Being Thankful

Even in the toughest economic or political times, there are numerous reasons to be grateful. The old saying tells us to count our blessings, but sometimes that can be difficult to do. It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you to feel grateful and express that gratitude. Every now and then, it doesn’t hurt to take stock of just how good you have it.

When I was young man, I didn’t understand gratitude the way that I do today. In a world that seemed to hurt for no reason, giving thanks felt somewhat disingenuous. But now I understand. Being grateful is a choice.

So, here are a few things to consider on this Thanksgiving Day that may give you food for thought, and some inspiration to appreciate the things that you have, rather than the things that you don't.

You woke up this morning, breathing and with a heartbeat. You get to enjoy today and hopefully wake up again tomorrow. You get to see your family and friends, and enjoy food and life’s simple pleasures. It can sometimes be easy to forget to be grateful for the most basic thing: life itself.

People often complain about their job, calling it the daily grind or worse. But having a job is something for which you can really be grateful. A job probably gets you out of the house every day and adds variety into your daily life so that you are not just sitting at home on the couch. Even more, a job helps you pay your bills and means you’re not standing in the unemployment line or wondering how you’re going to eat each week.

"At least you have your health.” Heard that before? You should be grateful for your health because it is the foundation of who you are. You don’t necessarily need to be physically and mentally well to feel healthy, but when you do feel healthy, it’s one of life’s greatest blessings.

Lastly, if you’re one of those whose family loves and supports you, consider yourself lucky and be grateful. Feel thankful and express that gratefulness if you are lucky enough to have family who is more like friends: They’re people you can confide in and who will be there for you through thick and thin. Many people don’t have that kind of family, so be grateful. And remember to tell them how lucky you are.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and remember, Be Thankful...