I have said it before, and I will repeat it, 2020 has been awful. This has been a time of extreme stress and sorrow for pretty much everyone. Teachers, especially, have gone through the wringer this year. Many are being asked to do things that they never signed up for—teaching in a pandemic, online. This has been challenging beyond all belief. It can feel challenging, as we approach this upcoming holiday, to find the things we are thankful for.
I know as I approach one of the first major holidays without my mom, knowing that I can’t even experience this first thanksgiving with my family due to the pandemic, I feel less than thankful. The words I would use instead are depressed and bitter. I feel less than appreciative as I approach this Thursday. That’s the problem though; this is when we especially need to find what we are appreciative of. We need to be able to find the silver lining, as hard as that is to do. So, I have created a list of things that I think capture the wonders and delights of life, something to look forward to. I hope these things help you feel more thankful as you approach this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving.
Watching the sunrise or the sunset
Hearing a baby laugh
Watching someone you care about talking about something that makes them happy
Fresh baked cookies
Traveling
New books of your favorite genre being released
Christmas lights
Reading a book by a fireplace or under cozy blankets
Watching new and exciting movies
Puppy or kitty kisses
Eating your favorite dessert
Stargazing
Climbing into a warm bed
Being able to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you
Hearing an excellent joke
The smell of rain
Dancing to your favorite song
Trying out new recipes
Going to the movie theater
Bonfires with s’mores
The color of leaves in the fall
Summer break :)
Sunshine
Road Trips
The feeling of sand in your toes
Thunderstorms
The smell of freshly cut grass
Going for walks in pretty areas
When students come back and visit years later
Someone getting you a thoughtful gift
Hearing someone tell you they love you
The feeling you get when you finally finish something you have been working on for forever
The moment when you know you have gotten through to a student
Giving/receiving hugs
Knowing that you are making a difference in people’s lives, no matter how big or small
Winning a board game
Learning something new and exciting
Being apart of something bigger than you
Making new friends
Hearing a new song that you love for the first time
Reading a book that makes you feel like it has changed you
Hugs and snuggles from babies or pets
Cuddling with someone you love
Lazy days
Drive-in theaters
Visiting a museum or art gallery
Giving someone a gift you know they will love; watching their face light up
That moment when someone tells you that you have done an excellent job
Handing out candy to trick or treaters on Halloween
A good night’s sleep
I know it can be hard to function right now, so if you haven’t heard it yet, I am proud of you for how far you have come and all that you have accomplished. As my momma always said, “you are so much stronger than you think you are.” As always, she was right. You can do this, so many people are rooting for you!
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