Count your blessings

While students and staff alike are looking forward to the break this week, it is important to think about what Thanksgiving actually means: Giving Thanks or Being Grateful. But what does being Grateful even mean? It could mean pausing to appreciate what we have like a roof over our heads, or making a list of our blessings, or telling your family that you are thankful for them. For Senior, Gentry McEwen, Gratitude is a lifestyle lived each day in her real life as well as on her Instagram account @GentrysKitchen.

McEwen started the account to create a platform for her thoughts and experiences, allowing her to openly talk about her ideas without feeling like she’s talking to a wall. She has used the account for years to share her latest snack, and to also comment on subjects such as gratitude, health, and wellness. With the holiday break approaching and schedules picking up, Gentry emphasizes how “It’s important to intentionally think about the things you’re grateful for; it’ll make the bad things less significant and allow the good to shine through.” In the month of November, @GentrysKitchen features a daily post dedicated to Daily Gratitude, featuring one thing, person, or experience that she is grateful for. She hopes that these posts will inspire her followers to have a positive mindset towards their life and believe in themselves. She aspires to be an example of how to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

In addition to taking time for Daily Gratitude, Gentry dedicates time to promoting body positivity, confidence, health, and wellness– four very important aspects to a healthy body. Her goal is to push away from the diet culture as she once believed that healthy eating meant eating less. Many people have the misconception that dieting means restricting, but @GentrysKitchen reminds us that your diet is how you choose to fuel your body as well as who you choose to surround yourself with. “Health as a whole is a lot more than what you eat and how you exercise,” Gentry reflects, “it’s what you do for your mental and emotional health and who you surround yourself with.” McEwen reminds us that health is more than physical, “Being with people who make you feel good is really important because if you have friends who are constantly bringing you down… it can really be detrimental to your mental and emotional health.” Gentry wishes to support followers in mental and physical health struggles, share her faith and spiritual journey, and develop relationships with other people that are interested in health and fitness.

@GentrysKitchen reminds followers to be thankful for their bodies and what they are capable of. She comments on feeling grateful for the access to healthy foods, a gym membership, and an able body. While others may see eating healthy and exercise as a chore, Gentry sees it as an opportunity to become stronger, physically and mentally. Gentry admits to taking things for granted from time to time, but when she steps back she sees the problems she encounters are so small in the grand scheme of things. She has always tried to stay away from comparing herself to others, but after taking a glance at others’ lives, it helps her understand how lucky she truly is. Aiming to be as uplifting and encouraging as possible to her friends, family, and followers, and in turn, hopes that it reflects her gratitude for them.

With your families this holiday season, keep in mind everything that you’re grateful for and don’t forget it, reflect upon your days, and always, always count your blessings. We will count @GentrysKitchen as one of ours.

- Erin Suhr