20 Things to Be Grateful for Today.

With the holidays upon us, there's no better time to be thankful. Here are 20 things to be grateful for today.

1. Be thankful for good health.

We tend to overlook our good health until we’re stuck in bed with a cold - thinking “I wish I could breathe out of my nose again.” It’s in those moments that we’re so glad that colds and flus are temporary. Whatever your quality of health, find something to appreciate and be thankful for.

2. Be thankful for shelter.

You are fortunate to have a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in at night. You’re able to turn on the air conditioner or the heater to make weather conditions more bearable.

3. Be thankful for random acts of kindness.

The kindness we receive from strangers can go along way. Be kind to others and give more than you receive.

4. Be thankful for a good support system.

A good support system goes a long way - whether it’s from your family members, your closest friends or even your co-workers. These are the people who are going to lift you back up when you’re feeling down.

5. Be thankful for challenges.

Use setbacks and challenges to demonstrate how resilient you are. There is nothing you can’t do.

6. Be thankful for exploration.

You are too young and vibrant to be stagnant and stay in one place all of the time. Always find the time to explore whether it’s a new country or finding new gems in your own city.

7. Be thankful for the sunrises and sunsets.

In the words of President Obama, "the sun will rise in the morning." Don’t fret over things that happened today, because tomorrow is a new day and you have to keep moving forward.

8. Be thankful for growth.

Appreciate the fact that you are constantly growing and learning. It’s perfectly acceptable  to change your mind on things you didn’t agree with in the past. It’s okay to be selfish and do things for yourself because it will better you as a person.

9. Be thankful for family.

Everybody has different kinds of relationships with their family members, but we all have something to be thankful for. No matter how dysfunctional they are, they’re still your family. They gave you the foundation for love and respect. Regardless of what sticky situation you get yourself into, your family will always love and support you unconditionally.

10. Be thankful for friends.

While some friendships survive through thick and thin, and others only last for a season or two, it’s important to appreciate what each individual friendship has taught you. Cherish the friends that bring out the best version of you and challenge you to be strong and independent.

11. Be thankful for being employed.

Be thankful for having a job, whether you love or hate the job you’re in right now. Being employed is a blessing that many of us take for granted. If you’re feeling down about your job, choose to make a list of the reasons why you are happy to be there.

12. Be thankful for nature.

There is so much nature to see in the world whether it’s the rolling hills in the mountainside, the picturesque trees in the national parks or the enchanting sunset above the ocean.  Sometimes you need to give yourself a break, leave the city lights behind you and explore the great outdoors.

13. Be thankful for having an internet connection.

The internet has given us the ability to instantly reconnect and engage with our distant loved ones without costing a fortune for overseas calls. It has given us the opportunity to learn more instantly.

14. Be thankful for self-reflection.

No matter how crazy your week has been, take the time to be by yourself, self-reflect and focus on you. You can spend the time gathering your thoughts, determining what you stand for, and what you are going to accomplish this week.

15. Be thankful for the little things.

A simple act such as someone holding the door open for you or a genuinely uplifting conversation with an old friend can improve your mood tremendously. Appreciate the small opportunities that add to your happiness.

16. Be thankful for diversity.

America is so fortunate to be teeming with ethnic and cultural diversity. We all come from different walks of life and we have so much to learn from one another.

17. Be thankful for traditions.

Be thankful the traditions that you keep with your family, friends and with yourself. Whether that’s taking the time to eat Thanksgiving dinner with your family or you monthly Girls Night In. Traditions keep you grounded and give you something to look forward to.

18. Be thankful for snail mail.

Getting a handwritten letter in the mail feels like finding gold at the end of the rainbow - it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you’re ecstatic.

19. Be thankful for uncertainty.

Be thankful for uncertainty because it shows that there is still so much in this world for you to explore and figure out and you don’t need to have all of the answers right now. The future might scare you, but that means you need to focus on being engaged with the present.

20. Be thankful for you.

Lastly, be thankful for you! You are a force to be reckoned with, and you are not going to slow down. Forget how far you have to go, and truly appreciate the progress you have made so far.

What are you grateful for today? Tell me at @melaniesutra and share this post to remind the people around you about all the amazing things they have to be grateful for!