When asking people what their favorite holiday is, most people replied with Christmas or Halloween. The few to say Thanksgiving mainly commented on the abundance of appetizing foods they were excited to feast on during this time. While I can agree that Thanksgiving food is one of the best parts, I think that the other aspects of this day have become underrated and overlooked. Many people consider Christmas the best time of year to spread kindness, even if it’s just to make Santa’s nice list last minute. In addition, Christmas is a holiday where people feel the rising need to carve out a few extra minutes out of their busy schedules for family and friends. However, every day can be a starting point to add more of these kind habits and positive relationships to your life. Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to begin engaging in this mindset.
I strongly believe in the effect of causing a chain reaction of kindness. These kind deeds can range from paying for the person behind you in line, which causes every person after you to do the same, to more personal acts like complimenting someone’s outfit. These actions can brighten so many peoples’ day and spread some encouragement in a world filled with so much negative criticism. August through December is such a hectic time in my life, which I believe many college students can relate to. I find that it becomes increasingly easy to pinpoint the negative aspects of my life and fall into a negative mindset. I love that Thanksgiving is a little reminder during these more frantic months of my life to slow down and start appreciating the positive parts of my life as well. As I take more time to count up the good things and use the break from school to spend a moment with the incredible people in my life, it reinforces the fact that there are more good aspects in the world than bad. Negative moments in life will come and go, but the happy memories made with the people you love will stick with you forever. A great way I count my blessings is by journaling. At the end of every day I take a minute to reminisce over exciting or impactful things that affected me positively, and write them down. This way, I won’t forget the beautiful parts of my day.