Stop, take a minute. Think about where you have been this year. Is it where you have hoped you would be? What has gotten you to this point? What mountains have you had to climb? Paths that were taken? Decisions made? Are you glad you did?

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and appreciation for others and the world that surrounds us. It is celebrated as a holiday, but really we should be grateful for each and everyday. The fact that you get to wake up (hopefully to the smell of freshly brewed coffee), surrounded by people who care and love you, is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer.

Think of a person who has influenced your life this past year. What did they do to make such impact? What setting were you in? Where were you mentally? Emotionally? Take the opportunity to thank them for the gifts and well being that they have brought into your life, as well as the world—in any form: face-to-face, in writing, prayer, etc. Let them know they are valued and have given you some of their flame.

We live in a world filled with entitlement and take things with a grain of salt Think of the people who don’t have that opportunity to be loved or are provided with a good meal at the end of the day. They are the ones suffering. It is so sad because we have so much (resources, food, etc.) and care so little about the real things that matter in life. We spend so much of our time on our technology and in a virtual world of statuses and pictures. But are we really living life fully in the moment and seeing the great treasures life has to offer when we do so? We call ourselves “happy” with our lives, but are that true? Think about when someone asks you “How are you?” your response is typically “good” or “fine”. But are you really? Is “good” all you have to say? Attempt to make conversation by sharing something positive or enlightening because it could make someone else’s day better. Encourage yourself to go outside of your comfort zone. It is just a little step to make the world a better place.

"When a new day begins, smile greatly,

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

Then someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!”

-Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free-

Be thankful for each day you live and breathe, even if it isn’t the greatest moment in your life because one day it may not be there. Live your life with an open heart and mind, living in the moment. Searching for nothing. Not asking for anything. One day, you will receive satisfaction and fulfillment. It is a process, not a one-time deal. Be appreciative of the things in life that make you smile and help you become a better person. Live everyday with an attitude of gratitude and all else will be fine.