With thanksgiving in the United States of America this week, we wanted to be thankful.
Sometimes life moves so fast that we forget to pause and notice the goodness that still surrounds us. Gratitude doesn’t make our struggles vanish, but it softens the edges. It reminds us of what is still working, still growing, still loving us back.
Here are 100 reasons to be thankful — big, small, simple, deep, and beautifully ordinary.
1–20: The Gift of Life & Health
Waking up this morning. The breath in your lungs. A heart that keeps going, even on heavy days. Hands that can work, hold, and create. Legs that carry you. Eyes that witness beauty. Strength you didn’t know you had. Healing from what almost broke you. Moments your body chose to rest. Laughter that surprised you. The taste of your favorite meal. A quiet night of good sleep. A day without pain. The ability to learn and grow. Doctors, nurses, and health workers. A safe place to call home. The calm that comes after tears. Your endurance during tough seasons. The promise of tomorrow. The fact that you are still here.
21–40: Love, Family & Friendship
The people who check in on you. Friends who feel like family. Family who loves you in their own way. A mother’s prayer. A grandmother’s wisdom. The sound of a child’s laughter. That one friend you can be fully yourself with. People who pronounce your name correctly. Hugs that melt away stress. Conversations that heal. Messages that come at the perfect time. Loved ones far away who still feel close. A partner who tries. Children who bring chaos and joy at the same time. Elders who paved the way. Community that holds you up. People who pray for you without telling you. A sisterhood that empowers you. Family gatherings filled with food and noise. The love you give — and the love that returns.
41–60: Culture, Identity & Heritage
The richness of your roots. The rhythm in your walk. African prints that brighten a room. Braids, twists, locs — our crown in all forms. The smell of jollof, stew, or curry on a Sunday afternoon. Music that feels like home. Mother tongue expressions that carry emotion no English word can hold. Proverbs that guide you. Elders’ stories about “back home.” The strength of immigrant women. Festivals, food, laughter, color. Knowing your ancestors survived so you could live. The pride of belonging to something bigger. Shared struggles that unite us. The creativity in our community. Black women who lead boldly. Black joy — unstoppable and bright. Our sense of humor, even in hardship. The resilience we carry in our DNA. The beauty of being different — and embracing it.
61–80: Growth, Lessons & Faith
Mistakes that taught you something. Second chances. Closed doors that redirected you. New opportunities. Books that opened your mind. Teachers who believed in you. The courage to start again. Dreams that still spark hope. Silent moments of clarity. Faith that carried you. The prayers you thought God didn’t hear — but He did. Breakthroughs you didn’t expect. Lessons that shaped your character. Becoming softer, wiser, braver. Learning to love yourself. Overcoming heartbreak. Releasing what no longer serves you. The strength to forgive. The confidence to take up space. The woman you are becoming.
81–100: Everyday Joys
Fresh sheets on your bed. Hot tea on a cold day. Sunlight warming your skin. A clean, quiet room. A good hairstyle day. A podcast that inspires you. A walk that clears your mind. A stranger’s kindness. A weekend to breathe. Music that lifts your mood. A meal you didn’t have to cook. Small wins that add up. Paydays. A new notebook. A little extra time in the morning. Something to look forward to. Peace in your heart. Hope that refuses to die. The version of you that never gave up. The simple, miraculous gift of being alive.
