As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past year. It hasn’t been an easy one, marked by loss, stress, and uncertainty, but even in the midst of these challenges, there is so much to be grateful for.

We said goodbye to our best friend, a loss that still weighs heavily on our hearts, but we’re deeply thankful for the time we shared and the joy he brought into our lives. We came close to losing another dear friend and my mother, yet they are still here with us, healthy and thriving, a blessing we do not take for granted. We also mourned the passing of our beloved dog, Lestat, but cherish the memories of the unconditional love and companionship he gave us.

Looking back, this year has been a mix of hardships and gratitude. Despite the difficulties, it has reminded me to hold onto the good moments and to appreciate the people and experiences that make life meaningful. For all of that, I am truly thankful.

Why do we need to reflect on the things we are thankful for? being grateful helps us to find meaning in our lives, helps us to stay grounded and to think on the joys in life.

Focusing on being grateful can help us so many different ways:

• Gratitude helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Gratitude helps you bounce back from life’s challenges by focusing on what you still have.
• Acknowledging small wins makes it easier to appreciate progress and growth.
• It helps in appreciating the beauty of simple things in life.