Since the first gathering of the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621, Americans have made the last Thursday of every November a day of thanksgiving. Often full of big feasts and football games, the day that we spend expressing our gratitude has become a unique tradition not seen in many other cultures around the world. Yet the true spirit of thanksgiving seems to have been lost in our day and age.

Every day has become almost indistinguishable from one another. Another day of getting through school or the job that defines your role in contributing to society. Another day of coming home to complete a never-ending list of tasks and obligations, with some being more mindless than others. Another day of questioning, “What did I miss out on today?” The insatiable desire to display our productivity and worth to both ourselves and others drives our mindset from when we wake up to when we go to sleep.

And yet, in spite of all that we do every day, we forget to acknowledge what allows us to go about our day. The car in the driveway we use to commute. The place we call home that provides a roof over our heads, a place to sleep, and a space where we don’t have to worry about the outside world. The people who make up our friends and family who are always there to provide support in whatever way they can. We, as a society, are prone to overlook the fortune of having our daily necessities and luxuries so easily accessible. As a result, we do little, if not anything, to consciously express our gratitude on a regular basis. The “thank you” that comes here and there cannot suffice our need to truly appreciate the things we have and the life we live.

While you shouldn’t guilt-trip yourself into looking for positives—you’re still allowed to feel disappointed and sad—it can be healthy to look at the glass half-full. Prioritizing gratitude and a positive outlook throughout our daily behavior is vital in order to remain content in one’s life. While it may seem overwhelming and an impossible task to accomplish, making this change in your life is simple and much easier than it seems. Expressing gratitude is straightforward and uncomplicated, and you can start with the people who surround you. Thank your loved ones for the positive contributions they make to your life. Thank your teachers, your peers, everyone around you who makes a positive impact on your life. Thank your health, your ability to wake up everyday and keep living.  Most importantly, thank yourself for all you do everyday. Your ability to stay resilient, to handle all the obstacles life throws at you, and to keep the motivation to keep on going is admirable, so don’t take it for granted! 

The importance of being grateful is often promoted within society as a vague maxim—something which is presented to be necessary with no proper justification or explanation. As a result, the value of gratitude within your life is often downplayed and seen as unimportant. Nonetheless, thankfulness can make you a happier person. By appreciating what you already have rather than single-mindedly pursuing what you lack, you can be more appreciative of what surrounds you and be more content with your own life. Being more self-aware also strengthens your relationship with the people around you, as you are more appreciative of them and the impact they create on your life. Giving thanks can take many forms, whether it be meaningful actions, sincere gifts, or kind words—at The Quill, all staff write monthly appreciation articles during the Thanksgiving season.

This Thanksgiving season, go back to the origins of this age honored holiday and begin to develop your own relationship with gratitude. Be patient, be kind, and most of all, be thankful!

Photo courtesy of UNSPLASH.COM