Thanksgiving

Time to give thanks! 

Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries. It's that time again. Thanksgiving! This is one of my favorite holidays, once I get past the idea that my meal is over 3,000 calories. But YOLO, right? This is my favorite holiday not because the food or the fact that I get a three day vacation; it is because of the real meaning behind the holiday, and of course because of family.
I know that this post has already turned as cheesy as my mom's famous casserole, but just bare with me. One of the things that totally irritates me about this time is that everyone decides now is when they post their thankfulness to Facebook. Yes, I agree that this is the time to give thanks; but no, it is not the time for all of the world to know about it. Giving thanks is not something that suddenly becomes public solely because it is November. Sure, you can be thankful your boyfriend brought you soup, or for random phone calls with an old friend; and I'm all about posting your life on the Internet (to an extent). But, why does November suddenly mean that every day we have to find something to be thankful for? Shouldn't we always be thankful, regardless of the season?

I'm sure at this point, I may seem like that one girl who always looks on the bright side of life. You know, that annoying girl who tells you to turn that frown upside down, and the one that you want to punch in the mouth when your day just couldn't get any worse. 

Yeah, don't worry; I'm not. I'd want to punch me in the mouth, too. Anyway, the point of this blog post is to show you that there is always something to be thankful for, especially the days where it seems like all is hopeless. Look back to those horrible days -- the days you wanted to just lay in bed and never see the sunlight -- and think. Those are the days I'm talking about. 

Be thankful for sleeping in too late and missing class. At least you have a bed to sleep in, and an education to miss. 

Be thankful for clothes that are too small. It means you're well fed. 

The awkward conversations and annoying arguments you are bound to get into this weekend - be grateful. Some people don't have a family to spend Thanksgiving with. 

Fail a test that you worked really hard on? It can only go up from here. Be thankful you have more chances. 

Can't stand our government? Can't stand everyone complaining about our government? Keep in mind that we live in America, and all of these complaints just show that we have freedom of speech. Be thankful we don't live in a dictatorship. 

As I write this, my puppy is currently walking all over my laptop. However, I'm thankful because it means I'm loved. 

Be thankful for that holiday traffic, those noisy customers, cold weather, and obnoxious Christmas music because it means you can see; you can hear; and you are alive. 

It may seem like a stretch, but this post is just a little reminder that things are never as bad as they seem. I know it's hard to be thankful for things that drive you crazy. I have the worst road rage ever and I avoid stores from now until Easter, but there can be joy in any situation. So next time you're freezing as you walk to your car, remember that it could be worse -- at least you are heading to a warm place. When the Camry in front of you doesn't use his blinker and your brakes begin to slide, remember that cars are a luxury, too. It can always be worse, and there is always something to be thankful for. 

I started a journal at the beginning of this year, and every day (almost) I write something that I'm thankful for. I realized quickly that it really changes the mood of your days. Start one; it will really open your eyes. It really makes you think about what you have in your life. 

Now, get off the computer and go spend time with family. It's Thanksgiving, ya'll! 

Happy Turkey Day bloggers. 

All my love, 

Melanie