Thanksgiving Thankfuls

I'm thankful to be living and working in Los Angeles because of the great weather and the eclectic mix of cultures all in one location. I'm thankful to be working for experienceLA.com because I get to be one of the first to know what cool events are happening in the city.

Unfortunately, I keep hearing complaints (even from myself) of all the other things that have to be done. It may be hard, especially in today's economy, for us to truly understand all that we are grateful for. Here is an activity I found to be quite helpful. This Thanksgiving, try it at the dinner table while everyone is waiting for the Tryptophan to kick in.


1. Each person gets a 3x5 card to write down a list of all the things they "have to" do:

For example:
I have to go to school.
I have to drive in traffic to get work.
I have to brush my teeth.

2. Change "have to" into "get to" and then add a reason why:

For example:
I get to go to school because I have drive to better myself. (Some people don't have that ambition)
I get to drive in traffic to work because I have a car that can drive me there. (Some people don't have cars)
I get to brush my teeth because I have most of them. (Some people don't have any teeth!)

3. Add "I'm thankful" in front, and the final result is:

I'm thankful I get to go to school because I have drive to better myself.
I'm thankful I get to drive in traffic to work because I have a car that can drive me there.
I'm thankful I get to brush my teeth because I have most of them.

So during this holiday (and everyday), change your have to's into get to's, and remember – You get to read this blog because experienceLA.com brings it, and all things cultural and wonderful, to you! (Oh, and I'm thankful for the internet as well!)

-Tiina Vuorenmaa
ExperienceLA.com Staff