By: Lilah Sanchez

When we think of gratitude, we picture Thanksgiving dinners and the very familiar words, “I’m grateful for,”  but gratitude isn’t just about recognizing large celebrations or gifts, it’s about noticing the smaller and quieter details in our lives that make us who we are. Whether it’s just appreciating the sun on a nice day or a smile from a friendly stranger, gratitude reminds us that happiness hides in plain sight.

Regardless of if we’re showing gratitude for our loved ones, or those who we disagree with, gratefulness comes in many different forms. This can also look like acknowledging the things we enjoy doing, or things that we put off to the last minute. Without the negatives, we would have no sense of knowing the positives. We should take time to appreciate what we have the ability to do. For example, something we all know the pain of, homework. Homework takes up a lot of our free time, and can be super boring, but without it, how would we master what was being taught? Honestly, I used to really dread English classes and having to write essays, but now, I look forward to sharing my opinions and experiences through it. I struggled so much with writing and I can remember how quickly my mind would turn blank as soon as I picked up a pencil. Fortunately, I grew fond of writing when I was assigned a digital bookshelf and was determined to read the most books in my class, and I did. I loved it so much that I would write a mini essay about each of the books I read. I wouldn’t turn them in, but I adored taking the time to explain how I felt about them. We should cherish what we are passionate about and what we can’t stand because without adversity, we wouldn’t understand how great good days can be. 

Throughout our lives, we will all go through many different hardships such as losing loved ones, being fired from a job, or even just getting into an argument with your best friend. While these occurrences challenge us, they also shape the foundation of who we become. I was born with hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing it to not fit correctly into the hip socket. Unfortunately, this affects the way I walk, run, play soccer, and puts me at greater risk for injury. Even though hip dysplasia can’t be ‘fixed’ without surgery, I did other things such as physical therapy and regularly visiting the chiropractor for adjustments, so I could learn to alter the way I walked and ran. Although dealing with this can be painful at times, I’m grateful for the experience because it has brought me to be a part of a special community, form life long friendships and bonds, and has been very character building. We should all be grateful not only for the fun times, but also for the challenges that shaped who we are today. 

There are so many moments in our lives that we take for granted. We always assume that we’ll have more time than we do, that family members will always be there to support us, and that our friendships will stay strong no matter the circumstances. Many take their health for granted forgetting that “health is wealth,” yet they don’t take care of themselves properly. We overlook simple necessities like food, water, shelter, and our education without even realizing it. Events like the Palisades fires remind us how quickly those things can be taken away. Gratitude helps us slow down and recognize the value of what we have before it’s gone. Remember to express love and appreciation for our friends and family, be mindful of our blessings, and be grateful for the things we cherish before they’re gone.

Realizing how much we take for granted shows me that gratitude isn’t just about being thankful during special moments, it’s about appreciating everyday moments and challenges that make life so meaningful. 

Im grateful for a loving family 

I’m grateful for my friends. 

I’m grateful for my health.

I’m grateful for a safe home. 

I’m grateful for food and water.

I’m grateful for people’s kindness.

I’m grateful for nature.

I’m grateful for my education. 

I’m grateful for second chances.

I’m grateful for the teachers. 

I’m grateful for the good days.

I’m grateful for bad days.

I’m grateful for music. 

I’m grateful for art. 

I’m grateful for writing.

I’m grateful that I get to wake up every morning.