Happy Thanksgiving

On Tuesday I had a crappy evening, and after I was feeling a little better, I decided to make a list of things that I’m thankful for. I definitely think that this list is different than the weekly happiness lists I make, because this list includes things that I often overlook or take for granted. I may be able to notice pretty patterns or funny license plates, but I don’t recognize daily that I have a lot of options and resources available to me.

If you’re a psychology major, you often learn and re-learn about Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In order to achieve your ultimate personal potential, you have to make sure that the foundation of your needs are met. I have a home, food, and my health. I have a job, freedom of speech, accessible birth control and medicine, and a car for easy transportation. Those all fall on the first two levels of the pyramid.

Because of all of those things I’m able to enjoy so much more. I don’t mean for this to come off as bragging. I am very fortunate and I need to make more of an effort to appreciate the larger, important aspects of my life that allow me to live creatively.

Here is a list of some of the things that I’m thankful for. I really encourage you to make a list of your own (and I’d love to see it!). It will give you some perspective, even if you’re not in the US or celebrating Thanksgiving. 🙂

+ thrift stores
+ cats and dogs, and not being allergic to either
+ interactions with strangers
+ I found Matt
+ past experiences that help me to relate to others
+ the internet
+ Bug not getting put down before I got him
+ Obama getting re-elected
+ not understanding why war exists
+ miracles in the form of rainbows
+ perspective
+ TV shows with a more sophisticated level of humor
+ knowing my Nannie
+ moments when I recognize being alive