What are you grateful for?

The turkey is basting, the pumpkin pie is baking, the smell of Thanksgiving is in the air. If you’re lucky, you’ll soon be surrounded friends, family and loved ones, pausing from your busy professional life to reflect on what matters most.

Somehow, though, too many busy business owners and entrepreneurs let Thanksgiving come and go without really recognizing what they have to be thankful for. I don’t blame them. It’s easy to fall into that trap amidst the pressing deadlines and countless responsibilities that epitomize our daily routines.

That’s why I challenge myself to intentionally stop over the Thanksgiving weekend and count the blessings in my life.

My husband Mike and I are fortunate to have much to be grateful for – our family, friends, freedom, colleagues and, of course, one another. Professionally, I am grateful to be supported by a team of dedicated experts – business managers, social media experts, copywriters and brand strategists – who help me achieve my goals. Without my personal and professional blessings, I would not be where I am, or who I am, today. Last but certainly not least, Mike and I are thankful for each and every one of our clients. It’s a privilege to help them grow both personally and professionally. Being that we’re in the business of developing people, our clients are our greatest assets.

Not quite sure where to begin counting your blessings? Here are three things to be grateful for this thanksgiving:

Your independence. As an entrepreneur or business owner, you’re free to make decisions and take chances you couldn’t otherwise make in a traditional job. With the right plan and a healthy dose of self-discipline, anything is possible. You can be the master of your schedule and build your own legacy. Whether or not you’ve been faced with challenges in achieving your goals this year, as an entrepreneur you’re free pursue your dreams and learn from your mistakes.

Your family. Do you have a spouse who supports you, cooks for you, or carries you through your low days? Are you grateful for a sibling or parent who’s always quick to lend a listening ear? Don’t take your friends or family for granted. Make a point of letting them know just how much they mean to you. Even a successful business is less than fulfilling without loved ones to share your successes with.

Your team. In the final business quarter, it’s no secret that this is a busy time of year. It’s all too easy to forget to thank the colleagues, employees and service providers who support you on your path to success and help you achieve your goals. Take the time to thank your team for their service and your committed clients for their business. Has a member of your team gone above and beyond? Give them a hand-written note that shows your appreciation for all that they do. You’d be surprised – these tokens of appreciation go a long way.

All business entrepreneurs have a long list of areas in which they’d like to improve, from increasing sales to improving customer service. But Thanksgiving is a time of year to take stock of all your blessings and successes. By celebrating the gifts and achievements in your life, you can kick off the new year with a positive, grounded approach.

May 2016 be a year in which you have much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!