With the end of the year quickly approaching, we at Spectrum Stone Designs are  focusing on what we’re thankful for and sharing nine reasons to be thankful this year. Despite many hardships over the last few years, we are excited to celebrate Thanksgiving.

2021 was just as tough as 2020, if not tougher, for many people. Lost jobs, sick family members and other difficult situations have led so many to feel down and depressed. We want to help remind ourselves of some things that most of us can be thankful for, to help end this year on the best note possible.

Harvard Health says being aware of things that you are thankful for can make you happier – and we all can always use a little more happiness. Happiness can also be equated to health. Something as simple as writing a list of what you’re thankful for can help you live a more fulfilling life. Here are some things we’re thankful for this year at Spectrum Stone Designs and things we don’t want to ever take for granted.

• Family – Whether you have just one close family member or a family of over 100, we can be thankful for family. Even if someone isn’t blood but you consider them like family, that’s someone to be grateful about. Remind your family member/s that you love them and appreciate them.
• Friends – they’re pretty darn close to family – or maybe you have adopted them as family. It’s who you go to when you want to have a good time, but also who can pick you up on your worst day. Remind your friends that you’re thankful for them.
• Home – not everyone has one. If you have a safe place to call home, it’s something that should never be taken for granted. So many people in this world don’t have a safe or happy place to call home, let alone a roof over their head.
• Pets – whether a dog, cat, fish or hamster, you have your pet for a reason. They likely bring you joy. How fortunate are we to have animals like cats and dogs who love us unconditionally? You can spend time with your pet whenever you want and that’s something for which we are definitely grateful.
• Smiles from strangers – Reader’s Digest reminds us of some unconventional things to be thankful about. You may not think to add something from a stranger to your list of what you’re thankful for this year, but think of all the times kind words or just a friendly smile have turned your mood around. If a stranger smiles at you, it means they noticed you and that should make you feel good.
• Health – the pandemic has reminded so many of us about the importance of our health. If you haven’t contracted Covid-19 or haven’t known anyone to become sick from it, consider yourself lucky. Don’t forget during busy times to take care of your body, filling it with proper nutrients, exercising and seeing doctors as needed.
• Books – a centuries-old hobby that was brought back to life for many during the pandemic. Book sales have soared during the pandemic according to Publisher’s Weekly and those sales are expected to continue. How amazing that we can choose from millions, yes millions, of books to learn a new hobby, escape to a fantasy land or to better ourselves?
• Emergency Service Personnel – when do they get a break? Technically, police stations, fire departments and hospitals are operating 24/7, all for you and me. Of course, each individual gets time off, but their jobs can be  stressful, especially when working on and during the holidays. Next time you see one of these men or women, maybe tell them thank you, or even give them a smile from a stranger 😉.
• Work – Whether a part time side hustle or a full-time job with benefits, many people lost their jobs doing the pandemic, so if you have a job that pays the bills, especially one you love, that’s something to be thankful about.. Maybe show your appreciation for your work by doing something nice for your boss and/or co-workers.

This is just a list to get you started and we hope you can take something from this list, maybe even add to it or start from scratch. Here at Spectrum Stone Designs we hope you and your loved ones can celebrate what you are thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, as we surely have a lot to be thankful for this year.