What Are You Thankful For?

At the risk of sounding like a cliche, I'm going to put that question out to you today since tomorrow most of us in the US will be celebrating Thanksgiving by stuffing ourselves with turkey and mashed potatoes. I don't know about you, but I tend to get caught up in all the dinner prep and worrying about what to wear and who'll be at dinner to remember to be thankful for all the things that matter. That is, up until now. Today I realize how grateful I am for my kids. Even though they make my life "challenging" sometimes and keep me busy and occasionally a little frustrated, I love them more than anything and I am literally blessed to have them in my life. I'm also grateful that I have a house with beautiful property that we bought before the real estate boom--meaning we could almost afford it. We live in the northeast where the home prices are over inflated to the point where in RI, you need to make at least $48,000 to afford to buy at the low end of the market. So, I am always grateful that we bought this house when we did. It's a beautiful place to live. There are a great many more things I have to be thankful for, but I'm not going to list them all here. These are the ones that are really important to me.

Yesterday I found out I was in charge of making mashed potatoes for our family Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house tomorrow. I've never made them before and now I have to make them for 25 people. My husband is the cook here (another reason to be grateful), but he has to work tomorrow, so I have to fill in. I was rather alarmed at first, but now I see it as an opportunity to learn something new. I'm grateful to have a place to go and celebrate as well as enjoy a delicious meal. Not everyone has that option. But even those that don't have a warm meal to share with family and friends will find something to be thankful for if they look. Your health or the roof over your head or even getting a day off of work--if you're lucky enough to have it. Seek and you shall find. I know, another cliche. I didn't say I was grateful for my originality.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving day and keep in mind all the many reasons you have to be thankful.

Until next time, be prepared for the best.