Every year in the school where I work, all the students and faculty crowd into our small cafeteria and everyone has an opportunity to say what they are thankful for. It might sound hokey or clichéd, but at a school where every individual student has struggled with a multitude of unique challenges, there is a beautiful depth to the tradition. In fact, the day before Thanksgiving has become my favorite annual work day.

It is a beautiful reminder of how precious life is; how much we have been given and how valuable the people in our lives are . . . all obvious realities that tend to get lost in the day-to-day shuffle!

Every year it leaves me dwelling on how much I have to be thankful for . . .  so this year I thought I might get a little more specific. I should always take time to count my blessings, so that I can remember them on days I’m not feeling particularly blessed! Its amazing how much I notice when I stop to actually look for things to be Thankful for! Now, combining this with the timeless tell-what-you’re-thankful-for Tradition,  I found two different artsy people who shared their thankfuls in crafty ways and I am on the hunt for a fun way to share my own!

Exhibit A: Illustrations

Exhibit B: A Pinboard!

When people do this, it gives a cool visual to a sometimes-trite tradition and reminds us of how much we have!

So I am brainstorming concepts, but also starting my THANKFULNESS LIST with you all! Now, I’m not going to list all the obvious ones . . . it should go without saying, but, Faith, Family, Friends, and safety are always at the top of my list. Beyond the essential life needs, I am thankful for the following blessings:

1.)    Laughing so hard it almost hurts when something funny happens (usually this occurs on a daily basis!)

2.)    Calculators – because I’m allergic to math, but still pay bills.

3.)    The ability to recognize (although, true, it is sometimes somewhat delayed) when I am being ridiculous.

4.)    Re-reading good books: Everything from Trixie Belden to the Bourne Identity!

5.)    Costume Parties. I just enjoy them, okay?

6.)    My cat. (Judge me. I would if I were you.)

7.)    Puns. Because they are HYSTERICAL.

8.)    Being able to touch-type. Talk about practical! Mrs. Green, I forgive you for the half-year hell of high-school typing class.

9.)    Dr. Rhodes, the dentist who reconstructed my front teeth when I was five, so now I can eat corn on the cob, which is MAGNIFICENT!

10.)  Other Peoples’ Babies.

And there you have the beginnings of my Thankful-list!

What are you thankful for this year?