Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.

Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.

So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.

This year has been particularly a difficult one for me, but I think it’s important to take note of the little things that make you happy. I’m not going to do the typical “family, friends, etc.” list because that is so cliched.

1. Vanilla lattes (or any caffeinated beverage, really) at my favorite coffee shop on the smoking floor. They have great coffee at good prices and you can stay for hours writing, reading, studying, or creating art, if you’re good at that (unlike me). Although it tends to be geared towards a younger indie crowd, the people there are really nice. When I was there one night drowning myself in caffeine while studying, a man came into the shop and grabbed a girl’s laptop who was sitting by the window. He dashed out and a herd of guys ran after him. After a few minutes, they came swaggering in with her laptop and everyone clapped. It was a great feeling of camaraderie.

2. Listening to music on vinyl. There’s honestly nothing like buying vinyl and building a collection. It’s tangible, unlike mp3s, and it’s also

3. Scoring amazing finds in thrift stores for super cheap. I feel so proud of myself after looking through chipped china and dingy t-shirts to come upon something I immediately love.

4. Writing in my Moleskine. I’m one of those people who can be inspired just by what I’m writing in. Moleskines are incredibly drool-worthy for a writer, you almost feel like you’re ruining it by putting words on the paper. Taking my nerdiness further, the pen is also important.

5. Both of my great-grandma’s. One of them makes amazing stuffing & pumpkin pie and cuts out crossword puzzles for me. I borrowed her stack of recipes today to type up on the computer and hopefully compile into a cookbook. The other is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. She’s one of the people I look up to the most, in addition to my great-grandpa (her husband).

6. An oldie but a goody: curling up under a blanket and reading a book. Preferably when it’s raining or snowing outside and under lamp light with candles burning. So cozy.

7. My dogs and cats. They make me laugh so much and are adorable, of course.

I made an autumn-themed playlist. Making themed playlists is one of my favorite things to do. That reminds me, I owe one of my friends one. Yay procrastination!

1. One More Cup of Coffee - Bob Dylan
2. Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends
3. Spectacular Views - Rilo Kiley
4. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn & John
5. Let’s Get Lost - Elliott Smith
6. Autumn’s Child - Devendra Banhart
7. In the Waiting Line - Zero 7
8. Venus in Furs - The Velvet Underground
9. Paperback Writer - the Beatles
10. Bonne & Clyde - Serge Gainsbourg & Brigitte Bardot
11. Transatlanticism - Death Cab for Cutie
12. Those to Come - The Shins
13. Cigarettes & Coffee - Otis Redding