Appreciating the Little Things

Hello Her Campus! Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and it is a holiday and break
that we have all valiantly earned. I never really appreciated Thanksgiving in high school
apart from the mac & cheese and the brief vacation from school. However, as I reflect in
this moment when its been 3 months since Ive seen my friends, extended family, and my
normal routine I find myself eternally more grateful for both the major and small things in
my life. While I have always appreciated the “Big 3” constants in my life that being my
family, friends, and wellbeing, spending my first semester at Loyola has taught me how to
recognize the small things that bless my life every single day. Keeping with the general
gratitude that permeates the otherwise bleak month of November I have been trying to
better both my attitude and daily routine by noticing all the factors that bring me joy, and
fulfillment in a repetitive routine. This technique I’ve been using lately has impacted all
moments in my day and allows for my positivity to persist even when I feel like the semester
or day is dragging me into boredom. I am able to import this positivity in simple ways such
as changing the way I think and perceive daily activities such as glancing at the weather
summary on my phone, instead of complaining of it being too cold or warm instead as
someone who loves fashion I factor the varied temperature into my outfit. I promise myself
that the weather will be amazing because I can protect my makeup and hair in the chilly
atmosphere or rock my perfectly worn in Rainbows in an unseasonably warm day. I apply
this “glass half-full” mentality to all parts of my day that initially irritate me, while also using
it to bring joy to daily actions such as receiving a perfectly pink Starbucks refresher or
having an excellent post-class debrief with my friends. Appreciating the little things also
allows for me to cherish the big triumphs such as acing a test while not letting obstacles
deter my confidence. Gratitude however is not solely focused on how appreciation benefits
you, but also in showing your love for others. One simple way to do this is by saying a
genuine “Thank You” to the people that make you notice the small things such as the lovely
workers at Green Peel, or your friends who consistently make you feel loved. However, you
chose to appreciate your life noticing the small wins, and showering those around you with
gratitude should be chief focuses on everyone’s mind as we near Thanksgiving and a brief
respite from campus.