It's that time of year. We have family gatherings, eat turkey sandwiches for a week, spend hours making a plan of attack for getting the items we hope to get on sale on Black Friday, and (most importantly to many), it means no work/school for a lot of people. But this should also be a time of reflection, a time to truly set out the things we are grateful for and appreciate them. I mean, think about it. We all know thanksgiving is a time to "give thanks," but how many of us can say we have taken the time to do this? It brings immense peace and happiness to realize that we all have a lot to be grateful for, no matter our situation. I'd like to take time to give thanks for the things I have in my life. First of all, I'm thankful for having such a loving, supportive family (both immediate and extended). I know I can trust them with my life and that they love me unconditionally. I'm thankful for the amazing friends I've been blessed to have. Without them, I wouldn't have the courage to have left an abusive relationship. They have encouraged me and supported me through my busy time in school and have given me advice when I have most needed it. They've also been incredibly fun and helped keep me distracted during the tough transitions and recent changes in my life. I can truly say I love every single one of my close friends. With that being said, I'm thankful for the educational opportunities that have been afforded to me, and I intend to work in a job where I can help make a difference in other people's lives. I was given many opportunities and others should be, too. I'm thankful for my relative good health because although it is depressing sometimes to realize that this anxiety will never go away, I know others are in worse health and that I am still alive and breathing and should feel lucky. Finally, I'm thankful for every single person that I've come in contact with in my life, because even if it resulted in a negative experience, it has helped shape who I am and has made me a stronger, more resilient person. Take the time to think about the things you are grateful for...it will bring a smile to your face and make your holiday that much more enjoyable.