Every day I am thankful for something. And often, my heart runs over with gratitude for all the many blessings I have been lauded. Granted, having a grateful heart means becoming aware of our blessings, acknowledging them, and giving thanks for them. And so, I have learned through the years that the more my heart is filled with gratefulness that the more blessings abound all around me.

Often, I see and hear people who are wonderfully blessed and yet they are so unhappy. Until recently, I wondered what is the difference between those who are filled with gratitude and those who are filled with lack and unhappiness. Then, I realized it is what we focus our mind and heart on. If we only constantly see the negative side of life and what we don’t have, then we will be unhappy and always seeking more of whatever that something is that we think will bring us joy, peace, and contentment. But for those who focus on how blessed they are from family and love, a job to support their lifestyle, or even belongings and pets, they are truly happy.

When was the last time you counted your blessings? How did it make you feel? Good, I hope. For me, I gave up counting a while back, mainly because I then started to feel guilty about all that I have and am blessed with. It made me more aware of how much others don’t have, materially and spiritually. So, I do my best to help those who need help, when I can, and not let it bankrupt me. And, I pray for all those who need a little more awareness of the blessings in their life.

How do you celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays? Do you join family and or friends? Do you go to church? Do you help at a homeless shelter? I’ve done all these and they certainly enrich my life. For the last 10-12 years though, hubs and I have joined our son and his family along with our daughter-in-love’s family to celebrate and acknowledge our blessings and enjoy one another’s company. This year, though, we will be celebrating with my Momma Love and two of my sisters. All three have health issues that may or may not impede a long life. While on the one hand, I will miss time with our son and his extended family, I will also enjoy time with my own family as we share in a fabulous meal together and catch up on life. And my sister after me will do the cooking while I will do the cleaning up, just as we did when we were kids.

While every day gives us the opportunity to be thankful for so much, Thanksgiving gives one day set aside to fully embrace gratitude for all that we have – whether it be much or not so much. This Thanksgiving, I wish you joy in your heart. May you care for your body with a walk after your meal (not just a nap, lol). May you think of at least one thing you are grateful for that you normally don’t acknowledge. And may you strive to be more focused on showing more gratitude – every day – for all the good in your life. It truly is a game-changer!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love & hugs, Virg