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5 Things to be Thankful for in 2012

55Thanksgiving is right around the corner and like many people this time of year, we take a step back to reflect on the many blessings in our life and to express gratitude to those we cherish and love. Here are five things we picked that are worth being grateful for this year:

1. Good Health

To us, staying in tip-top shape is a priority. That means adequate rest, lots of fresh air, healthy meals, lots of exercise, good stress management and effective ways to cope with life’s ups and downs. You never know what can happen and it’s so easy to take it all for granted. Our clients’ requests vary from day to day and in order to keep up, we need to be performing optimally. With healthcare costs out of control in this country, preserving our health is more important than ever. So, this year we are thankful for optimal health and count our blessings.

2. Family and Treasured Friendships

What a blessing it is to have a support system in place to bounce ideas off of and a shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough. There are so many of our neighbors in the world who are going through life alone and are forgotten by society. This year, we are blessed by the strength of our relationships, both with those we love, those we value as friends, and our clients who are like extended family.

3. Food

It is a necessity just like water and shelter, yet we are reminded this time of year that so many get by with far less. As a child, I remember watching images of hungry children with bulging bellies in faraway lands on television and the pleas for help screaming out at me. There are so many to help. And then, there are those who lack adequate food right here in our neighborhoods in the United States, one of the richest nations in the world. In this season of abundance, we are thankful for three full meals every day and any assistance we can give to help end hunger.

4. Positive Influences

Without a doubt, there’s a lot of negativity and hurt in the world. We can choose to get sucked into that world of pain or choose a path that will lead us to joy. To us, we rely on our faith and the positive energy of others and within us to lift us up. There is no room for grumpiness. This year, we are thankful for all the awesome energy that came our way.

5. Serenity

To be able to live life in a state of peace is a remarkable feeling. We can go outside, take a deep breath, be filled with the beauty of nature and feel whole again. So many are living in parts of this world where there is unrest and violence, anxiety and fear. In the face of uncertainty, we are thankful this year for the ability to remain calm no matter what storms came by.

As you surround yourself with loved ones at the Thanksgiving table this year, take a moment to reflect and count your blessings. Don’t overlook the little ones; they are just as significant. And truly be thankful.

Image credit:  Matthew Bowden