Thoughts on thankfulness

2020 has been one for the books, and not in a good way. If anyone had told me that this year would turn out this way, there is no way I would have believed them. It feels like we’re living in a psychological horror movie some days. I do my best to find hope, but when hope fails, I turn to gratitude and I urge you to do the same.
I was taught about gratitude by my mom who is a intense “Thank You” note writer. When she’s stressed, she writes to let people know the ways that they have made her life better. As someone who has received quite a few of these notes, I can say that they give the receiver quite a boost of serotonin. So let’s all take some time to think about the little things that we have to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving was one like no other, with so many people who were unable to be with their family. It was so it ended up being my first Thanksgiving away from home. That was pretty hard. Even so, I was able to find a lot to be grateful for. I am extremely blessed.
2020 has taught me to be grateful for the little things. At no point in my life have I been homeless. I’ve always had a bed to sleep on. I’m lucky enough to have been born in a time with electricity. It would absolutely suck if I had to go outside for that 2 a.m. bathroom break. I have an abundance of water that comes right into my house. When I turn the water on to get a drink, I never have to worry about it making me sick. If I do get sick I can go to the doctor and be well taken care of. These everyday things don’t exist for everyone; it’s easy for me to lose sight of what a blessing they are.
We should all be really grateful for the opportunity to get an education. We all know how easy it is to complain about Gustavus, it really isn’t that bad. We are given the opportunity to travel, read a lot of really interesting books, and make some really great friends. Oh, my friends. I’m so beyond grateful for them. I miss them every day we’re apart. Friends can really serve as a firm foundation during this unsettling year. I want to be a better friend to them all. It’s too easy not to call them. The time we shared in our quaint dorm room was the highpoint of my year, and I hope to be back there later this spring.
As our Spotify Wrapped comes out I realize how grateful I am for music, as by my Instagram feed suggests that it’s very meaningful to a lot of others as well. I really miss live music, but I appreciate the creative ways the musicians are using to connect with fans on an intimate level. But you can bet that as soon as it’s safe, I’m going to go to as many live shows as possible. Watch out Wookiefoot (my favorite band), you have a new groupie on her way.
It’s about to get darker and colder Gusties, and times might be getting harder. Pause to remind yourself of all the little things that you’re grateful for. Let the people who have made an impact in your life know that (aka call your grandma). Turn on some good tunes and make a playlist for your best friend. Look your cat deep into her eyes and tell her how much you love her. Take your dog out for a walk and then give him a treat when you get back. There are a lot of little things that we can be appreciative of. Make it a habit to thank your bathroom sink when hot water comes out from it. Despite everything, we have a lot to be thankful for every single day. Turn gratitude into daily practice, and watch how it makes your life a little better.