As the school year is coming to an end, I have had quite some time to think about the things in my life that I am grateful for. There are so many things in my life that I take for granted, so when I have the time to reflect on what I should appreciate, I decided to go all in. Here are ten things (even though there is so much more) that I am grateful for!
1. Food
I could be funny and say that food is basically my life, which it most definitely is; however, food isn’t at everyone’s fingertips. If I’m hungry, I can run down to my dining hall or go to the store to pick up food. In other countries, there are people who struggle to just have one meal a day, and even in the United States there are people who are starving. I realize that I have easily accessible food, which is not something that everyone can say.
2. Housing
Being able to have a roof over my head, whether it be at home, in a dorm, or at a hotel, is something that I’m thankful for. Many people have to live on the streets in all kinds of weather, or live in houses where the roofs leak. Having a place to call home and a warm bed at night is something that I will always appreciate!
3. Health
In my life, I have been blessed with never having to go through any major health issues. Some, however, are not as lucky. I also have access to modern medicine and hospitals, as where in other countries, many are not as fortunate. This leads me into my next item.
4. Modern Technologies
Technology has come so far, even in the past few decades. Being able to communicate with someone thousands of miles away with just your phone is something that we think will always be there. Computers, TV, electricity, and the list goes on. These are all things that I, and many others, rely on, on an every day basis, and without them, I don’t know what I would do. (What would I do without social media?)
5. Parents
I’m very fortunate to have a tight-knit family, and my parents are my two main supporters. There are many in the world who don’t have both of their parents in their lives, or they may not know who their parents are at all. I’m so grateful to have my parents by my side.
6. Friends
My friends are also great supporters in my life. Through the ups and downs, my closest friends are always there for me when I need them. I love them to the moon and back and I don’t know what I would do without them.
7. Pets
If you don’t have pets, you’re really missing out. I have two dogs, two cats, and a bunny and they are all so sweet and always know how to make my day (even if they don’t necessarily know what they’re doing). If you are unable to have pets or have family members that are allergic to them, then I’d highly suggest going to a pet rescue center and volunteering – all of the puppies are so cute!
8. Freedom
Growing up in the United States, I have always taken my freedom of speech, religion, and press. The freedom that I am able to have isn’t something that people have all over the world – a pretty obvious statement, right? On a daily basis, I don’t realize how much freedom I actually have, and now that I’m thinking about it and reflecting a little more, I realize how much I really have, even if it’s just as basic as the idea of “freedom”.
9. Education
Being a college student and wrapping up my first year, I have now almost completed 14 years of education. I know that personally, I can complain about how much work that I have to do, and when I was younger, I most definitely didn’t want to go to school. As I became older, I acknowledged that education was something that a lot of children would love to have and that I should appreciate the great schooling system that I was offered. This being said, I am now going to college to become a teacher, as I want to be able to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained onto future generations.
10. Life
Last but not least is life. Yes, this might sound super cheesy, but if you weren’t right here, right now, then where would you be? Everyone has a purpose in life and a reason for being here, and even though we’re still trying to find our ways through life right now, everything will eventually fall into place.