Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
– Oprah Winfrey
When I was a child, every thanksgiving as we sat around the table and before we were allowed to nosh on the holiday bird, my father would ask each of us to say what we were thankful for. Back then, the answers that my brother and sister and I would give ranged from “my friends” to “the great meal we are about to eat” to “the new bicycle I hope to get for Christmas”.
So, this year, as an adult, I have decided to continue the tradition and have been giving some serious thought to what I am really thankful for this year. Here’s my list:
- I am thankful for my health. I don’t know if it was turning 40 or what, but I have always taken my health for granted. Maybe it is because I am now at an age where people who I know have died or have suffered greatly from health issues! I no longer take my health for granted, and I realize that I am responsible for taking care of it.
- I am thankful that I have everything I truly need in life. I don’t mean the material things. In my early 30’s those things were very important to me, but now…not so much. I appreciate the fact I have a roof over my head, great friends in my life, and a job that I find very rewarding and satisfying. I may not be a millionaire, but I feel very rich indeed.
- I am thankful that I no longer rely on drama in my life. I am ok with spending a Friday night at home with the husband and puppy and reading a good book, or enjoying quiet time with those I love and care about. There is a big difference in being content and being bored. I am thankful I am content in my life.
- I am thankful that I always have a choice. I am not a victim of any circumstance; I am a strong person who can make decisions about what I want in life. I have the wonderful capability of being able to choose my attitude each and every day! I choose to be happy! What a wonderful feeling!
- Finally, I am thankful for *the journey* that I am on in life. Each and every day is a gift! I don’t know what is going to happen, but I do know I am ready to take it on!
As this holiday season approaches, I ask that you each think of what you are truly thankful for in life. And, better still, I challenge you to do this on a regular basis! I have a journal that I call my Book of Gratitude. And, each night before I go to bed I write down 5 things that I am thankful or grateful for on that particular day.
Trust me, some days the entries are pretty simple…who knew you could be thankful for a bottle of chardonnay?? But, it reminds me on a daily basis that all is OK in my world. And that no matter what tests or challenges are presented to me throughout the day, week, or year, I am a very lucky and blessed person! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Guest Blogger: Leah Turner
email: Leah@CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
website: CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
407.709.6816
