In a year that has been crazy and tumultuous, it’s easy to forget about what is good in life and focus on the bad instead. With all of the pain and destruction around us and the many problems in the world we have yet to solve, it makes sense to have a pessimistic outlook on life in general.

So here’s a list of all the good things that I am grateful for. I want to stop thinking and worrying about all that is somber in the world for a minute and instead focus on the joy I have in life.

I am thankful for friends and family who love and support me.

I am thankful for the opportunity to receive an education at a university that I love.

I am thankful for waking up this morning and given the chance to live another day.

I am thankful for never having to worry about food or where I’m going to sleep.

I am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given to experience the world.

I am thankful for growing up in communities that encouraged me to be better.

I am thankful for love.

I am thankful for hope.

I am thankful for joy.

I am thankful that I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that this list I have created is not exhaustive. It continues to grow every day.

Photo by Megan Snyder