"There is always something to be grateful for."

It's that time of year again and before we start consuming our minds with Christmas carols and peppermint flavored coffee, we need to remember that November is the time for thankfulness.

Be thankful for the body and mind you were given. This is something I truly haven't been thankful for enough. I should be thankful for who I am as a person, inside and out and so should you.

Be thankful for the people who have stuck with you. Whether that is your family or your friends, they have been by your side through it all. Through the crazy times, the sad, bad and the happy, they are there. Remind them you are thankful they have done so; remind them you are thankful they are in your life.

Be thankful for the food on your plate. I know that I go throughout my day never thinking about where the food I am putting in my mouth came from whether it's an apple, a piece of chocolate, a piece of pizza or chicken. This world and the people in it make these products and food so we can have the nutrients we need. Be thankful for them.

Be thankful for love. Loving yourself, loving others, loving this world and loving the view around you is all something we need to be thankful for. Right now, more than ever, do we need to spread love. Be thankful for the love you are receiving, as well as giving.

Be thankful for the world. I know right now, a lot is happening in our country. People are disagreeing, showing hate instead of love. But remember that we are also showing strength. Be thankful for this world, even though it's not perfect, nor are the people in it. But that's what makes it so damn beautiful.

I pray each and everyone of you sit down sometime this week and think about the things you are each thankful for. I also pray you think about these things not just because Thanksgiving is approaching, but because we should always be thankful.