Thankful--Jayden

 

    With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it is time to celebrate the meaning of the
holiday. As it clearly states in the name, during this day, we “give thanks” and remember the
things we are thankful for. We also indulge in a multitude of delicious foods with our loved ones
to celebrate Thanksgiving. But what exactly does it mean to be thankful? It is essential to open
our eyes to the good fortunes we have been blessed with in our lives. We must dive deeper into
the meaning of the word “thankful” in order to truly appreciate the day of Thanksgiving.
    There are many definitions of thankful that can be used to encompass its worth.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, thankful means to be “conscious of benefit
received.” When we feel thankful, we are appreciative due to the advantages we are given from
someone. Whether it be our parents or friends, we are thankful for these people around us
because they impact our lives positively. We could be thankful for either physical gifts they give
or the support they provide for us. We can be thankful for the selflessness someone shows us.
We can be thankful for the generosity someone shares with us. We can be thankful for the joy
people bring into our lives to make it brighter. The people around us have the ability to help us
truly understand the definition of being thankful.
    There are many physical objects we can be thankful for, as well. In the light of
Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the food on the table because it provides us with a hearty
meal made with love to share with our family. In addition, we are thankful for the roof over our
heads to keep us safe and have a place to call home. We are also thankful for our clothes that
give us warmth and comfort in how we express ourselves. I know most of us are especially
thankful for a break from school, too. All of these examples express materialistic thankfulness
that we partake in when we benefit from objects and appreciate the advantages they bring.
    So, what I want you to take away from my examples is remembering all of the things you
are thankful for that you may overlook everyday. You can be thankful for something as small as
having a good night’s rest or as big as waking up to a new day with good health. The feeling of
being thankful can fill our hearts with love and compassion for the things that surround us. It can
also give us time to focus on the good fortune we have when life becomes difficult. If we take
the time to appreciate what we are thankful for, we can become happier and feel more fulfilled
with our lives on a daily basis. Surround yourself with things that you are thankful for to reap the
benefits of the joys in life. On that note, what are you particularly thankful for this holiday break?