Ordinarily, giving thanks and being thankful are sometimes associated with a particular time of year, which may, or may not involve turkeys.  It is my firm belief that there is always something to be thankful for on any given day… it just takes a little bit of time and effort to recognize those things we should be thankful for… that bring happiness to our lives and to those around us.  I am sometimes as oblivious as one can be so the following examples are those things I have managed to identify.

Most of us are probably familiar with the most common ones, we tend to give thanks for our family members, friends, and good health.  But, what about being thankful for the planet and nature in general?  If it were not for this spinning rock that’s traveling through the universe… we would be where exactly?  It seems we under appreciate what the Earth does for us.  We make food from the things of nature and all our material things.  Those things keep us alive, sheltered, and entertained.  Have you ever tried to eat nothing for lunch?  I think I did once and I just got hungrier.

Then, there are the gentle strangers among us.  Those people whose names we rarely know, yet they help us on our daily trip through life.  I’m referring to the police officer that keeps our neighborhood safe who we may never see or meet in person.  The scientist who produces life-saving drugs and medical procedures we hope we will never need.  Even the individual with the gentle smile who hands us our coffee in the morning, our lunch in the afternoon, and our dinner at night deserves our gratitude.  There is also the cleaning person that keeps our workplace nice and clean, all the people that pick the vegetables and animals we consume, and the workers that built the places we call home.  The fact is, it’s quite difficult to live without each other.  Maybe, we should learn to appreciate each other more.

The final example, but not necessarily of lesser or greater importance, we sometimes forget to give thanks for our selves.  The “us” that overcomes challenges and keeps on giving when we have given up.  All the parts that help us help another in need.  The pieces that give us a sense of humor so we can bring a smile to someone else.  The part that causes us to be understanding.  Everything that allows us to listen and not just hear.  And my personal favorite… the wondrous element that lets us know that we are loved and are capable of loving one another in return.

So, be thankful for all you know you should be thankful for… as often as you can be.  It’s amazing enough that we have the capacity to be thankful in the first place.  Thank you for being you.