Giving Thanks!

It's unfortunate that we have to have a holiday to remind us to give thanks for all the wonderful things in our lives. We really should do it each and every day! I'm thankful for so many things in my life and what better place to mention all of them?

1. My family...this means all of them. My husband, my kids, my husband's family (yes, I did say that), my mom, my sister and her family, and on. My husband is my best friend. He's the one I call when something good or bad happens. My kids are just that...my kids. I love them so much and they bring so much joy (and occassional misery). My mom and my sister are my rocks. They always know what to say, good or bad. My in-laws are my family away from my family since I don't live in the same city as my family. They are warm, nurturing, and never miss my birthday! Without all of them, I would not be the person I am today and I would not have the life I lead every day.

2. My health...thankfully I am healthy and lead an active life with my family and friends.

3. My friends...they know who they are!! Without them I think I would go insane and wouldn't have near as much fun. We have cocktails when needed and turn to each other when times are tough. They are the people who pull me up by my boot straps and give me a good swift kick if I need one.

4. My work...yes, it's true, I love what I do. Without my family and my friends I would not have had the courage to start my own business much less keep it going in these difficult times.

5. Doctors. Yes, I said doctors. My father-in-law is battling cancer, and without them, we wouldn't have him. I am grateful for all they are doing and I am sure that with their knowledge and expertise, he will win the battle! Having been married 18 years, he's like my own dad and I am grateful to have him and my mother-in-law as part of my family.

6. Enough money to keep food on the table, the mortgage paid, the lights and water on, the cars running, clothes on our backs, and do the fun things. (Pray for the stock market and the economy as a whole).

7. Our fur-baby Callie. She is part of our family, and definately has character! She loves to play, but also loves to snuggle and definately gives me perspective (she sleeps in my lap as I type this). There is nothing like snuggling with a warm puppy.

8. Volunteering. I help at school in the classrooms, fundraising, and event planning, and sit on the board of directors for my kids' little league. It is rewarding to see the benefits of the time I put in for others.

9. For you. Yes, you. Think about it. You are important in some way to someone.

Even if you feel like everything is stacked against you, please take the time to think about everything in your life that you have to be thankful for. It only takes a few minutes, and might just even change your perspective.

Take time to live with purpose, laugh out loud, tell people you love them, and live life to the fullest. You will be rewarded, I guarantee it!

Happy Thanksgiving!