The Art of Being Thankful

If you’re reading this, you’re blessed in more ways than you might realize. You have a device in your hand or in front of you. You’ve got access to electricity to charge it or keep it plugged in. You’re probably sitting in a safe place, taking a moment to yourself.

These are things we often overlook, but they’re blessings that millions of people around the world would love to have. The art of being thankful starts with recognizing the small things—the things we use or experience every day without giving them much thought.

When I was growing up, I was the poorest person I knew. Back then, life felt hard, and I thought I didn’t have anything. But my perspective started to shift when I joined the military. It gave me the opportunity to travel the world, and what I saw opened my eyes in ways I’ll never forget. I visited third-world countries where poverty wasn’t just tough—it was unimaginable. I saw children begging in the streets for scraps of food or a few pennies. I saw families living in conditions I couldn’t have dreamed of, struggling just to survive.

That experience made me realize something profound: even though I grew up poor in America, I was incredibly blessed compared to those kids. I had food to eat, a roof over my head, and opportunities they could only hope for. Being born in this country, as imperfect as it might be, gave me privileges and advantages I didn’t even recognize at the time. It’s easy to take these things for granted, but seeing what others live through every day gave me a deep appreciation for the life I have.

And that’s the thing: so many of us discount our blessings. We don’t think about the clean water we drink, the electricity that powers our homes, or the food in our refrigerators. We overlook how blessed we are to have clothes to wear, a bed to sleep in, or even a job—even if it’s not the one we love. The reality is, if you’re able to take a hot shower, flip on a light switch, or scroll through your phone, you’re doing better than so many people in the world. Gratitude starts with paying attention to these little things we often forget.

The art of being thankful is about making that gratitude a habit. When you intentionally focus on the blessings in your life, even the small ones, it changes your outlook. It pulls you away from negativity and shifts you toward positivity. And the more you focus on what’s good, the more you’ll notice it—gratitude has a way of snowballing into even more positivity.

But what about when life is hard? What about the pain of losing a loved one, especially during the holidays? I get that—it’s not easy to be thankful in those moments. But I believe there’s a way to honor those we’ve lost by shifting our focus. Instead of mourning their absence alone, we can be thankful for the time we had with them. Be thankful for the love, the lessons, and the memories they gave us. Those moments are precious, and reflecting on them with gratitude can ease some of the heaviness. It’s not about ignoring the pain—it’s about finding light in the middle of it.

The truth is, gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice. It’s something we have to do intentionally, day after day. And when we make it a habit, it not only changes how we see our own lives but also how we impact others. Our blessings aren’t just for us—they’re meant to be shared. By recognizing how much we have, we can find ways to bless those around us, whether it’s through kindness, generosity, or simply showing appreciation. Gratitude multiplies when it’s passed on.

So today, on Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect. Think about the blessings in your life—the big ones and the small ones. Be thankful for the people you love, the opportunities you’ve had, and even the challenges that helped you grow. And if you’ve lost someone dear, be thankful they were part of your life in the first place. Gratitude has the power to change your perspective, to lift you up, and to remind you of just how much good there is in your life.

That’s the art of being thankful—and it’s something we can carry with us every day.