Thanksgiving holds a different meaning to everyone. Throughout history, Thanksgiving has become more and more mainstreamed: now, we all rush to buy the biggest turkeys, spend way over our budgets for the perfect centerpieces, cause year-long family grudges to those who don't show up to dinner, and are up by the crack of dawn the next day to get our turkey and gravy stuffed butts to the nearest Target for Black Friday. Although the meaning of Thanksgiving has been distorted throughout time, it's supposed to be a day where we reflect our gratitude to everything we have and everyone we know. This can be difficult to do because it isn't necessarily a gift-giving day - but gratitude doesn't have to be shown in "things." In fact it may be even more meaningful if it was shown through our actions and through our words. Here is a list of things you can do to show your gratitude to the people that you are thankful for in your everyday lives.
Make a List
Make a list of those you want to acknowledge for this time. It can be anyone: family, friends, co-workers, boyfriends/girlfriends, the people who make your coffee everyday, your neighbor, the bus driver - anyone. Think really hard about it too. Go through your daily routine in your head and think of those who make your life a little easier and a little better on a daily basis - that's who you want to thank.
Thank You Cards
People don't write anymore. Everything is all digital and so impersonal. Take some time to actually write out how you feel. You know you get excited when you see your name and address handwritten on an envelope - it's just special. Get a pack of thank you cards (from basically anywhere) or if you're the crafty kind, make your own. It could be fun!
Pay it Forward
Do some random act of kindness. Pay for the person's coffee behind you. Share your umbrella with a stranger. Offer your seat to an elderly person on the bus or when your waiting for your dinner reservations. You'll know the moment when you get to it.
Visit/Call Someone
You know that Aunt that's always telling you that you should come visit her, or that long distance friend that keeps saying "Keep in touch, don't be a stranger!" You should visit/call them! They would highly appreciate it.
Help Someone Out
Take the time out of your busy schedule to help someone out. Help someone put up their Christmas tree, rake someone's leaves,
Donate
Instead of taking last season's combat boots to the nearest Buy.Sell. Trade to see how much you can get for them, donate it. I'm sure someone would love to have them!
Hang Out
Have some friends over. Cook dinner, play music, and just have a good time - no need to celebrate anything specific, just celebrate your friendship and how much you appreciate it.
Apologize
If there's been a relationship that has gone sour and it's worth rekindling, then be the bigger person and humbly apologize. Let them know how much your relationship means to you and that its worth it to you to maintain it.
Don't Forget Mother Nature
Yeah it's cold. Let's not forget those thick, hot, humid days of Summer when we were wishing for this time of year - so now enjoy it! The leaves are turning and light, delicate flurries will be lacing the ground in all it's glittery glory. Be thankful for everything around you.
And lastly Pittsburgh, I just want to say how thankful I am for you and all those who have supported this blog. It means the world to me and I couldn't do it without you!
xoxo
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