Thankful

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I find it fitting to blog about the holiday that typically involves a great deal of overeating, football, and family time. No, I won't be writing about the number of calories we're going to consume. We all know it's way too many to even think about. I'm talking about the one holiday that forces us to pause and reflect on how lucky and thankful we all really are.  

While this is an assumption, I would say that for the majority of the year many of us take things for granted - family, friends, material goods, work, living in a free country - you name it and we do. It's not a bad thing, but it is somewhat sad to me that it takes Thanksgiving and Christmas for people to realize how thankful we all should be for what we have. Imagine how enriched our lives would be if everyone was conscious of how extremely lucky we are. I think it would make for a much happier and more peaceful world. 

It will never be the cars, clothes, money, jewelry, shoes, and houses that we "need" in our lives that matter. It's our family, friends, love, and memories that mold us into the people we are and should be. So it is with that, that I've compiled a short list of the things I'm most thankful for... none of which can be bought.  

-for my parents who have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. I cannot even put into words how thankful I am to have grown up in the family I did. They taught me to give and not take for granted because everything I have today could be gone tomorrow. My parents are not just parents, they're my best friends. 

-for my brothers who have made me one tough lady... and to have patience. They have made me realize that I could not be any luckier to have brothers and to fall right in the middle of them. And, I can't help but think they appreciate having me as their one and only sister. :)

-for my FLFL who I could not imagine my life without. Many of my best memories, stories, and laughs include the FLFL. We're more than best friends, we're sisters.

-for my dogs Toby, Jack & Elliott. Simply put, they brighten my day and always make me smile. They will never know how much love they fill me with.

I think it's important and good for the soul to take a few minutes and really think of the things that you're most thankful for... it will be a great reminder of what really matters in life. 

take it or leave it: a fitting quote... 

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude
means to take nothing for granted,
but to always seek out and value
the kind that will stand behind the action.
Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course.
Everything originates in a will for the good,
which is directed at you.
Train yourself never to put off
the word or action for the expression of gratitude.
Albert Schweitzer