Before you dig into a plate filled with your favorite holiday foods — think sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, and your great-grandmother’s green bean casserole — you may take part in a long-standing tradition.

‍

After gathering around the Thanksgiving table, you and your family may take turns listing off a few things you’re grateful for that year.

‍

As a child, you may have had an easy answer: toys or treats or the pumpkin pie you knew you’d get after dinner. As an adult, though, you may have had a hard time finding one.

‍

‍

Especially in a year like 2021, it can be difficult to see the good.

‍

In the past twelve months, you’ve probably experienced hard times, troubles, and maybe even loss. It’s times like these, though, that gratitude is more important than ever.

‍

Taking a few moments to reflect on all that you’re grateful for — even in spite of your struggles — can have a profound impact on your health and happiness.

‍

This Thanksgiving, then, don’t miss out on an opportunity to say thanks alongside your loved ones.

‍

When you gather ‘round the table next week, keep these things in mind:

‍

‍

1. Family and Friends

‍

‍

‍From your closest friends to your extended family, these are the people who know you best and have your best interest at heart.

‍

2. Four-Legged Friends

‍No matter the situation, you can always rely on your dog, cat, or other fluffy friends to boost your mood. Cue the puppy cuddles.

‍
3. Your Home

‍Even if it’s not your dream house in your dream city, having a roof over your head and somewhere to lay your head is something to be thankful for.

‍

4. Your Education

‍Whether you have a diploma or a degree, your education is valuable. It empowers you to know more, learn more, and do more.

‍
5. Modern Medicine

‍New medical advances have paved the way for treatments and technology that save millions of lives every year. There’s never been a better time to get better health.

‍

6. Healthcare

‍

‍

‍Healthcare enables you to get the services you need when you’re sick. Don’t forget about the doctors, nurses, and community pharmacists who power the healthcare system and work to keep you safe year-round.

‍
7. Friendly Neighbors

‍Think about the next-door neighbor who lent you a cup of sugar or the one who watered your plants while you were away. Being surrounded by a welcoming community is a privilege that few receive.

‍
8. Strangers’ Kindness

‍Has a stranger ever paid for your morning coffee or let you on the highway in a traffic jam? Random acts of kindness remind us that people are good, and they inspire us to do good ourselves.

‍

9. Good Conversations

‍Whether it’s a quick call to your mom or a catch-up with a friend, there’s nothing quite like a good conversation with someone you love. Conversation creates connection, and connection matters.

‍

10. Long Weekends

‍Few times feel better than a Friday evening. After a week of work, you can finally take a break and catch up on your own projects at home.

‍

11. A Great Book

‍

‍

‍Have you cracked open To Kill a Mockingbird lately? How about The Catcher in the Rye? The Lord of the Rings trilogy? A good book lets you escape the real world, go new places, and meet new people all from the comfort of your own couch.

‍
12. The Perfect Playlist

‍What’s better than a carefully curated playlist with all of your favorite songs to match all of your moods? Volume up.

‍
13. Your Favorite Show

‍Everyone has a “comfort show” they turn to after a bad day or a long week. With a quick flip of the remote, you can get instant access to all of your favorites again and again.

‍

14. Your Favorite Meal

‍You probably don’t have your favorite dish every day, so when you do, it’s worth celebrating. Don’t skip out on dessert, either.

‍

15. Your Favorite Memories

‍Maybe it’s the day of your wedding, the birth of your child, or the time that you climbed a mountain and saw a spectacular view. No matter the moment, good memories carry us through hard times and inspire us to keep making new ones.

‍

16. Time Spent Outside

‍

‍

‍A bit of sunlight and a fresh breeze can lift anyone’s spirits. From your own backyard to the natural wonders of the world, there’s plenty of places for you to get back to nature.

‍
17. Changing Seasons

‍A turning a leaf, a falling snowflake, or the first flower after a long winter all have special significance. With each change of the seasons, we have new chances to change (and improve) ourselves.

‍
18. Holiday Recipes

‍Calories don’t count during the holidays. An extra slice of pie, anyone?

‍

19. Family Traditions

‍Everyone celebrates the same day in a unique way, but your family’s traditions should be cherished.

‍

20. Belly Laughs

‍A good laugh can make everything feel just a bit better, especially when it’s shared with a friend or family member.

‍
21. Long Hugs

‍

‍

‍Hugs can relieve tension and promote bonding. Fun fact: Virginia Satir, a late family therapist, famously said that you need 4 hugs every day for survival, 8 hugs for maintenance, and 12 hugs for personal growth.

‍

22. Moments of Connection

‍The foundation for a strong relationship is feeling seen, heard, and understood. When you get the sense that someone “gets” you, you can create a connection and begin to build a relationship.

‍
23. Random Bursts of Inspiration

‍Inspiration is hard to come across, so when you have a “light bulb moment,” you certainly want to take note of it.

‍
24. Perseverance

‍Throughout this past year, you have jumped over hurdles, overcome obstacles, and pushed yourself to make it through one of the toughest times in human history. Give yourself a pat on the back.

‍

25. Personal Growth

‍As you’ve gone through new challenges, you’ve also learned new lessons and grown in new ways. Be thankful for the person that you are, and more importantly, the person that you are becoming.

‍

This season, make sure to count each of these blessings and more. From all of us at RxLocal, Happy Thanksgiving!