Thankful Thursday

With today being Thanksgiving, "Thoughtful Thursday" has become "Thankful Thursday" once again. I encourage you to sit down sometime today and write down what you are thankful for. There's a lot of power in writing down your gratitude list. I used to do this every morning--a long time ago--and I can't tell you the difference it made in my day. You don't have to go crazy...just start with 5 things you're grateful for. Just to get us started, here is my list:

1. My wonderful husband. He wasn't my "husband" last Thanksgiving and I'm so thankful that he is this Thanksgiving.

2. My friends. What would I do without them...truly. They're my sounding board, my sanity (at times), my partners in crime, my sisters.

3. My family. Yes, they may get on my nerves at times...maybe a lot of times, but I love them and am so glad they're my family.

4. My dog. I can't imagine what I would do without my Daisy dog. She's been my sole companion during some dark times, loving me unconditionally and completely. She never fails to bring a smile to my face and smiles, my friend, are severely underrated.

5. My health. I am especially grateful for this today since I'm feeling sick and have been for a week. I take my health for granted when I'm not sick, and it seems that I only appreciate my health when I don't have good health. Being healthy is such a blessing. People who are terminally ill would give anything to be healthy again. Money can't buy health--no matter how rich you are, if you aren't healthy, you can't buy it. Today, I would be so grateful to feel good and be completely healthy.

So there you have it. You don't have to be fancy and get all philosophical. If we just notice and give thanks for the most basic things we have every day in life, it will make gratitude grow. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!