25 Little Things You Can Express Thanks and Gratitude for This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, representing a time to meet up with friends and family, enjoy a big meal and express thanks.

Though we all have things to be thankful for each and every day, it can be tricky to focus on gratitude when that's not a regular practice for you. Not sure where to start when it comes to being thankful? Below are 25 small but powerful things you can be grateful for on Thanksgiving—and every other day of the year.

A Hot Drink

There's something about the warmth of a hot drink that nourishes both the mind and soul. Take a moment to indulge in the coziness of your beverage and the flavors your love to sip on.

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Your Favorite Piece of Clothing

Certain pieces of clothing just make us feel more like us. They might have a comfy quality or a color, silhouette or design that empowers you with confidence. Focus on how it makes you feel and be grateful for that sensation.

 

An Internet Connection

You're not reading this article unless you have a connection to the internet. Take a moment to appreciate that access to limitless information and the chance to connect with others anywhere in the world.

 

Someone Who Cares About You

Love makes the world go round. Take the time to thing about the people who care about you, whether that's family, friends or a partner, and how special it is for people to find each other.

 

Seeing the Sun Rise or Set

No matter what happens each day, you can depend on the Earth to make its daily rotation, and for the sun to rise in the east and set in the west. Make an effort to view its movement every once in a while and appreciate its constancy and beauty.

 

Also read about: How to Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving Outfit

 

Moments of Peace and Quiet

Life can be loud, chaotic and overwhelming, and finding little moments to yourself, away from the noise, can be a magical thing. Take some time to reflect on the peace and quiet when you get it and really appreciate the time away from it all.

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The Cycle of Changing Seasons

Another natural phenomenon we can count on every year is the regular changing of the seasons. Even if you live where these shifts are minor, you can appreciate this cycle and the fact that nature is never stagnant. Winter, spring, summer and fall all have their moments to look forward to.

 

A Good Book

There's really nothing like getting lost in a good book and spirited away by a compelling story. The process sharpens your wit and your imagination while driving away boredom with ease.

 

A Favorite Song

Music touches all of us in different ways, and there's something about the right song at the right time that's unlike any other experience. Maybe it fills your with a sense of joy, connection or energy, or even a trickier emotion that feels powerful to dwell in. Whatever it is, it's transformative—and the best thing is that you never have to commit to just one song.

 

A Sweet Treat

We're not sure why a sweet little treat every once in a while can feel so healing, but it does. The right dessert will put a smile on your face and happiness in your heart, like cozy nostalgia in the form of food.

 

Also read about: Here's What Your Fave Thanksgiving Dish Reveals About You

 

A Funny Animal Video

Funny animal videos feel like one of the purest forms of joy, perhaps because animals do their own thing and are completely candid. Cherish the laughter that these silly videos bring you, and consider making a playlist of reliable favorites for when you need a pick-me-up.

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Learning Something New

Knowledge is power, and as long as you have a book or a device connected to the internet in reach, you have the ability to learn something new. Start with skimming the pages of topics that interest you and let your curiosity guide you, or seek out tutorials and DIY videos to pick up skills you've always wanted to have, and you can become a little wiser every day.

 

Checking Something Off Your To-Do List

We all do so much every day, rarely stopping to feel accomplished about what we achieve. Try making a to-do list of your daily activities—both obvious and necessary—at the start of your day. You'll likely check off more boxes than you thought you would, and that can help you feel gratitude about what you're capable of.

 

A Movie or Show That Inspires You

Many of us have comfort movies of shows that we return to again and again when we need some comforting familiarity and reliability in our loves. That's definitely something to be thankful for. You might also watch something new that inspires you and sticks in your mind well after it's finished. That's something to appreciate, too.

 

A Beloved Photo

Photographs can have a lot of power, and your camera roll can be a surprising source of joy. Think about the types of photos you love to look at. Are they of your friends and family? A pet? Past experiences? Travel? Your celebrity crush? Reflecting on this can help you understand what you're most grateful for, and what you should invite into your life in the future.

 

Also read about: Instagram Captions to Use Because You're Thankful for Family This Thanksgiving

 

The Sunshine

After a long, cold night or bad weather, there's nothing like feeling the sunshine on your face again. It's warm and calming, and getting a dose of sunlight during the day can also help us feel happier, improve our sleep quality and boost our vitamin D levels. Essentially, the sun is life, and that's something to embrace.

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A Comfy Place to Rest

Everyone needs their rest, and whether you've been on your feet all day or forced to sit somewhere uncomfortable, having a nice spot to relax can make any situation better. Maybe you have a fluffy bed, a favorite comfy chair or even a spot on the floor where you like to spend time to destress. Whatever it is, appreciate those moments.

 

A Reason to Smile

It may sound strange, but the simple act of smiling can make you happier and healthier. Of course, we like grinning even better when the world gives us a reason to smile wide. This can truly be anything, depending on who you are and what you find pleasure in, so pay attention to these reasons, wear that smile proudly, and look for more opportunities to do so.

 

Getting Excited About Something

Getting excited about life comes in so many forms. You might look forward to an upcoming event or a chance to spend time with someone, or your favorite sports team performing well. Maybe there's an item on a menu that sounds so delicious you can't wait to try it. Whatever it is, passion is essential. Seek it out and be grateful for each moment you have it.

 

Surprise Money

Of course, expected money—like a paycheck or anticipated birthday cash—is always welcome, but receiving extra money out of the blue feels even more special. Maybe that's finding a lucky quarter when you're out and about, or a couple extra dollars you didn't know about in your back pocket. However it happens, it always makes us feel like the universe is looking out for us.

 

Also read about: All the Reasons November Is the Best Month of the Year

 

Sweet Dreams

Dreams have the ability to take you anywhere to do anything. While not all dreams are sweet, the ones that are tend to stick with you. They can bring moments of profound joy, reunite you with loved ones, take you to remarkable worlds and make you feel capable of the impossible. Some dreams just make you feel lighter, making you more optimistic and confident in the waking world as well.

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Getting Sleep

Of course, dreams aren't possible without sleep, and when you're exhausted, you come to truly understand just how precious sleep is. When we wake up in the morning wishing we could sleep in and get more rest, we try to harness that feeling and channel it when we're struggling to sleep at night. Be grateful for the restorative, healing nature of sleep and work to get the right amount when you can.

 

Your Emotions

Our emotions are complicated things. It might not feel natural to be grateful about things like sadness, anger, fear, jealousy or discomfort, but those emotions are proof that you're alive, and clues to what you need more of in your life. Excitement, joy and love should likewise be enjoyed to their fullest and appreciated. It's important to experience the full spectrum of human emotions and really thrive in moments of contentment when they come.

 

The Weekend

Whether your "weekend" is actually on Saturday and Sunday or you get some other time off during the week, any days you get to briefly put away some of your academic or work commitments are definitely something to look forward to. What you do what those moments are freedom are up to you, so make the most of them.

 

A Chance to Reflect With Gratitude

It may sound a little silly, but one of the things we're most thankful for is having a gratitude practice in the first place. Even if we don't stop to look back on what we're thankful for every day, it trains us to appreciate the little things in life that can add up to big feelings of happiness.

 

Want to pass your thanks on? Click HERE for some of our favorite ways to express gratitude for others at Thanksgiving.