This time of year most people will at some time or another write out a list of things they are thankful for. Some post on social media, one thing they are thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. Others will share blog posts with a list, and still others will just quietly reflect about all of the things they have to be thankful for.
This year American Greetings is encouraging people to create their thank lists as a way of giving back. Not only do these spread a little joy during this season of busyness and stress, but this year, American Greetings is partnering with United Way Worldwide as part of the ThankList campaign to give back during the season of gratitude; for each #ThankList shared on social, American Greetings will donate $1 to United Way Worldwide. Funds donated during the campaign will be allocated towards hunger prevention.
If you were on the fence about posting your list publicly, I hope this encourages you to do so! Everybody loves a little public recognition and thanks now and then, and it’s a beautiful way to spread the love a little farther, simply by using the #thanklist hashtag!
Sometimes we get too wrapped up in social media. We stare at our phones absent mindedly and miss the beauty around us. For some the answer to this growing problem has been to abandon social media, but I choose to try to make a small difference there instead. To post meaningful things, that will bring people together both online and off. To make it even better, research has proven that simply writing down what you are grateful for triggers the positive health benefits of gratitude. Awesome, right?
So let’s get to it… what’s on your thank list this year? Here’s {just part} of mine, talking about my family…
I’m thankful for my kids. Even when days are long and hard. Even when I’m up to my ears in tantrums and back talk there is no one I’m more thankful to have in my life. My precious kids have taught me so much in the past 5 years, just watching them grow and develop into who they are is an honor, and one I don’t take lightly. The fact that I get to love on them and teach them things every day is my favorite thing about life.
I’m thankful too for my husband. The most patient and loving human I know. He’s put up with my crazy for almost 7 years now (though he’d never phrase it that way). Not a day goes by when he doesn’t make me laugh and make me glad we got married just after we met all those years ago. Best. Decision. Ever.
I’m thankful for my dad; even though the only way I’ve been able to visit him for 11 years now is at his grave, I’m thankful for the influence he had on my life for 14 years of it and how the things he taught me are still having an impact on mine and my family’s lives today.
I’m thankful for my sister and that even though we are opposites in almost every way imaginable we still find a way to make things work and support each other however we can.
I’m thankful for the two people whose names I will not mention here, for being parents to me after my dad passed away. I’m thankful that every time I walk into their house it feels like going home, even after all these years.
I’m thankful for my best friend who became my brother and the wonderful woman he married. I’m thankful that we were able to spend 9 months together this year and make priceless memories with our kids together. Those are months I’ll never forget. Especially the birth of the new baby.
I’m thankful for my family “in law” and how they don’t ever make me feel separate. I’m thankful for the way they love my kids and make up for all the other missing pieces in our lives.
I’m thankful for the people and experiences that have come in and out of our lives thus far. Everything is a lesson learned or an experience to be treasured and for that I’m truly thankful
What is on your thank list this year? Just a simple tweet, instagram or Facebook post tagging a friend could brighten some one’s day. Make sure to add the hashtag #thanklist to spread the love even farther!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Sarah says
My husband tops my list!