a collection of gratitude

Inspired by my favorite holiday, this month, I took to asking as many people as I could the following question:

What is one thing you’re grateful for today?

I then asked each person to ask someone else the same question. I’ve collected some of the responses I received here (some paraphrased).

A Collection of Gratitude

“I’m grateful for my parents.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to study here and for all the opportunities here.”

“I’m thankful that my phone hasn’t cracked despite the number of times my keys have hit the screen.”

“[Democracy Matters!]” - Democracy Matters members

“I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to take the LSAT this weekend” - a freshman

“I’m grateful that I got to skip math class today and still know what’s going on.”

“That my legs are working.”

“My friends.”

“I’m really grateful that we have unlimited listening access to a world of music.”

“I’m grateful to be sitting on the upper floor of Cabot with the sun shining down on me, looking out the window and remembering that I get to go to this amazing school.”

“I was feeling really sick and I came home and [she] put a care package right in front of my door.”

“I’m grateful for my sister.”

“I’m grateful for my coat.”

“I’m grateful for my roommate.”

“Zumba!!!”

“Wholesome fun!”

“Calm breakfasts with good friends!!”

“My family.”

“I’m thankful for grace.”

“All the small little things working in my favor.”

“Seeing my family.”

“I’m happy that I have a family that cares about me unconditionally.”

“I’m very, very, very grateful for my education.”

“Seeing you!”

“Seeing all these familiar faces again and reflecting on all the good times we've had together.”

Many more responses were left unrecorded, but I think it was better this way. Nearly every time I asked this question, people asked me why I was doing this. The short answer is that I simply wanted to bring cognizance to gratitude. Give gratitude, spread gratitude. It is so easy to focus on all the negative, especially when we live lives that feel governed by imminent deadlines and short-term consequences. It’s good just to take a moment to refocus and remember all of the wonderful things we have in our lives, many of which we often take for granted. It has been truly heartwarming and grounding to hear everyone’s responses (even the slightly sarcastic ones), so if you participated in this little campaign with me— thank you.

In return, I wanted to share with you all what I’m grateful for today. As expected, I am so unbelievably thankful for my family and my friends. I feel so incredibly blessed everyday to have people in my life who love me and care about me.

My brother, who is clearly very happy to be taking this picture with me, and for whom I very grateful.

But something else I've been thinking about a particularly lot this semester is food security. Today, for Thanksgiving dinner, my family and I will have a table full of food. I know my fellow college mates (myself included) like to complain about the quality of dining hall food, but I am so, so grateful for the fact that, at the end of the day, I know I can always sit down to a full plate of food and never have to worry about having full access to proper nutrition. The same cannot be said for hundreds of millions of people across the world.

Back on the pie-making grind! This holiday's attempt: pumpkin!

I know what you’re thinking: I can preach all I want about gratitude, but the next question is “Okay well, what are you gonna do about it?” I’m working on that part, but, also, having gratitude doesn’t mean you have to go off and try to change the world (although you certainly can). It is truly just about appreciating the wonder and grace in our lives.

Expressing gratitude shouldn’t just be reserved for November or the few minutes right before Thanksgiving dinner. If I didn’t get the chance to ask you this question earlier this month, what is one thing that you’re grateful for today? I encourage you to ask one other person in your life this question.

Wishing you all a safe, warm, and happy Thanksgiving.