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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Alberta chapter.

The world can be a harsh place, and somehow we have to navigate through it and end up on the other side completely happy and content. With illness, the job market, the political climate, and so much more, it’s hard to sit down at the dining room table with your family this Thanksgiving and share what you’re grateful for. How can we give thanks if we lost our job? How can we give thanks if we’ve been diagnosed with an illness? How can we give thanks if our friend refuses to talk to us? How can we give thanks if we are spending the holidays alone…again? How can we give thanks if our relationship is falling apart? How can we give thanks if someone we know is suffering? How can we give thanks if we lost a loved one? How can we give thanks if we don’t know what the future holds? With all this negativity bombarding us daily, how can we be thankful?

Well, instead of focusing on the bad, ask yourself these questions instead:

 

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

  1. When did a friend or family member truly surprise you?

  2. When was the last time you have a bona fide, infectious belly laugh with your loved ones?

  3. Which relationships grew this year and what did you do to help this growth?

  4. What experience this year should lead to a new family tradition?

  5. What has someone done around the house or within your circle of friends that often goes unnoticed, yet is very much appreciated?

  6. Who was there for you when you were having a bad day? (And have you shared your appreciation with them?)

  7. Who challenged you to think differently and grow this year?

  8. Who pushed you to try something new (and possibly scary)?

  9. When was the last time you had a pleasant exchange with a stranger?

WORK

  1. What have you accomplished that would make your 2017 self feel happy?

  2. When have you had the opportunity to be assertive and say what needed to be said?

  3. How have you utilized the small moments throughout the workday for self-care?

  4. What are three things you appreciate about one of your co-workers?

  5. When were you a part of excellent teamwork and problem-solving this year?

  6. When did you push through a really challenging experience with work and how did this make you more resilient?

  7. What about your work space helps you to stay comfortable and productive?

  8. What overlooked necessity does your income help you pay for?

  9. What treats have you been able to afford this year?

  10. What do you appreciate about your employer?

DAILY LIFE

  1. What is your favorite part of your mornings (whether they’re busy or not)?

  2. In what ways have you streamlined your routine or organized your space this year?

  3. How have you used technology to build connections with others?

  4. What daily tasks make you feel super-accomplished?

  5. What belongings carry special meaning to you?

  6. What weekly ritual do you have that connects you to what is really important?

  7. What do you appreciate about your living space?

  8. What unnoticed beauty can you spot on your daily commute?

  9. What do mundane daily tasks provide for you each day?

HEALTH

  1. What necessary changes have you made to your lifestyle this year that has led to more health and happiness?

  2. What knowledge have you gained about healthy living practices?

  3. When have you practiced self-care this year, despite desires to engage in unhealthy behaviors?

  4. What can your body do for you each day that you appreciate?

  5. In what ways has your body healed this year? What about your mind?

  6. What outdoor experiences have you had that have filled you with fresh air and adventure?

  7. What kinds of nourishing foods have you enjoyed recently?

  8. What fulfilling moments of intimacy have you had recently?

  9. What movement or exercise goals have you completed this year?

  10. In what ways has your knowledge and intellect grown this year?

SPIRITUAL

  1. What wisdom have you gained, as compared to this time last year?

  2. How has life challenged you to grow this year?

  3. What have you let go of recently that has led to more peace and happiness?

  4. When life slows down, what do you notice around you that brings a smile to your face?

  5. How have you put your values into action this year?

  6. What have the times you have spent reflecting on yourself and your growth taught you?

  7. In the midst of bad news, what can you rely on that reminds you of the good in the world?

 

Answering these questions, I realized that in my life I have friends, family, and myself that I can count on for the most important things in life: love, compassion, support, and loyalty. I have many blessings and people to be grateful for. I hope you can find what you are thankful for. Have a happy and grateful Thanksgiving!

Simi Bhangoo

U Alberta '21

Simi is a senior at the University of Alberta studying Sociology and Religious Studies. She grew up in Houston Texas and lives by the saying “go big or go home”. She is currently Her Campus Ualberta's Editor in Chief and Campus Correspondent. School, volunteering, clubs, and work occupy most of her time. You can find her on Instagram at @simi.bhangoo.
Breanne D

U Alberta '19

Co-founder and proud alumna of Her Campus at UAlberta.