50 (American) Things I’m Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Free restrooms and freedom of speech

Gratitude is, perhaps, the most major positive force one can use to improve their life instantly. Yet most of us forget to be grateful day after day, year after year. I certainly do.

This Thanksgiving, I would like to remember all the things I love about life in America. Because let’s be honest, it’s not all bad.

So here’s the list of fifty random (and very personal) things I’m grateful for in the United States, in no particular order.

1. The true and unmatched diversity of people.
2. The unmatched diversity of climate.
3. Easy smiles.
4. Trader Joe’s and its employees.
5. Online deliveries.
6. Democratic elections (looking at you, Putin).
7. Small talk.
8. Sunshine all year round on the West Coast.
9. Gorgeous fall on the East Coast.
10. The oceans, both cold and warm.
11. The mountains in the summer.
12. The mountains in winter.
13. The desert.
14. Coyotes of Los Angeles and raccoons of New York.
15. Thanksgiving.
16. Barnes and Noble in Union Square.
17. The familiar comfort of Starbucks.
18. Guacamole.
19. Mac and cheese.
20. Good steak. The best steak.
21. Good local wine.
22. Farmers’ markets.
23. In and Out Burger.
24. The New Yorker.
25. Seinfeld
26. New York itself.
27. Pancakes for breakfast.
28. Road trips.
29. Thrift stores.
30. Muffins.
31. Donuts.
32. Baseball, that I understand so little of yet am so fascinated by.
33. New York pizza.
34. LA tacos.
35. Manhattan skyline.
36. Chinese food in New York.
37. TJ Maxx.
38. Our mailman.
39. Forests and rivers.
40. Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Griffith Park in LA: urban wilderness.
41. National parks.
42. The wildlife.
43. All the plants and flowers in my neighborhood, all year round.
44. Apple pies.
45. BBQ!
46. Ice whenever and wherever you need it.
47. Freedom of speech and press.
48. Restrooms in supermarkets.
49. Opportunities for growth.
50. Resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

I’m sure I‘ve forgotten a thing or two, so throw in some of your favorites.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Thank you for reading, always.