. It’s hard to believe how easy it is to take the internet for granted, seeing how none of us had just a couple of decades ago. Without cars, it would take a lot longer to get our activities done.

18.

Modern Medicine: Without advances in modern medicine, many of us wouldn’t be alive. Many of us wouldn’t be alive without today’s vaccinations.

19.

Electricity: Electricity makes most of our chores efficient. Think of all the things you would be unable to or go through extra stress to do if there is no electricity in your house for a month. Scary, right?

20.

Air Conditioning: Centuries ago, all people had to cool off was water, fans and shade. Now, we have air conditioners that regulate the temperature to our taste. Isn’t that wonderful?

21.

Employment: Being employed means someone thought you were special enough to hire, even if your job stresses you out.

22.

Challenges: Everyone faces challenges in life, whether because of our actions or things we cannot control. But these challenges make us who we are at the end of the day. Without pain, it would be hard to appreciate life’s joys. Suffering, pain and failure make you aware that you only have so much control. Heartbreak reminds you that your heart is strong enough to face the worst and still keep beating.

Happy black women

23.

Laughter: Can you even start to imagine what the world would be like without laughter? The laughter of a baby or a loved one can be all you need to brighten up your day, you know.

24.

Tears: Tears help us express how we feel when we have no words to say.

25.

Senses: Sight allows us to view the world’s beauty, hearing your loved one’s voice is a treasure that not everyone has, touch can be comforting and there are so many delicious cuisines to taste.

26.

Safety and Security: If you’re able to go to bed and wake up without immense fear, you are really living a free life. Appreciate that.

27.

Clean Water: Many people on earth lack access to clean water.

28.

Kind strangers: Never take the kindness of a stranger for granted. Picture the time you left something in a place and someone made sure it safely got to you.

29.

Art: Art has made the world even more beautiful than it already is.

30.

Sunsets: Sunsets are a simple reminder to enjoy the simple things in life. Also, no matter how dark things may get, the day will break eventually and so will that challenge you’re facing.

31.

Sunshine: The warmth of the sun can brighten any day. Plus the glow it gives your face when the light hits it is the perfect filter for selfies.

32.

Entertainment: Entertainment helps us relax and enjoy life. Music brings out new emotions and can cheer you up when you’re sad or feeling down.

33.

Diversity: The world would be a boring place without diversity.

34.

Children: Watching children laugh, grow, and make colourful drawings of their dreams can really keep things in perspective.

35.

Freedom to Vote: Don’t take your freedom to vote for granted. You have a say in the laws and who gets into power.

36.

Freedom of Speech: Your voice counts and you have the freedom to express your thoughts and feelings. That is something to be grateful for.

37.

Food: Whether you’re making or eating it, good food is always something to be grateful for. Also, it is refreshing not having to worry about where your next meal will come from.

38.

Life: Without life, none of the above is possible. And with life, there is hope. So today, be hopeful because you are alive and everything is going to be alright.