THANKFUL FOR…

Too often we find ourselves complaining, either wishing or hoping things would be different.

We say things like: ” If only I had more money.” “Or, if only I had more time.” “My life would be much better — if only…”

These phrases are said so often that we eventually become numb to them. We don’t even realize what’s being said as the words come out of our lips.

When we say if only I had more money, what we are truly saying is: I’m unhappy and I’m almost pretty sure that material things could help me experience greater joy.

When we say, if only I had more time, what others hear is: I sometimes live in such a rush that I take things for granted. I zoom through my days forgetting to be grateful for another day of life.

Sounds pretty awful, no? What we don’t realize is that sometimes, negativity can get the best of us and begin to affect our day-to-day decisions. One negative thought can cloud our judgement and distort our entire perspective on life.

I realize that not everything in our world is perfect and that’s okay. But today, in the spirit of Thanksgiving will you join me in giving thanks? For everything, the little things and the big things… Regardless of what surrounds you, my hope is that on this day Nov. 26, you too could have at least 26 things to be thankful for…

1. Be thankful for another day of life.
2. Be thankful for the food you eat.
3. Be thankful for the air you breathe.
4. Be thankful for the nature that surrounds you.
5. Be thankful for the love of a family member.
6. Be thankful for the love of a friend.
7. Be thankful for freedom of religion.
8. Be thankful for the roof over your head.
9. Be thankful for the ability to read.
10. Be thankful for clean water.
11. Be thankful for your safety and security.
12. Be thankful for the innocence of a child.
13. Be thankful for the circumstances that you’ve faced.
14. Be thankful for the tears you’ve cried. (They’ve helped you heal from past pain.)
15. Be thankful for the joy of laughter.
16. Be thankful for your health.
17. Be thankful for medicine.
18. Be thankful for older generations. (They make great mentors.)
19. Be thankful for the shirt on your back.
20. Be thankful for the soldiers that serve our country.
21. Be thankful for a good book.
22. Be thankful for the sound of music.
23. Be thankful for the internet.
24. Be thankful for vacation days.
25. Be thankful for work.
26. Be thankful for today and the fact that you have at least 26 things  to be thankful for. ;)

What else are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts below. Happy Thanksgiving!